Do you find yourself dreaming of chickens that stand out from the crowd, perhaps birds with a certain flair, a distinct look? You are not alone, so many people find joy in unique backyard flocks. These birds, often called chickens with mohawks, truly add something special to any coop. They bring a lot of personality, with their unique head feathers making them a real conversation starter, you know?

These chickens have a special feather arrangement on their heads. It looks a bit like a stylish hairdo, a crest, that is that. This feature makes them quite memorable, and many chicken keepers love them for this look. We will talk about what makes these birds so interesting and how to care for them.

A perfect chicken type or breed means various things to diverse people. For some, it is all about egg production. For others, it is about the bird's look or how it behaves. If you like birds that have a unique appearance, then chickens with these head feathers might be just right for you, in a way. This guide will help you learn about these special birds and what they need.

• Layna Marie
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Table of Contents

• What Are Crested Chickens?
• Why Choose Chickens with Mohawks?
• Popular Crested Chicken Breeds
  • Polish Chickens
  • Silkie Chickens
  • Crèvecœur Chickens
  • Houghton Chickens
  • Sultan Chickens
  • Appenzeller Spitzhauben
• Caring for Crested Chickens
  • Keeping the Crest Clean
  • Vision and Safety
  • Coop Considerations
  • Flock Dynamics
  • Health Matters
• Egg Laying and Temperament
• Frequently Asked Questions About Crested Chickens
• Getting Started with Your Flock

What Are Crested Chickens?

Chickens (gallus domesticus) are domestic birds that cannot fly, as you know. There are over 150 different breeds of chicken that come in various colors, patterns, and sizes. Some of these breeds have a special genetic trait that gives them a crown of feathers on their heads. This feather growth is what people call a "mohawk" or a "crest." It is a truly striking feature.

These head feathers can vary quite a bit from one breed to another. Some might have a small puff, while others have a large, round plume that almost covers their eyes. This makes each bird quite unique, so it is almost like a living art piece. This feature comes from a bone growth on their skull, which pushes the feathers outward, making that distinct look.

This special look is why many people pick these chickens for their backyard flocks. They are not just birds that lay eggs; they are also pets with a lot of character. They often become a favorite backyard addition, you know. They truly are interesting animals.

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Why Choose Chickens with Mohawks?

The most common reason to keep your own chickens is of course for the fresh eggs. However, these crested birds offer more than just eggs. They bring a lot of visual interest and personality to your yard. Their unique appearance makes them stand out, so they are really something to see.

Many people find these chickens endearing. They often have calm temperaments, which makes them good for families or those new to chicken keeping. Choosing the right breed of chicken can be a task since there are so many great options available, but these birds often win people over with their charm. They are, quite simply, delightful.

For those who enjoy showing birds, many crested breeds are show poultry. They have specific breed standards that judges look for, including the shape and size of their crests. So, if you like that sort of thing, these birds can be a good choice. They are really quite popular for this reason, too.

Popular Crested Chicken Breeds

Below we have pulled together a list of over 100 chicken breeds, and some of these have the distinct head feathers. For each breed, we describe their temperament and egg-laying ability so you can find your perfect chicken. Here are a few well-known types that have these special crests.

Polish Chickens

Polish chickens are probably the most famous for their large, round crests. These feathers can get so big that they might cover the bird's eyes, you know. They come in many colors and patterns. Polish chickens are often kept for their looks and as show birds.

Their temperament is usually calm and gentle. They are not the best layers, but they do produce a fair number of medium-sized white eggs. They are, in some respects, more about beauty than high egg output. Many people just love how they look.

Silkie Chickens

Silkies have a small, fluffy crest, not quite a "mohawk" but a distinct head feathering that makes them look very soft. Their feathers feel like silk, which is how they got their name. They also have black skin and five toes, which is a bit unusual. They are very popular, naturally.

These birds are known for being very friendly and broody. Mother hens talk to their chicks when they are still in the egg, and Silkies are excellent mothers. They are not big egg layers, giving about three small, cream-colored eggs a week. They are, actually, quite good pets for kids.

Crèvecœur Chickens

The Crèvecœur is a French breed with a large, V-shaped comb and a crest that falls to the back. They are large birds with a dark feather color. They have a distinguished look, so they are quite striking. They are a bit less common, perhaps, but still interesting.

These chickens are dual-purpose birds, meaning they are good for both meat and eggs. They lay a fair number of white eggs. Their temperament is generally calm, and they adapt well to different environments. They are, in fact, a good choice if you want a bird that serves more than one purpose.

Houghton Chickens

The Houghton chicken is another breed with a noticeable crest. They are a bit rarer than Polish or Silkies, but they have a distinct look. Their head feathers are quite prominent, making them stand out in a flock. They have a certain charm, you might say.

Information on their specific egg-laying habits and temperament can vary, but like many crested breeds, they are often kept for their unique appearance. They add a lot of character to a backyard setting. They are, in a way, a collector's bird.

Sultan Chickens

Sultan chickens are a truly ornamental breed with a large crest, a beard, and muffs. They also have feathered legs and five toes. They are quite fancy birds, originally from Turkey. They look very regal, you know.

These birds are kept almost entirely for their looks and as show birds. They are not known for high egg production, laying only a few small white eggs each week. They have a calm and gentle nature, making them good pets. They are, really, a showstopper.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

This breed from Switzerland has a unique crest that points forward, like two horns or a bonnet. They are active birds with a very distinct appearance. They come in various colors, often with speckles. They are, quite simply, eye-catching.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben are good layers of white eggs and are known for being hardy birds. They like to forage and are quite active. Their temperament is lively but generally friendly. They are a good choice if you want a bird that is both pretty and productive, apparently.

