Do you want to add something fluffy to your herd of chickens? If so, you’ve arrived at the ideal location. We are going to introduce you to a few popular breeds of chickens with fluffy heads in this post.
In addition to the common backyard hens (characterized by a red crest on their heads), there are also adorable, cuddly, and humorous kinds of chickens with fluffy feathers on their heads. They are available in a variety of breed types that are recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) as well as certain “off the grid” breeds that are not.
We’ve put up a list of fluffy-headed hens with all the necessary details to help you narrow down your options and choose the ideal chicken for your farming or backyard coop. Continue reading to discover which breed of fluffy-headed chicken best suits your needs and would be a beautiful addition to your herd. The funnier, the fluffier!
Five chickens with fluffy heads
The distinctive fluffy feathers on the heads of several chicken breeds with fluffy heads set them apart from other hens in a big way!
See our list’s additional features for each fluffy-headed chicken breed, such as their nation of origin, temperament, longevity, health problems, weight, color, egg production, and exhibition quality. Before you choose the fluffy-headed chicken that’s best for you, read on.
1. Courtesies
Origin nation: Belgium/Netherlands
Friendly and docile temperament
Life Expectancy: 5–8 Years
Health problems: Hardy, healthy hens with crests and beards that are vulnerable to house mites
Weight: 5.5 lbs for women and 6.5 lbs for men
Dimensions: Medium
Color: A range of hues, including chamois spangled, cuckoo, laced blue, silver spangled, gold, and lavender, as well as black, white, cream, and mahogany.
3–4 huge white eggs each week are produced, and their hue is consistent. Credit: @elkes.zwerghuhnbande
The Brabant area of Belgium and the Netherlands is where the moniker “Brabanter chicken with fluffy head” originates. This kind of chicken has differences in behavior as well as looks. Because of its distinctive head feathers, the Brabanter serves two purposes: it produces eggs and is used for displays. In addition to being lovable and a favorite among farmers, brabanter chicken has the following qualities:
The Brabanters can withstand both hot and cold conditions with ease and are charming, cool, and clever;
Brabanters are playful and curious animals that understand when and how to defend themselves against predators;
The APA does not yet recognize Brabanters;
Unlike other chicken breeds, this one features a short V-comb comb that resists frostbite and an intriguing-looking vertically developing crest;
Brabanters are somewhat good at flying and have a fantastic alarm that is useful in an assault;
Since they are skilled foragers, they will spend the majority of their time foraging if given the freedom to roam;
To prevent them from being picked on, keep them near other kind breeds of chickens.
Because they tend to be louder than other normal chicken breeds, they are called “chatty.”
The longevity of this fluffy-headed kind of chicken is average, however they might live longer with proper care. Therefore, this breed of chicken could be what you’re searching for if you want decorative chicks with a somewhat regular egg-laying rate.
2. Polish
Origin nation: Netherlands
Temperament: Calm, quiet, and tolerant for beginners
Lifespan: at least eight years
Health issues: Not a sensitive chicken; look out for common parasites and take care of their head feathers.
Male (6 pounds) / Female (4-5 pounds)
Dimensions: Medium
Color: A range of hues (APA acceptable and rejected).
2-4 white eggs every week in terms of production and color; photo courtesy of @polishchickensflorida
The fluffy-headed Polish chicken may be identified by its unique head feathers, which can range in appearance from pom-pom to unkempt and untamed. Other names for this medium-sized chicken include Paduan and Tophat. Its body is long and beautiful. The American Poultry Association recognizes 10 different color types of Polish chicken, including white, silver, golden, buff laced, white crested blue, and more. In addition, you should verify the following details if you pick the Polish chicken with a fluffy head:
Polish chickens are excellent flyers, particularly when frightened; when you approach them, speak or whistle to calm them down;
The more self-assured hens in a mixed flock have the ability to intimidate the subdued and silent Polish breed;
Polish chickens are curious and sometimes moody (if their fluffy head feathers impair their eyesight);
Approximately 200 eggs should be expected annually (poultry bred for show exhibits yields very few eggs);
Since Polish chicken breeds dislike cold and damp weather, it’s preferable to keep them in warm, dry coops throughout the winter;
diet Polish chickens a regular 16% protein diet during egg-laying season and a 20% protein meal during molting;
The coop should include a minimum of 4 square feet for each Polish hen, and 8 square feet for the roosters.
Keep the breed within the coop to protect it from predators and to keep it fascinating by providing it with a variety of items to pique its curiosity. You’ll have a sociable, egg-laying chicken that attracts attention with its appearance as soon as you begin to take good care of the Polish chicken with a fluffy head.
3. The Crevecoeur
Origin nation: France
Mood: Activated yet compliant
Eight years of life
Health problems: Hard chickens are disease-resistant breeds that often have respiratory illnesses, parasite infestations, and feather loss.
