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Red Spangled Spitzhauben
Red Spangled Spitzhauben
Breed Overview and Origin
The Red Spangled Spitzhauben Chicken, also known as the Red Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben, is a rare Swiss crested chicken known for deep red plumage, black spangles, a forward-pointing crest, horn-type comb, active temperament, and white eggs. If you want a lively, eye-catching rare breed with strong free-range instincts, the Red Spangled Spitzhauben makes a standout addition to the flock.
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens originated in Switzerland’s Appenzell region and are often described as Switzerland’s national chicken. The name Spitzhauben means “pointed hood” or “pointed bonnet,” referring to the traditional pointed headwear worn in the Appenzell region and reflected in the breed’s forward-pointing crest. The Livestock Conservancy notes that the breed nearly disappeared after World War II, which makes preservation especially important.
Cackle Hatchery® currently offers the Red Spangled Spitzhauben in its rare breed lineup. In addition, Cackle’s Appenzeller Spitzhauben Breed Spotlight explains that the red spangled variety is similar to the golden spangled variety, except the background color is deep red rather than golden.
Appearance and Characteristics
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens have a bold and colorful appearance. Their deep red background feathering is marked with black spangles, creating a dramatic contrast. In addition, their forward crest, horn-type comb, and active carriage give them the distinctive Spitzhauben look.
Expected traits include:
- Deep red plumage
- Black spangled feather tips
- Forward-pointing crest
- Horn-type or V-shaped comb
- Cavernous nostrils
- White eggs
- Active, alert temperament
- Strong free-range ability
- High roosting preference
- Rare Swiss heritage value
- No sexing available in many Spitzhauben varieties
Because this variety is still rare, customers should expect some natural variation as Cackle Hatchery® continues to develop and improve the line.
Red Spangled Color Pattern
The Red Spangled Spitzhauben has a deeper body color than the Golden Spangled Spitzhauben. While the golden variety has golden-red feathers tipped with black V-shaped spangles, the red spangled variety has a deeper red background with black spangling.
This color gives the breed a richer, warmer look while keeping the same lively Appenzeller character. As a result, Red Spangled Spitzhaubens appeal to customers who like the Spitzhauben shape and personality but want a bolder red plumage pattern.
Crest, Comb, and Breed Type
The forward-pointing crest is one of the most important Spitzhauben traits. Ideally, the crest points forward rather than backward and should not become so large that it overwhelms the bird’s head.
Cackle Hatchery® has worked to improve Appenzeller Spitzhauben type in its breeding programs. In the United States, many Spitzhaubens have historically shown crests that point backward or grow too heavily. Therefore, Cackle’s efforts to improve crest direction and type help preserve the correct look of the breed.
The horn-type comb also helps create the breed’s unique head profile. Together, the forward crest, horn comb, and spangled plumage make the Red Spangled Spitzhauben one of the most distinctive rare chickens in Cackle Hatchery’s lineup.
Egg Production and White Eggs
Red Spangled Spitzhauben hens lay white eggs. Like other Appenzeller Spitzhauben varieties, they are active white egg layers rather than heavy meat birds.
Egg production can vary by individual hen, feed, daylight, age, season, and flock management. However, customers who enjoy rare, active, free-range chickens may appreciate the combination of egg production, beauty, and foraging ability.
Choose Red Spangled Spitzhaubens if you want a rare ornamental white egg layer with strong outdoor instincts. Choose a calmer production white egg breed if maximum egg output and easy confinement matter most.
Temperament and Activity Level
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens are active, alert, and lively. They are not slow, heavy, cuddly confinement birds. Instead, they like to move, forage, fly, and roost high.
This breed can work well for:
- Free-range flocks
- Large covered runs
- Farms and acreages
- Rare breed collections
- White egg flocks
- Active backyard setups
- Customers who enjoy energetic chickens
- Preservation-minded poultry keepers
Because they are active and agile, they need more space than many calm backyard breeds. They also need secure housing to protect them at night.
Free-Range Ability and Tree Roosting
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens are excellent free-range chickens. They forage well, stay alert, and enjoy exploring outdoor space. However, they do not do well in close confinement.
