appenzeller hen

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is the national breed of Switzerland, noted for its very unusual forward-pointing crest and v-shaped comb. These birds are well-adapted to life in the mountains, are excellent climbers, and love to roost in trees. They really don't do well in confinement, so don't keep them unless they can be allowed to roam freely throughout the day. The origins of the Spitzhauben are unknown. It has been bred in the mountains of the Alpine region for hundreds of years. A similar breed, the Brabanter of the Low Countries, is shown in paintings of the seventeenth century; it has…