Ruhlaer Zwerg-Kaulhühner
Ruhlaer Zwerg-Kaulhühner are German rumpless bantam chickens associated with Ruhla in Thuringia. The name translates roughly as Ruhla dwarf rumpless chickens, and it describes the breed's two main features: small size and a tailless outline caused by the absence or reduction of the tail-bearing rump. They are active, compact domestic fowl kept in several color varieties, with the rounded rear and lively carriage setting them apart from ordinary bantams with full tails.
These birds are mainly maintained by specialist bantam keepers, exhibition breeders, and rare-poultry enthusiasts. Egg production is modest and eggs are small, so the practical value is preservation and display rather than output. Pens should be secure because bantams can be quick, and roosts should be arranged so birds are not stressed by crowding or rough landings. Breeding needs attention to fertility, body balance, and true rumpless type; close matings in small populations can quickly fix faults. New keepers usually find stock through German or European rare-breed networks.
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