Swedish Flower Hen

Description

The spectacular Swedish Flower Hen chicken is a traditional landrace from Sweden. In the 1970s the breed was brought back from near extinction, and in 2010 was first imported into the United States.

As a landrace, this breed is the result of many years of natural selection, rather than deliberate selective breeding. It is therefore extremely hardy, as well as being genetically diverse.

No two Swedish Flower Hens are exactly alike. Because the breed does not conform to an established standard of appearance, the Swedish Flower Hen is not listed in the American Standard of Perfection.

The basic plumage pattern is millefleur, in which the ends of feathers have a black crescent and a white V tip. The background plumage of individual birds may be black, blue, brown, buff, or red. Additionally, each chicken may or many not sport a small crest.

This breed prefers a cooler climate with temperatures of 70ºF or less. But, given plenty of shade and good coop ventilation, these chickens also tolerate warmer climates quite well.

Swedish Flower Hen chickens are good foragers. They are predator wary, and the roosters are particularly alert. Plus their plumage pattern helps them blend into the environment, making them less visible to predators.

Swedish Flower Hens start out laying small eggs at the age of about 17 weeks. By the time they are fully mature they may lay extra large eggs.

You can expect between 150 and 200 eggs, or sometimes more, per year. They are good winter layers and continue to produce eggs well into their fourth or fifth year. Broodiness is variable, but when a hen does brood she makes an excellent mother.

Even though these easy-to-keep chickens are essentially self-sufficient and independent, they are also extremely calm and gentle. They are friendly with people, making them especially good with children. Best of all, by keeping a flock of Swedish Flower Hen chickens in your own backyard, you join those who work to preserve this rare and stunningly colorful breed.