The Saxonian Chicken Breed

Creation of the Saxonian Chicken Breed in the early 1900’s was accomplished by crossing Black Minorcas and Black Langshans to obtain a breed hardy to the region’s weather. Good egg production was a primary focus in creating the breed. Then the Sumatra was crossed into into the breed, these genetics producing reduced comb and wattle size for frostbite resistance.

Saxony is an ancient region of Northern Germany, home to the Saxons, a German tribal group that migrated from the West of Germany.

There seems to be no bantam variety of this primarily egg producing breed.

Saxonian, The Facts:

Class: Medium

Size: Standard Male: 5.5 – 6.5 Ibs. / Standard Female: 4.5 – 5.5 Ibs.

Comb, Wattles & Earlobes: Moderate with white lobes and red single comb and wattles.

Color: Pre WWII, White, Yellow and Cuckoo were developed and nearly became extinct due to stresses in the region during and after the war. Black, the most popular color, was the only color available up to 1923.

Place of Origin: Saxony, Germany

Conservation Status: Endangered in Germany. Only 500 birds reported in Hessen, Vogtland and Harz in the year 2000.

This is a sturdy and naturally balanced chicken of medium build known for calmness of temper.

The hens may produce about 180 light brown or pale yellow eggs in a year. Hens are production minded rarely going broody.

The roosters can carry an elegantly arched tail with well curved saddle and tail feathers. The breed is clean legged. Mature hens are stout yet as elegant as their mates.