Dresdner

The Dresdner is a German dual-purpose chicken developed in the Dresden area of Saxony in the twentieth century. It was created from established utility breeds to suit small farms and cold winters, with a broad body, clean yellow legs, and a low rose comb that is less prone to frostbite than a tall single comb. Brown or red-brown birds are the color most often associated with the breed, although recognition of varieties can differ by country. It is rare outside central Europe.

Dresdners are kept for a practical mix of eggs, table qualities, and exhibition breeding. Hens can be steady layers of tinted to light brown eggs, while cockerels develop enough body for home meat use without resembling fast broilers. They handle confinement if pens are roomy, but they also suit protected range where they can stay active. Breeders normally select for the rose comb, width, correct color, winter hardiness, and laying ability, and buyers should expect to seek specialist stock rather than hatchery strains.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White