Caring for Crested Chickens

Caring for chickens with these special head feathers needs a bit of extra thought. Their crests can sometimes cause issues, but with a few simple steps, you can keep them happy and healthy. It is not too hard, actually, just a few adjustments.

Keeping the Crest Clean

The feathers on their heads can get dirty or wet easily, especially when they eat or drink. This can lead to problems like sour crop, which is a common ailment in poultry. It is caused by a yeast infection inside the crop that produces inflammation and causes discomfort to the bird. So, keeping the crest clean is important, you know.

You might need to gently clean the feathers around their face regularly. This helps keep their vision clear and prevents food from getting stuck. Sometimes, trimming a few feathers around their eyes can help a lot, too. This is just a little bit of extra grooming, but it helps them immensely.

Vision and Safety

A large crest can sometimes block a chicken's sight. This means they might not see predators coming, or they might bump into things in the coop. Because of this, they can be a bit more vulnerable. It is a real consideration, to be honest.

Make sure their coop and run are safe and free of obstacles. If their crest is very large, a small trim of the feathers around their eyes can improve their vision. This simple step can make a big difference in their safety and comfort. It is, basically, a safety measure.

Coop Considerations

Thousands of chicken coop designs, pictures, plans, and ideas exist. See examples of chicken coops in every size, shape, and budget. When building a perfect coop for crested chickens, think about their needs. They might prefer lower roosts since their vision can be a bit limited. Also, make sure feeders and waterers are easy for them to access without getting their crests wet or dirty. This helps keep them healthy, you know.

A clean coop is always important for chicken health. Make sure to buy your poultry from a reputable dealer who takes cleanliness and hygiene seriously. This helps prevent problems like parasites. A brief guide to eliminating parasites using permethrin exists, but the article gives very limited information on how to address an infestation with lice or mites. Good hygiene in the coop is the first step. It is, actually, a very important step.

Flock Dynamics

It is common knowledge that there is a pecking order amongst all chicken flocks, starting from just flocks of chickens as few as two. Chickens with large crests can sometimes be at a disadvantage in this pecking order because of their reduced vision. Other birds might pick on them more easily. This can be a concern, you know.

Watch your flock closely to make sure your crested birds are not being bullied. If there is a rooster in your flock, he will establish the pecking order. Sometimes, separating a bird or adding more space can help reduce tension. It is all about finding balance, really, for everyone's well-being.

Health Matters

Like all chickens, crested breeds can get various health issues. A brief guide to medications for backyard poultry focuses on antibiotics, pain medication, sedatives, antifungals, coccidiostats, dewormers, and a few other useful options. Knowing how to spot signs of illness is important for all chicken keepers. Check your birds regularly for any changes in behavior or appearance, so you can address issues quickly.

Sour crop, as mentioned, can be an issue with crested birds due to wet or dirty feathers around their mouths. Keep an eye out for signs like a distended crop or a foul smell. Cleanliness and proper feeding techniques can prevent many problems. It is, basically, about being watchful and proactive.

Egg Laying and Temperament

Want to raise chickens for eggs? Knowing how is just as important. Here is our beginner's guide so you can start from scratch, so to speak! When it comes to egg laying, not all breeds are created equal. Some crested breeds are good layers, while others are more for looks. For example, Appenzeller Spitzhauben lay a fair amount of eggs, while Silkies lay very few. You need to consider what you want from your flock.

I will describe to you what chickens are best for laying eggs, which ones are best for meat purposes, the chickens that are best for eggs and meat, show poultry, and bantam. Many crested breeds fall into the "show poultry" category, meaning their primary purpose is their appearance, not egg production. However, some can give you a decent number of eggs, too. It just depends on the specific breed, you know.

Temperament is also something to think about. Many crested breeds, like the Polish and Silkies, are known for their calm and friendly nature. This makes them good pets, especially for families with kids. Other breeds might be more active or a bit shy. Each chicken sound means something specific, and you will learn your birds' personalities over time. They are, in fact, quite expressive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crested Chickens

Here are some common questions people ask about these birds.

What chicken breeds have feathers on their heads?

Many chicken breeds have feathers on their heads, giving them a distinct look. Some of the most well-known ones include Polish chickens, Silkies, Crèvecœurs, and Appenzeller Spitzhauben. These breeds are popular because of their unique crests. They truly stand out, you know.

Are crested chickens harder to care for?

Crested chickens need a little more care than chickens without head feathers. Their crests can sometimes block their vision or get dirty, so you might need to trim feathers or clean them. However, with these small adjustments, they are not much harder to care for. It is just a slight difference, really.

Do chickens with crests lay eggs?

Yes, chickens with crests do lay eggs! The number and color of eggs depend on the specific breed. Some, like the Appenzeller Spitzhauben, are good layers, while others, like the Sultan, lay fewer eggs. You can find a crested breed that meets your egg-laying needs, too.

Getting Started with Your Flock

Choosing the right breed of chicken can be a task since there are so many great options available. If you are thinking about adding chickens with mohawks to your backyard, start by researching the breeds that interest you most. Consider their egg-laying ability, temperament, and specific care needs. You can learn more about chicken breeds on our site, and get insights from our chicken magazine and blogs.

Once you pick your breeds, make sure you buy your poultry from a reputable dealer who takes cleanliness and hygiene seriously. This helps ensure you get healthy birds. Raising chickens is a rewarding experience, and these unique birds can make it even more special. They truly add a lot of joy, you know.

For more insights on raising these fascinating birds, consider checking out resources like the Backyard Chickens website for breed-specific information. They have a lot of good stuff, you know. Does your pet make you breakfast? Probably not, but these birds bring other gifts. Tips & tricks for raising chickens, building chicken coops, & choosing chicken breeds, plus you can ask questions in our community forum. A chicken can live for a short time, or a long time, depending on its care. So, give them a good home.