Description
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken is a rare Swiss breed known for silver-white feathers tipped with black spangles, a forward-pointing crest, horn-type comb, cavernous nostrils, white eggs, and lively free-range ability. If you want a unique, active, ornamental egg layer with strong European heritage, the Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a standout choice.
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben originated in Switzerland’s Appenzell region and is considered Switzerland’s national chicken. The name “Spitzhauben” means “pointed hood” or “pointed bonnet,” referring to the traditional headwear worn by women in the Appenzell region and reflected in the breed’s forward-sweeping crest. The Livestock Conservancy notes that the breed originated in Switzerland’s Appenzell district and was nearly extinct after World War II.
The Silver Spangled variety is rare in the United States and is not admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection. Cackle Hatchery® lists Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens as a rare Swiss breed, white egg layer, and sustainable heritage chicken breed with The Livestock Conservancy Watch Status. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben bloodline since 1991.
Appearance and Characteristics
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are elegant, lightweight, and highly distinctive. Their silvery white feathers are marked with black V-shaped spangles at the tips, giving the breed a crisp, refined pattern. Their forward-pointing crest and horn-type comb create a head profile unlike most other chicken breeds.
Expected traits include:
- Silver-white plumage with black V-shaped spangles
- Mid-size forward-pointing crest
- Horn-type or V-shaped comb
- Cavernous nostrils
- White eggs
- Small to medium egg size
- Active, flighty temperament
- Strong free-range ability
- High roosting preference
- Good foraging instincts
- Rare Swiss heritage appeal
Cackle’s breed spotlight explains that the silver spangled variety has silvery white feathers, each marked with a V-shaped black spangle at the tip. It also notes that Cackle imported three Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben roosters in 2013 to improve its breeding program.
Crest Direction and Cackle Hatchery® Breeding Goals
The forward-pointing crest is one of the most important traits of the Appenzeller Spitzhauben. Traditionally in the United States, many Spitzhaubens have had crests that point backward or are too large. Cackle Hatchery® has worked to improve this issue through its breeding program.
In 2013, Cackle Hatchery® imported three breeding roosters of the Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben to help improve type, including the correct forward crest. Cackle’s breed spotlight confirms this breeding improvement effort and explains that the forward crest reflects the “spitzhauben” pointed bonnet that gives the breed its name.
This makes Cackle’s Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben program especially important for customers who care about breed type and long-term preservation.
Egg Production and White Eggs
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben hens lay white eggs. Cackle Hatchery® lists egg production at approximately 220 to 280 eggs per year, with small to medium egg size.
This makes the breed a useful option for customers who want a rare ornamental chicken that can still contribute to the egg basket. Egg production can vary by individual hen, feed, daylight, age, season, and flock management.
Choose Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens if you want a rare, active, free-range white egg layer with ornamental value. Choose a calmer production white egg breed if maximum egg output and confinement tolerance are your main goals.
Temperament and Activity Level
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are active, alert, and flighty. They are not a slow, cuddly, confinement-style breed. Instead, they are energetic birds that like to explore, forage, and roost high.
This breed can work well for:
- Free-range flocks
- Farms and acreages
- Large covered runs
- Rare breed collections
- White egg flocks
- Active backyard setups
- Customers who enjoy lively chickens
- Breeders interested in preserving rare Swiss poultry
Because they are active and flighty, they are best suited for customers who can provide space, secure housing, and thoughtful containment.
Free-Range Ability and Tree Roosting
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are excellent free-range chickens. They forage well, stay alert, and enjoy outdoor space. However, they do not do well in close confinement.
They also like to roost high and may roost in trees if given the opportunity. LearnPoultry describes Appenzeller Spitzhaubens as excellent climbers that like roosting in trees and do not like confined spaces.
For best results, provide:
- A spacious run or safe free-range area
- High roosts
- Secure nighttime housing
- Predator-resistant fencing
- Covered runs where needed
- Protection from aerial and ground predators
Because these birds are active and capable of flight, low fencing may not contain them.
