5 Chicken with Fluffy Head: A Whimsical Journey into the World of Adorable Poultry

Are you looking for a new fluffy addition to your chicken flock? If you are, you have come to the right place. In this article, we are introducing some of the well-known chicken breeds with fluffy heads.

Besides the regular chickens (with a red crest on their head) that you can see in every other backyard coop, there are some sweet, huggable, funny-looking breeds with fluffy head feathers. You can find them among the many breed varieties accepted by the American Poultry Association (APA) and some “off the grid” not accepted by the APA.

To help you choose the perfect chicken with a fluffy head for your farm or backyard coop, we have created a list of chickens with fluffy heads containing all the essential information that will bring you a step closer to your final decision. Read on and find out which chicken breed with a fluffy head matches your requirements and makes a lovely addition to your flock. The fluffier the funnier!

5 Chicken with Fluffy Head

Many of the chicken breeds with fluffy heads look fairly similar to regular chickens, however, they have unique fluffy feathered heads that make all the difference!

Check out the other characteristics of each chicken breed with fluffy heads on our list including their country of origin, temperament, lifespan, health issues, weight, color, egg production, and exhibition quality. Read on before you choose the chicken with a fluffy head that’s right for you.

1.   Polish

• Country of origin: Netherlands
• Temperament: Beginner friendly, docile, and quiet
• Lifespan: 8 years and more
• Health issues: Not a delicate chicken (take care of their head feathers, watch for the usual parasites)
• Weight: Male (6lbs)/ Female (4-5lbs)
• Size: Medium
• Color: Various colors (accepted and not accepted by the APA)
• Egg production and egg color: 2-4 white eggs per week

The Polish chicken with a fluffy head has distinguished head feathers, from a pom-pom to a messy and wild-like appearance. This medium size chicken with a long and graceful body is also known by the names Tophat and Paduan. Color-wise, there are ten color varieties of Polish chicken recognized by the American Poultry Association white, silver, golden, buff laced, white crested blue, and more. If you decide to choose the Polish chicken with a fluffy head you should also check the following information:

• Polish chicken are good fliers especially when startled (talk or whistle as you approach them so they don’t panic);
• If your mixed flock has more assertive chickens, they can bullythe quiet and docile Polish breed;
• Polish is an inquisitive and sometimes fickle chicken breed (if their vision is reduced by the fluffy head feathers);
• You can expect around 200 eggs each year (the ones cultivated for poultry exhibition don’t produce many eggs);
• Polish chicken breeds don’t like wet or cold weather, so during winter it’s best to keep them in warm and dry coops;
• During the egg-laying season feed the Polish chicken with a standard 16% protein feed and during the molt feed them with 20% protein;
• Polish hens need at least 4 square feet each inside the coop while the roosters need 8.

To keep the breed safe from predators keep them inside the coop and keep things interesting by giving them different things to satisfy their curiosity. Once you start taking care of the Polish chicken with a fluffy head you will have a friendly chicken that lays a decent amount of eggs and grabs all the attention with its looks.

2.   Brabanter

• Country of origin: Belgium/ Netherlands
• Temperament: Docile and friendly
• Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
• Health issues: Hardy and healthy chickens (beards and crests prone to housing mites)
• Weight: Male (6.5lbs)/ Female (5.5lbs)
• Size: Medium
• Color: Various colors (black, white, cream, lavender, mahogany, chamois spangled, cuckoo, laced blue, silver spangled, gold and gold spangled)
• Egg production and egg color: 3-4 large white eggs per week

The name of the Brabanter chicken with fluffy head comes from the Brabant region of Belgium and the Netherlands. This chicken breed varies in both appearance and temperament. The Brabanter has a dual purpose for exhibitions due to its unique head feathers and for egg production. Brabanter chicken is sweet, loves being around people, and is popular amongst farmers for the following characteristics:

• The Brabanters are intelligent, calm, and endearing with an ability to endure cold temperatures, and even tolerate heat well;
• Brabanters have a fun and inquisitive nature, and know when and how to protect themselves against predators;
• For now, Brabanters are not recognized by the APA;
• This chicken breed has an interesting-looking vertically growing crest and a small V comb that is more resistant to frostbite than most chicken breeds;
• Brabanters fly fairly well, and have a great sounding alarm which comes in handy when they are under attack;
• They are good foragers, and if you let them free run they will forage for most of their time;
• House them with other gentle chicken breeds so they don’t get picked on;
• They are described as “chatty” because they tend to be noisier than other average chicken breeds.

This chicken breed with fluffy heads has a normal lifespan and if you treat them right they are likely to live longer. So, if you are looking for chickens with a moderately regular egg-laying rate and ornamental looks, then this chicken breed might be the one you are looking for.

