Diversity

About Thuringian ChickensAbout Thuringian Chickens




Thuringian chickens come from the Thuringer forest region in Germany. They were first called Thuringer Barthuhner chickens in 1907 (Barthuhner means 'bearded chicken') and bred as a dual purpose breed for meat and eggs, but now they are mainly seen at poultry shows and for rare breed conservation. Their fluffy beards have earned them the nick name 'Chubby cheeks'.

Thuringians have a distinctive beard, ear muffs, and small comb making them very cold-hardy. They can cope very well with harsh cold winters, but like most chickens, detest the rain. They are active foragers and prefer to free range, however they will tolerate confinement if the run area is large enough. Thuringians are generally a friendly breed, coping well in a mixed flock. They are confident chickens and usually the first to explore new surroundings or an unusual treat when placed in the run. Hens rarely go broody; when they do they make excellent mothers but can be very defensive of their young.

The hens lay around 160 white eggs per year. They are a fast growing, active breed and the hens are known for laying very young.

The roosters weigh between 4.5 to5.5 lbs and hens 3.5 to 4.5 lbs. A miniature version is also available with the roosters weighing 700g and the hens 600g. The hens have a similar disposition to their larger counter parts, but the roosters are feistier and more protective.

They are found in white, red, buff, cuckoo, partridge, blue, black, silver / gold, and spangled.