Confinement Considerations
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens do not do well in tight confinement. They need room to move and express their natural active behavior.
They are better suited to:
- Large runs
- Free-range systems
- Farmyards
- Acreage flocks
- Spacious backyard setups
- Protected outdoor pens with height
Customers with very small coops, low fencing, or limited outdoor space may want a calmer, heavier breed instead.
Recognition and Conservation Status
The Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben is not currently admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection. Cackle Hatchery® lists the breed as APA: No and gives it The Livestock Conservancy Watch Status.
The Livestock Conservancy notes that the Spitzhauben nearly went extinct after World War II. This conservation history makes the breed especially appealing to customers who want to help preserve rare poultry genetics.
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben vs Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben
Silver Spangled and Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens share the same Swiss origin, forward crest, active temperament, white eggs, and free-range ability. The main difference is color.
A Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben has silvery white plumage tipped with black V-shaped spangles.
A Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken has golden red feathers with black V-shaped spangles. Cackle lists Golden Spangled Spitzhaubens as white egg layers with approximately 220 to 280 eggs per year and notes that Cackle has developed that pure bloodline since 2015.
Choose Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens if you prefer crisp silver-and-black contrast.
Choose Golden Spangled Spitzhaubens if you prefer warm gold-and-black plumage.
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben vs Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben
Silver Spangled and Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are both rare Swiss varieties with active temperament and ornamental appeal.
A Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben has silvery white feathers with black spangles.
A Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken has pale golden buff plumage with creamy white spangles. Cackle lists Chamois Spitzhaubens as a Swiss breed with white eggs, active temperament, variable broodiness, and Watch Status.
Choose Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens if you want the classic silver-spangled look.
Choose Chamois Spangled Spitzhaubens if you want a softer pastel pattern.
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben vs Silver Spangled Hamburg
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens and Silver Spangled Hamburgs are both active, patterned, white-egg breeds, but they are very different in type.
A Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben has a forward crest, horn comb, Swiss origin, and tree-roosting, free-range personality.
A Silver Spangled Hamburg chicken has a rose comb, white earlobes, Dutch and English development history, and a refined exhibition type.
Choose Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens if you want a crested Swiss free-range bird.
Choose Silver Spangled Hamburgs if you want a rose-combed spangled bird with a different exhibition profile.
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben vs Crested “Top Hat” Special
Choose Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens if you specifically want this rare Swiss breed with silver spangled plumage, a forward crest, horn comb, white eggs, and active free-range behavior.
Choose the Crested “Top Hat” Special if you want a hatchery-choice assortment of crested breeds and are flexible about which varieties you receive.
The Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben is the better choice for customers who want a specific rare breed. The Crested “Top Hat” Special is better for customers who enjoy variety and surprise.
Is the Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken Right for Your Flock?
Choose Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens if you want:
- A rare Swiss chicken breed
- Switzerland’s national chicken
- Silver-white plumage with black V-shaped spangles
- A forward-pointing head crest
- A horn-type comb
- Cavernous nostrils
- White eggs
- 220 to 280 eggs per year potential
- An active, alert free-range bird
- A chicken that likes high roosts
- A breed with Cackle improvement work using imported roosters
- A conservation-minded flock addition
However, consider another breed if you need a calm confinement chicken, a low-flying bird, a heavy meat breed, or an APA-recognized show variety. In short, Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are best for customers who want a rare, active, beautiful Swiss white egg layer with strong free-range instincts.
Care and Housing Tips
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens need space, secure housing, and high roosting options. They are active birds that do best when allowed to move and forage.