Like other Spitzhaubens, they may try to roost high or even roost in trees if given the opportunity. Therefore, customers should provide secure nighttime housing and high roosting options inside the coop.
For best results, provide:
- A spacious run or safe free-range area
- High roosts
- Predator-resistant nighttime housing
- Covered or high fencing when needed
- Fresh water at all times
- Balanced feed even when birds forage
- Protection from aerial and ground predators
Because they can fly better than many heavier breeds, low fencing may not contain them.
Confinement Considerations
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens generally do not do well in tight confinement. They are active birds that need room to move, scratch, and forage.
They are better suited to:
- Large runs
- Free-range systems
- Farmyards
- Acreage flocks
- Spacious backyard setups
- Protected outdoor pens with height
Customers with small coops, low fences, or limited outdoor space may prefer a calmer and heavier breed.
Recognition and Conservation Status
The Red Spangled Spitzhauben is not currently admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection. Like other Appenzeller Spitzhauben varieties, it remains rare in the United States and carries conservation value.
Cackle Hatchery® lists Red Spangled Spitzhaubens among its rare chicken breeds. Cackle also offers related Appenzeller Spitzhauben varieties, including Silver Spangled, Golden Spangled, and Chamois Spangled, giving customers several color options within this rare Swiss breed family.
Red Spangled Spitzhauben vs Golden Spangled Spitzhauben
Red Spangled and Golden Spangled Spitzhaubens share the same Swiss origin, forward crest, active temperament, white eggs, and free-range ability. However, their body color differs.
A Red Spangled Spitzhauben has a deep red background color with black spangles.
A Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken has a golden-red background color with black spangles. Cackle’s Breed Spotlight notes that the red spangled variety is similar to golden spangled, except the background color is deep red rather than golden.
Choose Red Spangled Spitzhaubens if you want the richer, deeper red color.
Choose Golden Spangled Spitzhaubens if you prefer the warmer golden-red look.
Red Spangled Spitzhauben vs Silver Spangled Spitzhauben
Red Spangled and Silver Spangled Spitzhaubens share the same active, crested, free-range breed type. However, their plumage creates very different visual effects.
A Red Spangled Spitzhauben has deep red plumage with black spangles.
A Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken has silvery white feathers with black V-shaped spangles. Cackle’s Breed Spotlight notes that Cackle imported three Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben roosters in 2013 to improve its breeding program.
Choose Red Spangled Spitzhaubens if you want a bold red bird.
Choose Silver Spangled Spitzhaubens if you prefer crisp silver-and-black contrast.
Red Spangled Spitzhauben vs Chamois Spangled Spitzhauben
Red Spangled and Chamois Spangled Spitzhaubens both offer rare color patterns within the Appenzeller Spitzhauben breed family.
A Red Spangled Spitzhauben has deep red plumage with black spangles.
A Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken has pale golden-buff plumage with creamy white spangles. Cackle’s Breed Spotlight notes that Cackle began breeding Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens in 2021.
Choose Red Spangled Spitzhaubens if you want rich color and bold contrast.
Choose Chamois Spangled Spitzhaubens if you prefer a softer pastel pattern.
Red Spangled Spitzhauben vs Crested “Top Hat” Special
Choose Red Spangled Spitzhaubens if you specifically want this rare Swiss breed with deep red 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 Red Spangled Spitzhauben is the better choice for customers who want a specific rare breed and color. The Crested “Top Hat” Special is better for customers who enjoy variety and surprise.
Is the Red Spangled Spitzhauben Right for Your Flock?
Choose Red Spangled Spitzhauben chickens if you want:
- A rare Swiss chicken breed
- Deep red plumage with black spangles
- A forward-pointing head crest
- A horn-type comb
- Cavernous nostrils
- White eggs
- An active, alert free-range bird
- A chicken that likes high roosts
- A rare color variety in the Appenzeller Spitzhauben family
- 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, Red Spangled Spitzhaubens are best for customers who want a rare, energetic, beautiful Swiss white egg layer with strong free-range instincts.
