The Hamburg is a type of chicken developed in Germany and Holland prior to 1700. It is comparatively rare, with less than 1000 registered in North America each year.
Appearance and behavior
It is a small breed--cocks tend to weigh only 5 pounds and hens about 4 lb (2.25 and 1.75 kg) with slender legs and a neat pea comb. The bird comes in more than ten different varieties, including: Silver-Spangled, Golden-Spangled, Golden-Penciled, Silver-Penciled, White, and Black. Penciled breeds are smallest and self-colored birds are largest. They are hardy, active birds who are capable of flight and often jumpy around humans.
Eggs
Hamburgs mature quickly and are considered good egg producers. Their eggs are white, with glossy shells, and rather small.