For best results, provide:
- A dry, well-ventilated coop
- Predator-resistant nighttime housing
- Large run or safe free-range access
- High roosts
- Covered or high fencing when needed
- Fresh water at all times
- Balanced chick starter and age-appropriate feed
- Nest boxes for white eggs
- Shade and airflow during hot weather
- Protection from drafts and damp bedding in cold weather
- Predator protection for free-range birds
Cackle Hatchery® lists the recommended roost height for Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens at 4+ feet, the mating ratio at 9 females to 1 male, and fertility at 40% to 55%.
Availability and Ordering Notes
Cackle Hatchery® lists Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens as sold as baby chicks only, with no sexing available. The current listing includes a minimum of 3 not-sexed chicks and seasonal shipping from February through mid-August.
Because this is a rare breed, availability may be limited. Customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart before ordering.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
Customers who like Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens may also enjoy other crested, rare, active, ornamental, and white-egg-laying breeds.
Helpful Cackle Hatchery® links for this product page include:
FAQ: Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken
What is a Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken?
A Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken is a rare Swiss breed with silver-white plumage tipped in black spangles, a forward-pointing crest, horn comb, white eggs, and active free-range behavior.
Where did Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens originate?
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens originated in Switzerland’s Appenzell region and are considered Switzerland’s national chicken.
What does Spitzhauben mean?
“Spitzhauben” means pointed hood or pointed bonnet. The name refers to the traditional pointed headwear worn by women in the Appenzell region and to the breed’s forward-pointing crest.
Are Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens rare?
Yes. They are rare in the United States, and Cackle Hatchery® lists them with The Livestock Conservancy Watch Status.
Are Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens APA recognized?
No. Cackle Hatchery® lists Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens as not admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection.
What do Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens look like?
They have silvery white feathers marked with black V-shaped spangles, a forward-pointing crest, horn-type comb, cavernous nostrils, and a light active body type.
What kind of comb do Appenzeller Spitzhaubens have?
They have a horn-type or V-shaped comb.
Do Appenzeller Spitzhaubens have crests?
Yes. They have a mid-size forward-pointing head crest that gives the breed its name.
Why is the forward crest important?
The forward crest is a key breed feature. Cackle Hatchery® imported three Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben roosters in 2013 to improve its breeding program and help correct crest direction issues seen in some U.S. flocks.
What color eggs do Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens lay?
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben hens lay white eggs.
How many eggs do Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens lay?
Cackle Hatchery® lists egg production at approximately 220 to 280 eggs per year.
What size eggs do Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens lay?
They lay small to medium eggs.
Are Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens broody?
Broodiness is variable. Some hens may go broody, while others may not.
Are Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens good for free range?
Yes. They are excellent free-range chickens and are active, alert foragers.
Do Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens do well in confinement?
No. They are active birds and generally do not do well in close confinement.
Can Appenzeller Spitzhaubens fly?
Yes. They are active, agile birds and can fly better than many heavier breeds.
Do Appenzeller Spitzhaubens roost in trees?
Yes. They like high roosts and may roost in trees if given the opportunity.
What roost height is best for Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens?
Cackle Hatchery® lists the recommended roost height at 4+ feet.
Are Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens good for beginners?
They can work for beginners who have enough space, secure fencing, and understand their active nature. Beginners wanting calm confinement chickens may prefer another breed.
What is the difference between Silver Spangled and Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens?
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens have silvery white feathers with black spangles. Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens have golden red feathers with black spangles.
What is the difference between Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben and Silver Spangled Hamburg?
Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are Swiss crested birds with horn combs and forward crests. Silver Spangled Hamburgs are rose-combed birds with white earlobes and a different exhibition type.
What is Cackle Hatchery’s Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben bloodline history?
Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben bloodline since 1991, and Cackle imported three breeding roosters in 2013 to improve its program.
Does Cackle Hatchery® sex Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicks?
No. Cackle Hatchery® lists Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens as no sexing available.
Where can I check Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben availability?
Customers can check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping timing. Availability can change during the season.
