The mountain sprinters

Appenzeller bantams might be a relatively new addition to Chris Meyer's flock, but these nimble little birds are already stealing the spotlight for him with their quirky crests, independent nature, and lightning-fast footwork

- Cara Wheeldon

“They are like mini road runners — meep, meep!”

That is how Chris Meyer, a 39-year-old from Cumbria, describes his Appenzeller bantams. A leather restorer by trade, Chris has only been keeping the breed for three months, but their personality and pizzazz have already made a lasting impression.

“I love their mohawks and markings,” Chris says. “They are a bit different to all the other bantams that I looked at, and they are not as common, either. I think a lot of charm of this breed is how unknown they are.”

Chris keeps the silver-spangled Spitzhauben variety, one of two types of Appenzeller bantams recognised in the UK (the other being the Barthuhner, a rare, bearded variety). Known for their striking crest and Alpine origins, Spitzhaubens are just as much mountain goat as chickens.

“They are so agile - they hop and climb everything in sight,” he laughs. “This breed is happy with steep ramps and perch up high to roost. I think it is because they are originally from the mountains,” says Chris. “It is just something that is in them.”

Despite their independent nature, Chris has found them to be surprisingly trainable.