The Kraienköppe or Twentse

Uses: Exhibition / Rare Breed / Eggs. 

Eggs: 150-180 off white Origin: The Netherlands & Germany

Weight: Cock: 2.5-2.95Kg Hen: 1.8-2.5Kg.

Bantam Cock: 850g Hen 740g

Colours: Silver, Golden (Standardised UK) and Black Breasted Red.

Useful to know: Classified as a rare breed. Known as Kraienköppe in Germany and the UK, Twentse in The Netherlands. Male have a very loud crow.

Photo: Kraienköppe hen owned by K. Beardsmore.

The Kraienköppe was created on the border between Germany and The Netherlands and are thought to have been created from crosses between Malays, Leghorns and local farm yard fowl in the early part of the 19th century. Kraienköppe have a rather fierce look and have some inherited temprament from the Malay although generally they are good natured. They are active foragers and hardy birds so are best kept in a free range environment to thrive. Hens will go broody and will lay even in cold weather. The Kraienköppe should not be confused with the breed called Kraaikoppen in The Netherlands (Breda in the UK) which has a similar spelling. They are not yet recognised by the American Poultry Association Standard but can be found in America.

Photo right: Kraienköppe hen owned by K. Beardsmore.

Books

• British Poultry Standards - P.152 - 155
• Dutch Poultry Breeds
• Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds (American) - P. 125
  

Breed Clubs:

• UK: The Rare Poultry Society
  

Photos and Articles