Hamburg chickens lay four small, white, flavor-packed eggs a
week. What they lack in egg size, they make up in longevity. Hamburgs
consistently lay for many years. In fact, the Dutch called them “everlayers.”
Hamburg hens mature early and start laying at four months of age. The chicks
have a delicate constitution, but once established, the breed proves quite
robust. Hamburgs like to forage and will fly the coop to do so. Fortunately,
they tolerate cold and can endure a night away from the coop. They are an
active breed and they often refuse to sit long enough to hatch their brood.
Hamburgs have a wild disposition. They like to fly, forage,
and roost in trees. Owners have awoken to find their whole flock in the trees.
Humans easily spook the Hamburg chicken. Given these traits, they have little
toleration for confinement. They enjoy free-range freedom and free-range food
in the form of grain. Like most foragers that survive, Hamburgs develop a keen
awareness of their environment.
Hamburg chickens have ten different plumages:
Silver-Spangled, Golden-Spangled, Golden-Penciled, Silver-Penciled, White,
Black and Citron Spangled. Although small to start with, Hamburgs have both a
standard and bantam size. The standards average four to five pounds while the
bantams top out at one and half. Hamburgs sport red rose combs, medium matching
wattles, and white earlobes. Their unique horn colored beak has gray shanks.
Unlike most chickens Hamburgs wear pink soles on the bottom of their feet.
Butchered Hamburgs display a white meat on dark colored bones.
Build a run with high fences or even a wire cover to keep
Hamburgs in the run. Otherwise, clip their wings to curb their innate flying
behavior. They like to forage. Give them plenty of room. Flighty to the
extreme, Hamburgs often refuse to sit on their eggs. Provide your Hamburgs with
a hen from a broody breed to hatch their eggs. Many Hamburg owners use Brahmas
for that purpose. Pay special attention to new chicks as Hamburg young have a
high mortality rate. After the first four months, they usually fend for
themselves.
About Hamburg Chickens
