Fowls fitting the description of this breed have been known for centuries. The black and spangled varieties had their beginnings in the north of England and were known by a multitude of names including Moonies and Chittiprats while the pencilled varieties orginated from a mixture of European breeds. This diverse background resulted in a stylish bird with a distinct rose comb. The Hamburg fowl was one of the first pure breeds of poultry to be introduced to Australia. They were exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales show in 1867. Today it is regarded as one of the oldest breeds of poultry still in existence.

Hamburghs are small, light framed birds, active, flighty and requiring high fencing. These qualities also make them excellent foragers. The black variety is regarded as the better layer than the spangled or pencilled varieities but the latter are so spectatular they could easily be regarded as ornamental. A breed that lays reasonably well and is thrifty to keep.

Description

Light breed; Soft feathered; Non-broody; Standard & Bantam; colour: varous; Shell colour: white; Status: Black and Spangled varieties - stable, Pencilled - critical; Appeal: primarily as an exhibition bird but they are attractive looking layers for small holdings.

Varieties include: Black, Gold Pencilled, Silver Pencilled, Gold Spangled and Silver Spangled. There are also Bantam varieties.

References

• Exhibition Poultry Breeder's Handbook, by Rick Kemp. Second edition. Kangaroo Press, 1997.
• Poultry Breeders Directory, by Megg Miller. 3rd edition. Seymour, Grass Roots Publishing, 1997

Photos: Gold Pencilled Hamburgs and Silver Spangled Hamburgs

Last updated 2 January 2002