Kelly Anthony –
Ordered four, the hatchery sent one extra. Due to USPS shipping three died. One was dead on arrival and two passed within the first 24 hours. Shipping took to long. They sat at the different transfer stations too long.
lajems65 –
I have two different hens that I received in two different orders over the last two years. They have such great personalities. One follows us around demanding treats and likes having her own special pile, the other also loves her special treats and waits for me when it is time to shut them in and flies over the fence when she sees me so i can carry her inside. Love my spitzhaubens
lassiedail –
Very attractive and active birds. They are more independent than many of my standard chickens, wanting to roost in a fig tree. One female has a funny crow-like voice. I love watching them forage.
Wayne Isaac –
Last year I’ve ordered three Silver Spangled Appenzeller spitzhauben chicks and received three Silver Spangled Hamburg chicks. One of them died the day after arriving. The other two are healthy and beautiful but they are not what I’ve ordered.
Cackle Hatchery (store manager) –
I’m sorry you’ve had this experience! I tried looking into this order to further assist you however, I’m not finding you in our system. Please reach out to help@cacklehatchery.com if you’d like to discuss this further.
carolinabayroan –
I wish the reviews would allow for photos, I took several of my chicks just to make a review. So far so good at 3 weeks. I ordered silver spangled and chamois spitzhaubens, and received extra of both to my delight. They are flighty as described, all came healthy and are thriving. This is my first time ordering chicks online through a hatchery and I’ll continue to order through cackle, very pleased with these birds.
Joyce Evenson –
Our Spitzhauben arrived this am. Very happy with these little guys and super excited to see them grow. Received everyone healthy n happy with extras (deeply appreciate it). They are great egg layers and foragers as a breed and very economical to keep. Perfect for homesteading or a survivalist chicken as these guys are super adaptable and have a great look while being highly functional (not something you find too frequently in most chicken breeds–it’s often either looks or function, but rarely both). My other spitzhauben are great around kids, just keeping a proper distance between themselves and any “danger.” Not a lap chicken unless you work with them, but not overly flighty or aggressive by any means.
levityspotion –
I love my Spitzhaubens! Got the first ones from Cackle and I have their descendants. They are cute, quirky, friendly, mellow. Excellent layers! Mid size. Most importantly, though, I want to comment on Cackle’s description that they don’t tolerate confinement….sure they do! I no longer free range my flock due to hawks and the Spitzhaubens are just fine with that. They are calm and happy in their run, just as my other breeds are. Description also says they roost in trees? Nonsense. Even when my flock free ranged, they always went back in the coop at sundown. They are no different than my Sussex’s, leghorns, barred rocks, Orpingtons in their tame-ness and behaviors. Don’t miss out on this most excellent breed. We need more of them in the world!
Beverley Arnholt –
Sweetest, smartest and prettiest chickens I’ve met so far. I ordered 15 and got 18… all thrived! I kept 4 girls and a roo who have just turned 5 months old and they are my friendliest, most curious chickens. They’re not at all flighty, and will hop on me to see what’s happening when I’m doing chores in the pen. They’ve just started laying and are laying an egg a day despite it being mid- December. They’re also quite tidy as far as chickens go. Cackle’s birds are very correct – my appenzellers all have forward, tidy crests, dark legs and no squirrel tails. There are no downsides to these chickens 🙂
crown.c.aussies –
My favorite bird!
I ordered a rare breed assortment and got both a Silver and Golden Spangled Spitzhauben! The silver is the sweetest thing and loves to hangout by my feet anywhere I go it just nap while sitting in my lap! I would definitely order more!!
msmidwifery –
Family Favorite
I’ve raised chickens for decades. Every spring I get a new breed or two. The only chickens I keep into ripe old age are the Spitzhaubens (the rest get given away or stewed after about three years), because by then each of them has declared herself to have a unique personality. Our only chicken to have a name was Mary, a spitzhauben. She lived 14 years, survived record setting floods, attack by a Great Horned owl (who took a slower moving cornishX instead), predation by wandering beagle, possum, fox….Even at 14 years old she was the top hen in the flock. She’d get loose and follow us around, chatting amiably. All our friends knew her by name because she would greet them as they walked up the path to the door. She just perished this spring when the coyotes found our barn which I had forgotten to close one night 🙁 —I found her body close to the entrance, and I am pretty sure she died defending the flock. Of all the chickens we’ve had, she is the one who will actually receive a proper burial (she’s in the freezer till Spring).
