Product Overview
The Crested “Top Hat” Special from Cackle Hatchery® is a fun straight-run assortment of colorful crested chicken breeds and varieties. These eye-catching birds are known for their unique head feathers, showy appearance, and backyard personality.
This special is a great choice for customers who want a flock that stands out. In addition to their ornamental look, many crested breeds can also lay well and make a beautiful addition to a backyard poultry flock.
This special is sold as straight run only, which means chicks are not sexed and may include both males and females.
Assortment Details
The Crested “Top Hat” Special may include a hatchery-choice assortment of crested breeds and varieties such as:
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens
Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens
Mottled Houdans
White Sultans
Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens
Crazy Cackle Toppies
Tolbunt Polish
Blue Polish
Golden Laced Polish
Silver Laced Polish
Buff Laced Polish
Splash Polish
White Crested Black Polish
White Polish
Cackle Hatchery® will try to provide a nice assortment, but there is no guarantee of a specific breed, color, or variety.
Because this is a hatchery-choice special, Cackle Hatchery® does not tell customers which color, type, or breed was sent. Cackle Hatchery® also does not keep records of which breeds are included in each order.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Crested chickens are often called “top hat” chickens because of the decorative feather crests on their heads. Depending on the breeds included, customers may receive birds with rounded crests, forward-sweeping crests, beards, muffs, feathered legs, spangled patterns, laced feathering, mottled plumage, or bold color contrast.
This assortment can create a flock with a wide range of looks, from the elegant Polish varieties to the alert Appenzeller Spitzhaubens, unusual Houdans, fancy White Sultans, and colorful Crazy Cackle Toppies.
The Crested “Top Hat” Special is a good fit for customers who want:
A colorful backyard flock
Crested or “top hat” chickens
A surprise assortment
Ornamental chickens with personality
Straight-run chicks
A mix of unique feather patterns
A flock that neighbors will notice
Fun birds for hobby poultry keepers
Egg Production and Backyard Value
Many crested breeds are kept for their ornamental appearance, but several can also provide useful egg production. Egg color, egg size, and laying rate will vary depending on which breeds are included in the assortment.
Customers should choose this special for variety, beauty, and backyard enjoyment rather than for a guaranteed production level. If exact egg production, egg color, or breed type matters, customers should order individual breed listings instead.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
Temperament can vary because this special may include several different crested breeds. Some birds may be active and alert, while others may be calmer or more ornamental in nature.
Crested chickens often do best with thoughtful flock management because their head feathers can sometimes limit vision. They may benefit from calm flockmates, predator-safe housing, and regular checks to make sure their crests stay clean and do not block their eyes.
This special works well for customers who enjoy variety and are comfortable raising a mixed group of unique chickens.
Crested Chicken Care Notes
Crested chickens need the same basic care as other chicks, along with a little extra attention as they grow. Their crests make them beautiful, but they can also require occasional maintenance.
For best results, provide:
A warm brooder before chicks arrive
Clean, dry bedding
Fresh water at all times
Chick starter feed
Good ventilation without drafts
Predator-resistant housing
Calm flockmates when possible
Regular crest checks as birds mature
Protection from wet or muddy conditions
Safe outdoor space with good visibility
If a mature bird’s crest begins to block its vision, customers may carefully trim feathers around the eyes or use gentle crest management to help the bird see better.
Straight Run Note
The Crested “Top Hat” Special is sold straight run only. This means chicks are not sexed and may include both males and females.
Customers who cannot keep roosters should consider this before ordering and have a plan in place if males are included.
Related Resources
Customers interested in crested and ornamental chickens may also like these Cackle Hatchery® options:
Polish Chickens for Sale
Top Hat Special Surplus
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben
Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben
Mottled Houdan Chickens
White Sultan Chickens
Tolbunt Polish Chickens
Baby Chicks for Sale
Chicken Availability Chart
Crested “Top Hat” Special FAQs
What is the Crested “Top Hat” Special?
It is a hatchery-choice assortment of crested chicken breeds and varieties known for decorative head feathers and colorful appearance.
What breeds can be included?
Possible breeds include Appenzeller Spitzhaubens, Houdans, Sultans, Crazy Cackle Toppies, and several Polish varieties.
Can I choose the breeds or colors?
No. This is a hatchery-choice assortment with no guarantee of a specific breed, color, or variety.
Will Cackle Hatchery® tell me which breeds were sent?
No. Cackle Hatchery® does not tell customers which color, type, or breed was sent and does not keep records of the breeds included.
Is this assortment sexed?
No. The Crested “Top Hat” Special is sold straight run only, so chicks may include both males and females.
Are crested chickens good backyard birds?
Yes. They can make fun and attractive backyard birds, especially for customers who enjoy ornamental chickens and unique flock variety.
Do crested chickens lay eggs?
Many crested breeds lay eggs, but production varies by breed. This special is best chosen for variety and appearance rather than guaranteed egg production.
Do crested chickens need special care?
They may need occasional crest checks because head feathers can sometimes limit vision or collect moisture and debris.
Are these good for customers who cannot keep roosters?
This special may not be the best fit if roosters are not allowed, since it is sold straight run only.
Why choose the Crested “Top Hat” Special?
It is a fun way to raise a colorful, unique flock of crested chickens without choosing just one breed.
