The Appenzeller Barthuhner

Uses: Exhibition. Utility: eggs 

Eggs: 190 – 220 white / cream

Origin: Switzerland (Appenzell Canton)

Weight: Only large fowl standardised in UK

Cock: 2.26 – 2.94Kg Hen: 1.36 – 1.81Kg

Colours: Black, Blue (laced as in the Andalusian) & Black Red.

Useful to Know: A very active breed the Appenzeller Barthuhner is best suited to a system of free range as it is a superb forager. Unlike the other breed from the Appenzell canton the Barthuhner is not a flighty breed and is fairly calm although males can be aggressive during the breeding season. Its beard gives the breed its name - Barthuhner literally translates to Bearded Hen. Unlike most other bearded breeds the Barthuhner is allowed to have small wattles but they should be almost completely hidden by a full beard.

Photo: Appenzeller Barthuhner owned and photographed by Benjamin Shepherd.

Originating in the North-eastern Appenzell canton of Switzerland, the Appenzeller Barthuhner is thought to have developed in the most remote parts of the country where temperatures were much lower during winter. It was a farmer in the region who created the breed to be able to lay large numbers of eggs on little additional feeding whilst being able to withstand the harsh weather conditions hence the rose comb and small beard covered wattles.

Never very popular in the UK the breed remains under the umbrella of the Rare Poultry Society since the collapse of the joint Spitzhauben and Barthuhner club in 2001. Currently it is believed that only 3 large fowl and one bantam Appenzeller Barthuhners are in the UK at present.

Books

• Rare Poultry Breeds - D. Scrivener - P.14
• British Poultry Standards 6th Ed. - P.39 - 40

Breed Clubs

• UK: The Rare Poultry Society caters for this breed.
  

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