Origin: Since the middle of the 1860s Bearded Hens have been bred out of
breeds of country hens in the Appenzell Forecountry. Out of this came a
powerful hen which with its relatively small rosecomb and throat and ear lobes
protected by its beard offered little surface area for the cold to attack. The
breed occurred in two colors, in black and partridge. Out of a cross with
Andalusians developed finally a blue color in addition.
Characteristics: This
light, temperamental hen with a proud posture is equipped with all advantages
for a rough mountain climate. The beard covers the sensitive spots of the hen.
The mid-high positioning and the powerful wings make it possible for the hen to
seek out its own food for the most part. Hens weigh 1.6 to 1.8 kg, roosters 2.0
to 2.3 kg. Bearded hens lay approx. 150 white-shelled eggs in the first year,
each weighing approx. 55g. The brooding instinct is only moderately developed.
Breeding
Organization: In the early summer 1985/86 Pro Specie Rara was made aware
of the disappearance of the partridge-colored Appenzeller Bearded Hen. Only
nine mutually related breeding groups were present at six breeders. In
cooperation with the Appenzeller Hen Club an emergency program was set up. In
the meantime the stock has recovered somewhat, but as in other cases evidences
of inbreeding have occurred in this color hen. The black bearded hens are not
in danger.
Reference:
Endangered
Domestic Animal Breeds 1995, Pro Specie Rara, Engelgasse 12a, CH-9000 St.
Gallen, Switzerland, Telefon 071/222 74 20, Fax 071/223 74 01. German
Translation provided by John te Velde, Associate Professor of German, Oklahoma
State University
Photographs:
Endangered
Domestic Animal Breeds 1995, Pro Specie Rara, Engelgasse 12a, CH-9000 St.
Gallen, Switzerland, Telefon 071/222 74 20, Fax 071/223 74 01. German
Translation provided by John te Velde, Associate Professor of German, Oklahoma
State University
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