Saxonian Chickens

Sachsenhuhn were developed around 1900 in Saxony, by crossing Black Minorcas and Black Langshans, to obtain a breed that would produce a lot of eggs and was weather hardy. Then, to protect against frostbite, they reduced the size of comb and wattles by crossing in Sumatras. Black was the only variety until 1923, when White, Yellow and Cuckoo were developed but these were almost lost again during World War II. Black is still the most common variety. The Sachsenhuhn is found only in Hessen, Vogtland and Harz today and is considered endangered in Germany. In 2000 there were only 500 surviving birds.

This is a medium sized, sturdy fowl. They are calm in temperament, are excellent on free range and the hens rarely go broody. Saxonians produce around 180 yellowish or light brown eggs per year.

Roosters weigh 2.5 to 3 kg and hens 2 to 2.5 kg.