The Ramelsloher is a German breed of dual-purpose chicken. It was bred in the 1870s by A.D. Wichmann, a Hamburg shipowner, and is named for the village of Ramelsloh, which lies some thirty kilometres south of Hamburg. In the early twentieth century it was an important utility chicken; in the twenty-first century it is an endangered breed. It is recognised in only two colours, white and buff; there is no bantam Ramelsloher.
The Ramelsloher chicken is well adapted to the temperate climate of northern Germany, particularly around the village of Ramelsloh. It thrives in rural farm environments where it can forage and roam freely. This breed was primarily developed for agricultural utility and can adapt well to various farming conditions.
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The Ramelsloher is a historic breed developed in the 1870s. It was once a significant utility chicken in Germany. Today, it is considered endangered and efforts are made for its conservation.
Cock and hen, illustration by Hugo Spindler from Bruno Dürigen, Die Geflugelzucht, nach ihrem jetzigen rationellen Standpunkt, 1886
Buff cocks