Male (8 pounds) / Female (6.5 pounds)
Dimensions: Large to medium
Shades of brown, white, and black
Three medium-sized white eggs are produced each week. Credit: @serena.mmxix
The fluffy-headed Crevecoeur chicken breed is one of the oldest standard-bred breeds in France, according to Livestock Conservancy. Their name, which derives from the tiny Normandy village of Crève-Coeur en Ange, means “broken heart.” The Crevecoeur was first created for its meat quality as well as the following characteristics:
The APA recognizes the threefold function of the Crevecoeur chicken, which consists of great meat, adequate egg production, and an intriguing decorative pet;
The yearly egg output of Crevecoeur chickens ranges from 120 to 150, and they continue to produce eggs well into old age;
Their delicate and calm dispositions make them unsuitable for mixed flocks;
They tolerate cold weather well and adapt to most climes; in the winter, merely keep their beards and crests from freezing and becoming wet; they do well in captivity;
Because the digestive systems of Crevecoeur chickens are delicate, it is advisable to use a probiotic in periods of harsh weather or stress;
They need at least 4 square feet per bird for a roaming space;
Give them clean water and a nutritious food consisting of grains, green veggies, and protein at all times;
They need additional predator protection since their beautiful feathered crest on top of their head makes it harder for them to perceive their surroundings.
The Crevecoeur is an excellent option if you’re searching for a delightful, amiable chicken with a fluffy head that will brighten your day. The Crevecoeur, with its triple function, will provide you eggs, meat, and maybe even a prize from a show of poultry.
4. Spitzhauben Appenzeller
Origin nation: Switzerland
Mood: extroverted and energetic
Life Expectancy: 5–8 Years
Health issues: Not related to heredity, generally well
Male: 4.5 pounds; female: 3.5 pounds
Dimensions: Minimal
The EE Standard Commission has recognized the following color schemes: pure black, pure blue, lemon, chamois, gold, silver, and blue.
Egg output and color: three to four big to medium-sized white eggs per week
Thank you, @arm_the_animals_
The silver-spangled Spitzhauben is a breed of chicken that was brought to the United States in the 1950s, despite not being recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA). The fluffy head feathers and the following traits are associated with the Appenzeller Spitzhauben:
Spitzhauben chickens are excellent breeds for laying eggs, generating 150–180 medium-to-large white eggs a year (year-round) and making excellent moms;
They are very prolific and begin producing eggs as early as five months of age (they only stop laying during molting);
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben breed is very spirited and should not be kept in a cage since they do not adapt well to captivity;
They need a large area for unrestricted movement and tall fences for their safety while they are sleeping in their coop;
Since Spitzhauben chickens are able to fly, you need cover their run;
Because of their tiny size, they may be attacked by several predators and are subject to bullying if housed alongside other breeds;
They like feeding themselves and are excellent foragers that can withstand both cold and heat;
The Spitzhauben breed may not be the ideal option if you have children due to its flightiness;
They need an atmosphere that is hygienic and well-sanitized since it improves their overall health.
Because of this type of chicken’s excellent egg production, many farmers keep them in their coop. Thus, the Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken would be an excellent complement to your herd of chickens that produce eggs!
5. Houdan
Origin nation: France
Extremely calm and mild temperament
Lifespan: around eight years
Health problems: Common ailments or diseases (mite infestations because feathers are puffy)
Weight: 5.5 lbs for women and 7 lbs for men
Dimensions: Medium
Color: White and muted
Egg yield and hue: two or more big white eggs per week
@the_crested_brothel is credited.
The APA recognizes the mottled variant of Houdan chickens as a breed. At the start of the twenty-first century, they were classified as critical and almost extinct. More people need to be aware of this endearing species with fluffy head feathers if they are to survive. Check out the following details if Houdan chickens pique your interest:
Houdans are distinguished by their lengthy, well-proportioned bodies and characteristic head feathers;
They are a very prolific and valuable breed of chicken;
Every year, houdan chickens lay 150–230 big, white eggs;
They have received the “Label Rouge” designation in France for its superior flavor and manufacturing excellence;
Because their crests become wet and are vulnerable to frostbite in the winter, they prefer warm, dry regions;
Houdans are well in captivity, although they need ample room to forage;
Houdan hens typically need two square feet of area per, however increasing that much for comfort might backfire;
They may be maintained on a variety of surfaces, such as grass or dirt;
They may not be able to spot predators due to their big, feathery crests, so keep them safe or clip their crests on a regular basis.
The Houdan could be the ideal breed of chicken for you if you’re searching for an adorable, amiable chicken that enjoys cuddling and is safe for little children.
In summary
Because of their distinctive appearance, chicken breeds with fluffy heads are undoubtedly ornamental. Still, that’s not all! diverse breeds of chickens have diverse traits, such as tasty meat, the capacity to produce eggs, and amiable dispositions.
Before bringing a new breed of chicken into your coop, make sure you know what you like and don’t like about it by using the information in our comparison table and list. When you finally choose the fluffy-headed chicken that best suits your needs, take your time and consider your selections.