3.    Crevecoeur

• Country of origin: France
• Temperament: Active but docile
• Lifespan: 8 years
• Health issues: Hard chicken breed resistant to disease (common health issues include respiratory infections, parasites, and feather loss)
• Weight: Male (8lbs)/ Female (6.5lbs)
• Size: Medium to large
• Color: Black, white, and brown
• Egg production and egg color: 3 medium-large white eggs per week

According to Livestock Conservancy the Crevecoeur chicken breed with a fluffy head is one of the oldest standard-bred breeds in France. Their name means “broken heart” and comes from the small Normandy town of Crève-Coeur en Ange. Originally the Crevecoeur was developed for its meat quality but also for the following features:

• Recognized by the APA the Crevecoeur chicken has a triple purpose exceptional meat, sufficient egg production, and an interesting ornamental pet;
• Crevecoeur hens’ annual egg production is between 120 and 150 and they lay eggs for many years even into old age;
• Due to their quiet and gentle temperaments, they don’t do well in mixed flocks;
• They cope well in confinement and adapt to most climates and withstand cold weather, just make sure to prevent their crests and beards from getting wet and freezing during winter;
• The Crevecoeur chicken breed has a sensitive digestive system and it’s wise to use a probiotic during extreme weather conditions and times of stress;
• They need a roaming area and a minimum of 4 square feet per bird;
• Provide them with a healthy diet (grain, green vegetables, protein) and clean water at all times;
• The lovely feathery crest atop the head makes it difficult for them to be aware of their surroundings so they need extra predator protection.

If you are looking for a sweet, friendly chicken with a fluffy head that will bring joy into your life, the Crevecoeur is a great choice. With its triple purpose, the Crevecoeur will provide you with meat, eggs, and maybe even a trophy from a poultry exhibition.

4.    Appenzeller Spitzhauben

• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Temperament: Active and flighty
• Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
• Health issues: Generally healthy without hereditary health concerns
• Weight: Male (4.5lbs)/ Female (3.5lbs)
• Size: Small
• Color: Silver-spangled, gold-spangled, lemon-spangled, chamois-spangled, pure black, and pure blue (Recognized by the EE Standard Commission)
• Egg production and egg color: 3-4 medium to large white eggs per week

Even though this chicken breed with a fluffy head is not recognized by the APA the silver-spangled Spitzhauben was imported into the US in the 1950s. The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is known for its fluffy head feathers and these characteristics:

• Spitzhauben hens are great mothers and one of the best egg-laying breeds producing 150-180 medium-to-large-sized white eggs annually (all year round);
• They start laying eggs as early as five months of age and are very productive (the only time they don’t lay eggs is during their molt);
• The Appenzeller Spitzhauben breed is very energetic and you must avoid keeping them caged because they don’t handle confinement well;
• They need a lot of space to roam freely as well as high fences to keep them safe while resting in their coop;
• Spitzhauben chicken can fly, so you better cover their run;
• If kept with other breeds they are picked on, and due to their small size they can be attacked by different predators;
• They are great foragers that enjoy feeding themselves, and they adapt equally to warm and cold weather;
• Because of their flightiness, the Spitzhauben breed may not be the best choice if you have children;
• They need a clean and well-sanitized environment that effects positively on their general health.

Many farmers have this chicken breed in their coop for its high egg production. So, the Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken would be a perfect addition to your egg-laying flock!

5.    Houdan

• Country of origin: France
• Temperament: Exceptionally gentle and calm
• Lifespan: around 8 years
• Health issues: Usual illness or disease (mite problems due to the fluffy nature of feathers)
• Weight: Male (7lbs)/ Female (5.5lbs)
• Size: Medium
• Color: Mottled and white
• Egg production and egg color: 2 or more large white eggs per week

The Houdan chicken breed of the mottled variety is recognized by the APA. They were almost extinct at the beginning of the twenty-first century and listed as critical. Higher awareness of this charming breed with fluffy head feathers is crucial for their survival. If you are interested in Houdan chickens check out the following information:

• Houdans are known for their distinctive feathers on their head and long well-proportioned bodies;
• They are a very useful and productive chicken breed;
• Houdan hens produce 150-230 large white eggs annually;
• They have been awarded the “Label Rouge” certification for quality in taste and production in France;
• They prefer warm and dry climates because in winter their crests get wet and are prone to frostbite;
• Houdans handle confinement well but need enough space to forage;
• Usually, Houdan chickens need at least two square feet of space each, but you can go wrong if you double their space for fore comfort;
• They can be kept on different surfaces including soil or grass;
• Because of their feathered large crests, they may not be able to see predators, so keep them protected or regularly trim their crests.

If you are looking for a cute, friendly chicken breed that likes to be cuddled and is good for children then the Houdan may be the one for you!

Comparison of Chicken with Fluffy Head

We have introduced five different chicken breeds with fluffy heads on our list to help you find the one that is best for your backyard or farm. For an even easier choice here is a comparison of their main characteristics:

Conclusion

One thing is for sure, chicken breeds with fluffy heads have ornamental quality due to their distinguished looks. But that’s not all! Each chicken breed has different characteristics like delicious meat, egg-laying ability, and pet-friendly disposition.

Use the information from our list and table of comparison to see what you like and dislike in each chicken breed before you welcome it into your coop. Take your time and weigh your options before you choose the chicken with a fluffy head that fits your requirements and conditions.

Also Read:

• Easter Egger Rooster vs Hen: Understanding the Differences for Backyard Chicken Keepers
• Discover the Charm of Chicken Breeds with Feathered Feet: A Comprehensive Guide
• Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Black and White Duck Breeds: A Comprehensive Guide