Thuringian Bearded Chickens

This breed is from the town of Rhula in the Thuringian Forest area of Germany. It has been known since around 1750 and used to be called "chubby cheeks." They were supposedly developed from Paduans and an extinct breed called the Otterhead. Thuringian Bearded Chickens are not considered endangered but are still quite rare in Germany. About 2,000 birds were known in 2000.

This is a medium sized, fast growing and active breed, which begins laying white eggs very early. They are known for their large fluffy beards and tiny wattles. It is a very cold-hardy breed and a good forager. The hens rarely go broody, but when they do they make excellent mothers. They lay about 160 eggs per year.

In Germany, the accepted colors are Black, White, Blue, Yellow, Cuckoo, Partridge, Gold-spotted, Silver-spotted and Chamois-spotted. The eyes are brown and the beak is rather dark.

Roosters weigh 2 to 2.5 kg and hens from 1.5 to 2 kg.