Let me introduce you to one of the most underrated yet remarkable chicken breeds I’ve raised—the Augsburger Chicken. With its shimmering green sheen and proud stance, it’s not just eye-catching, but also incredibly practical. This dual-purpose breed is ideal for both eggs and meat, making it perfect for backyard flocks and small farms. Hardy, friendly, and easy to care for, the Augsburger stands out among indigenous chicken breeds. Whether you’re a breeder, hobbyist, or pet owner, this German gem is worth knowing.
History & Origin of Augsburger Chicken
The Augsburger Chicken, also called Augsburger Huhn, hails from the region of Augsburg in southern Germany. It first emerged in the late 19th century, bred by Julius Meyer, who combined the La Fleche from France with local black landraces. The goal? To create a chicken that could thrive in both cold alpine climates and deliver good returns in the form of eggs and meat.
Its popularity grew in Bavaria thanks to its adaptability and robust health. However, like many heritage breeds, its numbers began to decline with the rise of industrial poultry farming. By the late 20th century, the breed was considered endangered. Today, thanks to dedicated breeders and enthusiasts, the Augsburger is making a slow but steady comeback, especially in German heritage circles and among rare breed conservancies. This bird is more than just feathers and flair. It represents a slice of German agricultural history and shows what happens when careful breeding meets practical needs.
Read More: Brahma Chicken: America’s First Meat Breed
Characteristics of Augsburger Chicken
The Augsburger Chicken is instantly recognizable. It sports shiny black feathers with a green metallic sheen, giving it an almost magical glow in sunlight. This unique sheen is a result of the structure of the feathers, which refract light in a way that creates the green hue. Its distinctive cup-shaped comb makes it stand out even more, looking almost like a crown—a fitting feature for such a regal bird.
Roosters typically weigh about 2.5 to 3 kg, while hens weigh around 2 to 2.5 kg. Both sexes have a sleek body, slate-blue legs, and striking dark eyes. The hens are just as attractive as the roosters, carrying themselves with elegance and grace. While black is the most common color, some rare varieties have slightly bluish or charcoal hues. But no matter the shade, the Augsburger carries a sense of charm that’s hard to ignore. If you’re after chicken breeds that are both beautiful and functional, this one deserves a spot on your list.
Read More: Buckeye Chicken: A Breed of American Poultry
Temperament of Augsburger Chicken
I always tell folks, if you want a chicken that’s curious without being pushy, the Augsburger Chicken temperament is just right. These birds are calm and sociable. They’re not the type to start a ruckus in the coop but are more than happy to follow you around the yard for treats.
They’re great for families and small-scale farms, as they handle human interaction well. Children especially enjoy their gentle behavior. Augsburger chickens don’t mind being picked up, and they rarely show signs of aggression—even the roosters tend to be mild-mannered. They do best with free-range space, where their curious nature can lead them on little exploratory missions. As a common chicken for traditional farming, their behavior is consistent and predictable, which is something any poultry keeper can appreciate.
Read More: Java Chicken: Farming What You Need to Know
Food & Diet
Feeding your Augsburger Chicken right makes all the difference. Like most dual-purpose chickens, they need a balanced diet of proteins, grains, and greens. I start my chicks on a good starter feed until about eight weeks old, then gradually transition them to a grower mix.
Once they’re adults, I offer a mix of layer pellets, cracked corn, and kitchen scraps. Don’t forget fresh greens! These birds love clover, weeds, and leafy vegetables. They also benefit from occasional protein snacks like mealworms. Make sure they always have clean water and access to grit for digestion. Avoid feeding them processed or salty food, and limit sugary fruits. Keep calcium (like crushed oyster shells) available if you’re collecting Augsburger chicken eggs, since strong shells are a must.
Usage & Purpose
Augsburgers are classic dual-purpose chickens, which means they’re perfect for eggs and meat. Hens lay around 180 to 220 eggs per year, usually medium-sized and cream-colored. Their consistent laying pattern makes them a solid choice for small farms.
Roosters grow quickly and produce flavorful meat. While they won’t reach the size of industrial broilers, they offer a rich taste that’s often missing from store-bought poultry. Besides their practicality, these chickens make lovely pet companions. Their calm and responsive nature adds a layer of joy for folks who keep chickens more for pleasure than profit. They also do well at poultry shows, thanks to their rare status and striking appearance.
Special Features
One of the Augsburger’s most talked-about features is its metallic green sheen. Not many birds glow quite like this one under natural light. Combine that with their cup-shaped comb, and you have a bird that turns heads.