Our spitz roosters have always been pleasant as well.
Nagid –
Birds are great, doing well!
Great dealing with Jeff. The first batch I got of the Silver Spangled Appenzellers gotchilled at the airport and did not make it after arriving here in Fl. Called and they did a reorder for a few weeks later and they have all done well. I did have one hen who went broody and raised her own biddies and she was only about 8 months old. She had a hidden nest that I did find until she was setting. Had about half rosters so have 8 hens still laying at his time. Really pretty birds!
Virginia –
Stellar birds!
I ordered the Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens from Cackle after doing extensive research on both the breed and hatchery.
Pros: Dalmation chicken with a mohawk. Really, what isn’t to love? Birds are quirky and curious, very social. First of my order to start laying at only 6 months. Easily incorporated into my existing flock, doing well in the mix. Hens have a very distinctive call, and are very chatty birds (which we love).
Cons: Easily startled, can fly quite a distance. Can be a challenge to keep them in sight while free-ranging. Pronouncing their full name is both difficult and makes one sound rather pretentious.
Overall: Stellar birds! Very pretty, friendly, and nice egg layers. Do well confined and in a mixed flock.
Joe –
Great birds
I have ordered them twice in 2019. The first was a test run to see if we liked the breed. Then a big order in mid summer. Very friendly and love to climb. Not flighty but very curious.
Little C –
Great addition to my flock
My daughter wanted Polish chickens but I had read they were more susceptible to prey attack because their sight is hampered by feathers in their eyes. That’s where Appenzellar Spithaubens entered – still very adorable with fancy feathers but not in their eyes. Cackle Hatchery did an excellent job shipping 4 chicks (I ordered 3). 1 chick has grown to be a very handsome rooster, the other 3 chicks are on the small side, a bit Bantee like, but I am still very happy with my purchase.
Brenda –
Hardy
After the chickens are about 3-4 months old they are very hardy. Had some loss to stress as chicks. Good egg layers. Love to brood
Wolfee –
Best Chickens Ever
The best rooster I have ever had the pleasure of knowing came from our order of these spectacular & interesting birds. The hens are equally stunning in appearance & we had no bad apples behaviorally. They all develop slightly different spot patterns (unique to the individuals, like spots on a dalmation or stripes on a tiger), which helps family members & guests tell them apart better than if you got solid colored common breeds- which are identified with greater effort, knowledge of personalities, or giving them bracelets/legbands. Our roosters also each grew slightly varying mowhawks of feathers on their heads (come on, can these chickens look any more awesome? I think not). After over a decade of bird experience & all the bird companions I’ve worked with/raised, I have to say Cackle Hatchery really left a good impression on us with wide selection, reasonable prices, speedy delivery of healthy peeping babies packed carefully, & zero chick losses of order. Whether you’re looking for some character-filled companion birds, or enjoying raising good-tempered hens who gift you healthy eggs at home, these chickens should definitely cross your mind. I notice people label birds as “dual-purpose” sometimes; Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens do not grow freakishly fast (aka- obese in couple weeks), they are heritage breed birds which grow at a NORMAL growth rate- You can still eat them & enjoy the meat, if you plan on keeping chickens for longer than a couple weeks or if you want to establish a long-term flock, these birds will be more apt to develop healthier & have the potential to live longer than overly inbred or genetically altered breeds. Half our flock are S.S.A.S.- the eggs are delicious & the rate of lay is perfect for a family. Plenty for us, with a little to share or trade with friends. Don’t be discouraged by first eggs being tiny, they get bigger as the hen continues growing & level off at medium size.
