Zwerg-Sachsenhühner

Zwerg-Sachsenhühner are the bantam counterpart of the Sachsenhuhn, or Saxony chicken, a German country breed associated with Saxony and nearby breeding circles. The miniature version preserves the larger bird's rounded but workmanlike body, single comb, close feathering, and alert carriage while being scaled for exhibition coops and small holdings. Color varieties vary by standard and country, but black, white, yellow or buff, and barred lines are among those linked with Sachsenhuhn breeding.

In human care, these bantams are kept mainly by poultry fanciers, conservation-minded smallholders, and people who like practical rare breeds in smaller form. They are active foragers when given a safe run, yet they still need a dry house, bantam-sized perches, and balanced feed with grit. Damp winter drafts are harder on them than cold, dry weather. Breeding stock is usually selected for vigor as much as markings, because shrinking a large utility breed can leave birds too fine-boned or lacking capacity. Anyone buying hatching eggs or trios should ask which color and standard the line is bred to, since this breed is uncommon outside specialist circles.

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