Appenzeller Bearded Bantam

The Appenzeller Barthuhner Bantam is a sturdily built breed, presenting a more substantial body than the Appenzeller Spitzhauben Bantam. Despite necessary outcrossings during its reconstruction, it maintains a true landrace type. The breed features a slightly sloping, medium-long back with broad shoulders. The saddle is well-developed and transitions smoothly into the tail, which has well-developed sickles. The wings should not be too long or extend beyond the body.

Key Features:

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh 2.0-2.2 lbs (900-1000g), while hens are slightly lighter at 1.8-2.0 lbs (800-900g).
• Head: The head is well-rounded and relatively small, with a lively, dark brown eye color.
• Comb: A distinctive medium-sized rose comb with a rounded comb spike (doorn) is desired. The comb should be finely structured and follow the neck line.
• Beard and Muffs: The prominent three-part beard is full and round, covering the earlobes and small wattles. This dense beard is a hallmark of the breed.
• Legs: The legs are clean (unfeathered) and slate-blue in color.
• Temperament: Appenzeller Barthuhners are known for being hardy, vital, and early maturing. They are active foragers that thrive in spacious, free-range environments. They are generally trusting and lively birds.

The Appenzeller Barthuhner Bantam is noted for its good egg-laying ability, producing eggs that are well-suited for both natural and artificial incubation.

• Egg Production: Hens lay approximately 150 white or tinted eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay small, ivory-colored eggs, typically weighing around 1.4 oz (40g).
• Broodiness: While not strongly broody, hens are known to be attentive mothers if they do go broody.

Beyond typical secondary sexual characteristics, the male and female Appenzeller Barthuhner Bantams share many traits. However, some distinctions are notable. Roosters are generally larger and have a slightly more upright posture. Their rose comb is prominent and firm, with a well-defined spike.

Hens tend to have a slightly more horizontal body carriage and a more developed abdomen, indicating good laying capacity. Their rose comb is typically smaller and less pronounced than the rooster's. The three-part beard and small neck crest are present in both sexes, contributing to their unique appearance.

Originating in the harsh and severe mountain climate of the Appenzell canton in Switzerland, the Appenzeller Barthuhner Bantam is exceptionally hardy. They are well-adapted to cold weather and are vital, robust birds.

These bantams are active foragers that thrive in spacious or free-range environments, where they can best utilize their energetic nature. Their hardiness means they do not demand elaborate housing, but a dry, draft-free coop is always beneficial.

The Appenzeller Barthuhner Bantam is recognized in several attractive color varieties:

• Black: A solid, glossy black plumage with a beetle-green sheen.
• Blue Laced: A uniform medium slate-blue body color, with each feather distinctly laced with a darker shade of blue.
• Partridge: A classic wild-type pattern. In roosters, this includes a black breast and tail with a rich, reddish-brown body and hackles. Hens display a finely stippled or penciled brown body with a salmon-colored breast.