Rich –
Great chickens
I have a verity of chickens from cackle. I’d say the spitzhaubens are my favorite free rangers of the group. They are one of the most adventurous breeds. They find enough food that they don’t care to show up for dinner sometimes and once they are full grown seem to be able to avoid predation very well. We also don’t have large Hawks or eagles where I live.
Johnette –
Spitzhaubens
Spitzhaubens are great chickens, one of my favorite breeds! Not just because they are so unique looking with their top knots, but they lay a very nice size egg to be a medium sized bird!. They can forage for half their food, so I don’t have to pour tons of feed to them, like some birds. But one of my favorite reasons I like Spitzhaubens is their little personalities! They are friendly and always want to help out around the farm! Never a dull moment with Spitzhaubens!
Becca –
Lovely Birds
I love this breed and they came healthy and hearty. I have one roo and two hens. They are beautiful birds.
MJM –
Lovely, intelligent birds
I’ll admit it: I wanted a few Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens simply because of their looks. They’re gorgeous birds, upright in build and beautifully marked. I was pleasantly surprised at their appealing personalities and intelligence. The roosters aren’t aggressive, which was a relief; I won’t have a nasty-tempered rooster here. They’re smart birds: One of the hens gently tugs at my pants leg when I’m not feeding them fast enough, and one of the roosters likes to escape from the run daily and greet me halfway to the house or barn when I’m doing livestock chores, then keeps me company. They lay a smaller, perfectly white well-formed egg, and although they don’t keep up with the Marans for egg quantity, they aren’t slackers, either. They’re not easy to catch but neither are they crazy flighty, and they get along well with the rest of the poultry. They aren’t fighters and they aren’t bullies. I recommend the breed for anyone who wants to add some dazzle to their flock or who enjoys birds with interesting personalities – or even those who will enjoy announcing, “I’ve got some Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens” to friends.
Ken –
Happy with our order
We ordered 20 silver spangled Spitzhauben from Cackle to be delivered 2 May, 2017. The bird arrived right on time. All alive and healthy. The pullets began laying in September. Out of 13 pullets, we are averaging about 6 eggs a day. They are good foragers, not flighty and generally fit in well with our flock (80+ birds). We did butcher the roosters as they are my sons FFA egg layers. I would definitely recommend these if someone wants a small easy keeping egg layer.
DustyRider –
These are nice birds!
I received 6 of these chicks in a Cackle Surprise box. I was thrilled. I read some reviews online that say they don’t do well confined and are very flighty, so was very apprehensive about them. They have done spectacularly well confined in a large coop mixed with other breeds. They have been very friendly – even friendlier than other breeds who are supposed to be calmer or less flighty. The coloring is beautiful and they seem to have really good feed conversion/growth ratio compared to other breeds I have raised. I highly recommend these!
Phyllis –
Beautiful bird’s
Want to correct my review. These birds look good with my Silkies and my barred cochens. Spell check can make a person look crazy….. love my birds.Recommend Cackle Hatchery. Will order again. I want some Speckled Sussex.
Pammidoc –
Awesome !
chicks came very promptly ! Even an extra chick thanks ! They were all healthy, and very energetic. Day 12 and I can’t wait for them to mature .
Phyllis –
Beautiful birds
They are so unique and look great with my willies and barred cocaine. Great addition to my free range poultry.
Wishbone Creek Farm –
A+
Ordered twice from Cackle. Never lost a chick during shipping and always appreciate the extras thrown in. Very happy to start my flock with the Cackle Hatchery bloodline.
Jayzandra –
Fabulous!
I received a few Spitzenhaubens in my surprise box and just wanted to let you the quality of your birds are excellent!
