Campine Qualities

The Campine's intelligent nature, upright carriage, and stunning plumage make them a show favorite. Quite rare in America, they enjoy most of their popularity in Northern Europe. The Campine, an active breed, do better as show birds and layers than pets. Although weighing only four to five pounds, they produce an average of three, medium-white eggs a week on modest feed. The hens rarely brood. Campines like to fly; thus, they need suitable fencing to prevent escape. In the summer months, Campines love to forage. However, they easily suffer frostbite in the colder months. The Campine, fortunately, accepts confinement in the winter months.

Campine Temperament

Although of docile temperament, detractors of the breed label them “wild.” Campines like their freedom and will chafe at confinement in good weather. Like many foragers they have an inherent intelligence necessary for free-range chickens. The term “cocky” applies to the Campine demeanor. They strut with the spirit of a fowlish thoroughbred. As a group they react to sudden movement with a flighty response. Their temperament probably accounts for their near extinction after World War II and their rare status even today.

Campine Appearance

What Campines lack in personality they make up for in appearance. They have two basic plumages—the Gold and Silver Campine named for the splendid hackles around their neck. The gold variety has a orange hackle starting at the base of the skull stretching to the back cape. Silvers have the same configuration except with a snowy white hackle. The breast and wing consist of a gold or silver base color with an intricate, black, zig-zag lacing. Campines have red pea combs and wattles that stand in stark contrast to their white earlobes. They have the color of a true, ornamental bantam.

Campine Upkeep

Avid foragers, the Campine needs ample room to roam, so build an adequate run. Confinement in the summer months leads to a form of fowl paranoia and generally unhealthy chickens. In winter months, Campines want for a large coop to protect them from the elements. Keep show fowl on wood shavings to protect their feathers from damage and dirt. Campines have a flighty disposition. Keep their environment quiet and calm. They like to fly. Use fencing wire high enough to prevent their escape. Campines will provide three eggs a week, up to two hundred a year if given a good-quality, layer feed.