The Kraienköppe (singular: Kraienkopp), also called the Twentse, is a breed of chicken originating on the border region between Germany and the Netherlands. The latter of the two names is the Dutch language version, while the former is German. Kraienköppe appear in two color varieties: Black-breasted Red and Silver. Males weigh 2.75 kilos (6 pounds), and females weigh 1.8 kilos (4 pounds). They have yellow skin and a small walnut-type comb.
The Kraienköppe breed was developed from crosses of Leghorns and Malays. It is rare today, and is best known as a layer and a show bird. Hens lay a fair number of off-white eggs, and will go broody. Kraienkoppes are active fowl with excellent foraging abilities.
The black breasted red and silver Kraienköppe upon being brought to America has enjoyed widespread acclimation on American farms and ranches due to the thriftiness and hardiness of this breed.