Hayden –
Exceeded Expectations
I ordered a dozen Appenzeller Spitzhaubens, along with three broilers. I received two extra Spitzhaubens and an extra broiler, all birds arrived safe and happy a day before scheduled arrival. First time owning poultry, very happy. I would definetally (and plan to) order from Cackle again, very excited to watch my birds grow!
Connie North Carolina June 2009 –
Cackle Hatchery
Just a short note to let you know that I picked up the little ones this am at our post office. All are alive, drinking and eating up a storm!!!! Thank you so much for your attention to how you raise and ship chickens. It is MUCH appreciated. Next year when we get ourselves better situated I am sure there will be a substantial order coming from us.
Ingrid Wisconsin August 2009 –
Love my Chickens
I just want to write and tell you that you have the prettiest Ameraucanas and I am so pleased with them, my Blue Polish and my German Spitzhaubem. I ordered 5 each of the above, got three brown (one a pretty brown-and-red like a robin) and two blue Araucanas, and six each of the other two breeds. I am lucky that the other two straight run orders turned out to be three of each gender! The Blue Polish are absolutely adorable and the Spitzhauben are very jaunty. Every one of these birds has their own identifying trait to distinguish them from the other. The Polish and Spitzhauben cockerels have the cutest crows – they sound like bantams.
Lynn California January 2010 –
Cackle Hatchery
My niece took on of your White Yokohomas to the Denver Stock Show. The hen took Best of Breed, Best Variety and Reserve ASOB. The Yokohoma Cock was Reserve Breed and Reserve Variety. Her brother show the Spitzhauben and Won Best of Breed and Best Variety. Thank you for sending such beautiful birds.
Margie, Alabama March 2013 –
Cackle Hatchery
Just wanted to say thanks so much for the courtesy calls from your company on my chicken issue. I am not in the least upset with anyone other than myself. We will be re-ordering and looking forward to more beautiful baby chicks from you. Again thanks and have never conducted business over the net with anyone more cordial as you guys have been.
Wanda, Texas April 2013 –
Chicks
Now on the other chicks (Splash Cochins and Sussex) I think you may have crossed them with Michael Jordan. They have the biggest feet I’ve ever seen on an almost month old chick. My husband said he was so glad chickens didn’t wear tennis shoes.:>))) One of the Sussex is named Trouble and that’s enough said on her. Such a personality on that girl! The Cochins and Sussex are beautiful and the Spitzhauben are GORGEOUS! chicks. I wish I had room to build another chicken house and pen for a 100 of them. Wonderful looking chicks!!! I’m tickled to have them. Thanks so much,
Anne Kansas July 2010 –
Cackle Hatchery
I wanted to thank you for your help with our poultry order this year. It was was disheartening to lose so many chicks and I really appreciated you calling me personally to do some troubleshooting. I also want to thank you for the beautiful replacement chicks you sent. They are doing fine and it was so nice to get to try some of the breeds that were sold out before. As a side note I was to say how impressed I am with your Spitzhaubens. They are perky, energetic and extremely friendly. Plus they are a treat to look at! Thank you for your top notch service, personal attention and prize-winning birds.
Johnette, Texas May 2015 –
Cackle people
Just to let you know my order was received today and all chicks were in excellent condition! Everyone was healthy and vigorous and seemed happy to be at their new home! Your staff was very pleasant and courteous and we actually received our order a day sooner than expected! Thank you for providing us with quality chicks and great service again!
Aaron Kentucky June 2014 –
Thank You
I ordered 5 buff orpington 5 silver laced cochin 5 silver laced Wyandotte and some German Spitzhauben. I could not be happier. Keep up the good work.
Toby Oklahoma July 2014 –
Thank You
I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent service and communications. The customer service department was great, very patient and understanding. This was my first chick purchase and I wasn’t sure how everything worked so I was a little concerned. All the chicks arrived in great condition and I couldn’t be happier with the folks at Cackle Hatchery! Thanks Again,
Dan, Kansas May 2011 –
Thanks
Just a quick note to say the new arrivals are here in the best condition. Thank You