The Appenzeller originates from Switzerland and will lay well on little food. They are ideally suited to mountain life as they are excellent climbers, like to roost in trees and as they only have small wattles and combs, they don\'t have so much to get frostbitten. They have a well spread tail, full hackle and fairly hard, tight plumage. On the head is a horn type comb with two small rounded spires and the unique crest points forward like the bonnets on the traditional costume bonnets worn by the ladies in the Appenzellerland region. Spitzhauben actually means pointed bonnet. The wattles are long and fine and the ear lobes are white and oval shaped. They have a powerful beak with large deep nostrils and a fleshy knob at the front of the beak. The prominent eyes are brown.
The Appenzellers are really quite bright and will happily look after themselves when insects are plentiful. They like having freedom to roam as well as having things to climb as they are always on the go and like to roost in trees. Appenzellers will need extremely secure fencing as they are very good fliers. They are good layers and will occasionally sit if undisturbed.
Silver spangled, gold spangled, black. In all colours, the legs are blue and the eyes are dark brown.
4 Out of 5 Stars Fantastic Birds - 2 Aug 2010
Contrary to what other posters have said Appenzellers are good layers of a medium sized white egg.
True, they seldom go broody but not never, just ask the one I've got sitting right now!
They are interesting, inquisitive and stunning looking birds with a great character.
Flighty they may be but given enough time and the correct handling, can become quite tame.
They come in Silver Spangled, Gold Spangled, Black, Blue and Chamois and a Bantam version has recently been introduced into the UK.
Owners of this rare breed are increasing as the birds increase in popularity.
Smileysal
3.5 Out of 5 Stars A hardy and attractive breed - 29 Jul 2010
I have kept silver appenzellers for 4 years now and have never had many problems with them they are stunning and attractive birds.
George
2.5 Out of 5 Stars Beautiful birds, clever (for chickens) - 8 Feb 2010
I've kept silver Appenzeller Spitzhauben, lovely birds, very elegant, & good layers of white eggs; quite nervous & strong fliers (keen on roosting in trees). No tendency to go broody.
Casasa
3.5 Out of 5 Stars pretty bird - 29 Oct 2009
Amazingly pretty but very shy and not for kids. All of my chicks from different farm have had curled toes.
Freddy
4 Out of 5 Stars hardy and friendly - 14 Jul 2009
i have kept these for 3 years now and have never encountered any problens with them they are friendly and are one of the most colourful breeds
George
4.5 Out of 5 Stars Hilarious to watch, very entertaining - 27 May 2009
Fritz and FiFi are our Appenzeller Spitzhaubens and a very entertaining pair they are. Both fly up on the window ledge of our sitting room and stare at us through the window. They look like 2 giant woodpeckers. Fritz is always running somewhere and talks constantly. Very nervous, his piercing squawk can be heard all over the garden. We absolutely recommend this breed to anyone who wants a good laugh and a real show.
Anne
4.5 Out of 5 Stars Pretty and hardy - 20 May 2009
I too, have kept silver appenzeller for a few years and think them the prettiest breed, but I am in need of a new cock or some eggs to refresh the bloodline. I live quite near Deborah Roberts and wonder if I can get in touch with her.
David
3.5 Out of 5 Stars A hardy intelligent pretty rare breed - 8 Mar 2009
I have kept silver appenzellers for 20 years. They cope amazingly well in our hillside farm near the peak district:roost in an old larch tree summer and winter and are the most intelligent hardy chickens Ive ever kept. Resistant to disease and look so stunning in their back and white plummage and red combs. Not the best of layers, and never go broody - cant have everything!! but great companions.
Deborah