**THIS IS THE DEPOSIT PRICE NOT FULL COST** The Appenzeller Spitzhauben, originated in Switzerland’s Appenzell district around the 16th century in local monasteries, and is considered the national chicken of the country. Their name comes from the forward sweeping crest feathers that are reminiscent of the ceremonial hats, “spitzhauben,” the pointed hoods once worn by women of the region. The breed nearly went extinct after World War II. German breeder, Kurt Fischer, imported birds of all three of the original colors (black, golden spangled, and silver spangled) to Germany in 1953, and in doing so is credited with saving the breed. They are small, but produce 150-180 of medium-to-large-sized white eggs each year. They lay almost all year, and can continue to lay in the winter. They can be broody and are excellent mothers, but it’s very rare for them to choose to do so. Spitzhauben have a bright red, V-shaped comb, blue legs, and white skin. The variety we choose to work with is a silver spangled plumage. Their feathered crest doesn’t impede their vision. Roosters are 4.5 pounds and hens 3.5 lbs. Spitzhaubens are active and alert birds. Their flighty nature doesn’t lend itself well to confinement, and they can fly, so you may need to cover their run. Because they are small, they can be attacked by a wide range of predators. They will roost in trees if not trained to go into a coop at night. They’re both heat and cold-tolerant and are great foragers. They don’t seem to mind cold weather, and the Silver spangled variety blends in with the snow (which many of them enjoy). They can also fare well in hot and humid climates. These guys are some of the funniest birds on our farm! Not a dull moment with them! My goodness you can definitely hear them laying an egg from inside the house though 😆 Our Rooster, Hanz, is a beautiful guy with a white fluffy head and our females have the classic “heart” feather tips! They are very docile and great with our toddler too. We will be offering their pure bred babies this year as one of our specialty flocks! there is a 4 chick minimum for each breed or 1 dozen hatching egg minimum as well CAUTION‼️ the waitlist is a way for me to keep track of your order without requiring a deposit until they are ready. That being said a waitlist isn’t just for future interest. Applying means you are sure you want them when they are ready (or a set time frame we discussed). I have had too many people apply and backout once they are ready. So from this point on in the future i will not sell to those who back out for any future stock unlesss there was a valid reason for not being able to take them. I am very reasonable and can work with you through communication but not abandoning an order because you found some elsewhere. ‼️