But beyond looks, the Augsburger is prized for its cold resistance and disease resilience. It doesn’t get sick easily, and it thrives in a range of climates, especially cooler ones. That makes it ideal for farmers who deal with seasonal changes. It’s also an indigenous chicken breed, which means it has a strong local adaptation and historical significance. Plus, it’s relatively low-maintenance, making it perfect for new chicken keepers.
Raise Chickens That Shine Inside And Out—The Augsburger Huhn Has It All!
Health Issues & Prevention
Luckily, Augsburger Chickens aren’t known for many health problems. But like any breed, they can fall prey to common poultry illnesses if not cared for properly.
Watch for signs of respiratory issues, mites, and digestive troubles. Coughing, feather loss, and irregular droppings are all red flags. I suggest doing a monthly health check. Look over their feathers, eyes, and feet, and keep the coop clean and dry. Always vaccinate your flock and consider natural immune boosters like garlic or apple cider vinegar in their water. Prevent overcrowding and provide proper roosting space. These small steps go a long way in keeping your birds happy and healthy.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Raise Augsburger Chickens Like a Pro
Raising Augsburger Chickens is rewarding and fun. Whether you’re starting a backyard coop or expanding a small farm, here’s how I do it, step by step.
Step 1: Set Up Your Coop and Run
You need a cozy and secure coop to start with. For each Augsburger, allow at least 4 square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet in the run. Use straw bedding and make sure it stays dry. Include nesting boxes and perches. Ventilation is key—your coop needs airflow to stay healthy. I also like to predator-proof my run with wire mesh and cover the top to keep hawks out.
Step 2: Start With Healthy Chicks or Pullets
Buy from trusted breeders or hatcheries. Check that the chicks are active, alert, and clean. Augsburger chickens are rare, so you might have to wait a bit for availability. I brood them under a heat lamp and monitor their warmth using the “happy chirp” rule: If they’re chirping softly and moving around, they’re comfortable. Gradually wean off the heat as they feather out.
Step 3: Feed Properly for Each Life Stage
Chicks need starter feed; growers need higher protein. Adults thrive on layer pellets, greens, and protein snacks. I keep their feeders clean and check water daily. Add calcium for laying hens and grit for digestion. Offer treats like vegetables or insects, but avoid junk food and anything moldy.
Step 4: Monitor Health and Behavior
Every day, watch how your chickens act. Healthy birds are curious and alert. If one is isolating itself or looks droopy, something might be wrong. I do regular parasite checks and worming treatments. Keeping a journal of egg counts and behavior helps spot issues early.
Step 5: Let Them Free-Range When Possible
Augsburgers are happiest when they can roam. If you can, let them out to forage during the day. They’ll eat bugs, grasses, and even help control pests in the garden. Always supervise if predators are a concern. I use portable fencing or a chicken tractor when needed.
Expert Tips & Best Practices
- Always buy your Augsburger chickens for sale from reputable breeders to ensure purity.
- Rotate feed options to prevent boredom and malnutrition.
- Offer boredom busters like hanging cabbage heads or mirrors.
- Clean the coop weekly to avoid disease.
- Provide dust baths to prevent lice and mites.
Tip: A Happy Chicken Is A Busy Chicken—Keep Their Environment Engaging And Watch Them Thrive!
FAQ
How much does an Augsburger Chicken cost?
Augsburger chickens can cost between $15 to $30 depending on age and availability. Rarer color variants may be priced higher.
What colors do Augsburger Chickens come in?
The most common color is black with a metallic green sheen. Some may have a bluish tint or charcoal undertones.
Are Augsburger Chickens good egg layers?
Yes, they lay about 180-220 cream-colored eggs per year, making them a reliable layer.
Are Augsburgers suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Their calm temperament and hardiness make them great for first-time chicken keepers.
How do Augsburgers compare to Bielefelder or Langshan chickens?
While Bielefelders are larger and Langshans are fluffier, Augsburgers are more compact, elegant, and equally productive.
Conclusion
From its historical roots in Germany to its glossy green feathers and easygoing nature, the Augsburger Chicken truly stands out. It offers the best of both worlds—tasty eggs and quality meat—along with a peaceful temperament that suits farms and backyards alike. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or someone just getting into poultry, this rare breed has a lot to offer. Let’s keep this beautiful bird thriving for generations to come. Ready to welcome the Augsburger to your flock? Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