Care and Housing Tips
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens need space, secure housing, and high roosting options. Because they are active birds, they do best when they can move, forage, and explore.
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
Planning ahead matters with this breed. Since Spitzhaubens like to fly and roost high, a low-fenced setup may not keep them contained.
Availability and Ordering Notes
Cackle Hatchery® offers Red Spangled Spitzhaubens as part of its rare chicken breed lineup. Cackle’s availability chart changes often and updates frequently, so customers should check the Chicken Availability Chart before ordering.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
Customers who like Red Spangled Spitzhaubens may also enjoy other crested, rare, active, ornamental, and white-egg-laying breeds.
Helpful Cackle Hatchery® links for this product page include:
- Breed Spotlight: Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens
- Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens
- Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens
- Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens
- Crested “Top Hat” Special
- Rare Chicken Breeds for Sale
- White Egg Layers for Sale
- Exhibition Chickens for Sale
- Baby chicks for sale
- Chicken Breed Selector
- Chicken Breeds List Comparison Chart
- Chicken Availability Chart
FAQ: Red Spangled Spitzhauben Chicken
What is a Red Spangled Spitzhauben Chicken?
A Red Spangled Spitzhauben Chicken is a rare Appenzeller Spitzhauben variety with deep red plumage, black spangles, a forward-pointing crest, horn-type comb, white eggs, and active free-range behavior.
Where did Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens originate?
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens originated in Switzerland’s Appenzell region and are commonly described as Switzerland’s national chicken.
What does Spitzhauben mean?
Spitzhauben means “pointed hood” or “pointed bonnet.” The name refers to the traditional pointed headwear worn in the Appenzell region and to the breed’s forward-pointing crest.
Are Red Spangled Spitzhaubens rare?
Yes. Red Spangled Spitzhaubens are rare in the United States and appear in Cackle Hatchery’s rare breed lineup.
Are Red Spangled Spitzhaubens APA recognized?
No. Red Spangled Spitzhaubens are not currently admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection.
What do Red Spangled Spitzhaubens look like?
They have deep red plumage with black spangles, a forward-pointing crest, horn-type comb, cavernous nostrils, and an active, lightweight body type.
What is the difference between Red Spangled and Golden Spangled Spitzhaubens?
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens have a deep red background color. Golden Spangled Spitzhaubens have a golden-red background color. Cackle’s Breed Spotlight notes that the red variety is similar to the golden variety, except the background color is deep red rather than golden.
What color eggs do Red Spangled Spitzhaubens lay?
Red Spangled Spitzhauben hens lay white eggs.
Are Red Spangled Spitzhaubens good layers?
They can be useful white egg layers, especially for customers who want a rare active breed. However, egg production can vary by hen, season, feed, daylight, and management.
Are Red Spangled Spitzhaubens good for free range?
Yes. They are active, alert birds that do well in free-range or spacious setups.
Do Red Spangled Spitzhaubens do well in confinement?
No. Like other Spitzhaubens, they generally do not do well in close confinement.
Can Red Spangled Spitzhaubens fly?
Yes. They are active and agile birds that can fly better than many heavier breeds.
Do Red Spangled Spitzhaubens roost high?
Yes. They like high roosts and may try to roost in trees if given the opportunity.
Are Red Spangled 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 Red Spangled and Silver Spangled Spitzhaubens?
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens have deep red plumage with black spangles. Silver Spangled Spitzhaubens have silvery white plumage with black spangles.
What is the difference between Red Spangled and Chamois Spangled Spitzhaubens?
Red Spangled Spitzhaubens have deep red plumage with black spangles. Chamois Spangled Spitzhaubens have pale golden-buff plumage with creamy white spangles.
What is Cackle Hatchery’s Spitzhauben breeding work?
Cackle Hatchery® has worked to improve Appenzeller Spitzhauben type, including crest direction. Cackle imported three Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben roosters in 2013 and later developed additional color varieties, including Golden, Chamois, and Red Spangled lines.
Where can I check Red Spangled Spitzhauben availability?
Customers can check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart for current hatch and breed availability updates.
Ordering Information
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