They spend most of their time foraging but will happily accept treats from their owner. Some were likely taken to other countries too. They produce a good number of eggs each week — plenty to sustain a small family. The average rooster weighs about 8 pounds, while hens are smaller at 5 ½ pounds. Another Swedish landrace breed, I have been breeding Swedish Flower Hens for many years. Breed Name:||Swedish Flower Hens|. Usually, these birds can cost as much as $30 a piece, which is a bit more than some other breeds. Many varieties of chickens were brought to Sweden's shores in those early days, but that unknown mix of birds propagated over the next two-thousand years, developing into what are now considered the country's native breeds. The birds are called blommehons in Swedish which literally means 'flower hens'. Therefore, they can be used as sitting hens in most situations.
Cackle Hatchery® even has a selection of rare breed chickens available. Before the resurgence of their population, this breed occurred in small pockets, which evolved separately from each other, giving rise to different looks. For instance, they are great egg layers. Rare Chicken Breeds. They survived mostly on their own accord, so they are functionally independent and do not require much help from farmers to stay alive. It's all a bit of mystery. Quick Facts About the Swedish Flower Hen. They live long lives, are naturally healthy with good immune systems and are hardy, obviously adapting well to the British climate. Swedish Flower Hens are also known as the Blommehons, a very hardy and ultra-rare breed of chicken.
Chickens' name is inspired mottling of their feather tips that resemble a field. A few birds have been transported outside of Sweden. Are Swedish Flower Hens Good for Small-Scale Farming? These chickens develop in their original environment and, over time, adapt to the natural and cultural habitat in which they live. I got in touch and took a trip to Plaistow in West Sussex to see her flock. Of Swedish Flower Hens were quite prevalent throughout the villages in the. Played a role in the development of the breed. All of these variations contain the mottling pattern. Some breeders are currently working toward a standard, though the diversity of the breed makes that problematic. That said, this breed is excellent for beginners because they do not have many problems. However, they do not mind being contained if they have to be.
Development of the breed, the Swedish Flower Hen became the largest of Sweden's. Sanne, originally from Denmark, where Swedish Flower Chickens also flourish, is an experienced henkeeper who decided to specialise in this wonderful breed about five years ago. Today, their numbers are around 1, 592, as reported in 2014. Production:||150–200 eggs per year|. Every Swedish Flower Hens pattern is different and unique. Lifespan:||Unknown|.
Norsk Mountain Farm. The Swedish Flower Hen or Skansk blommehona, developed. This breed is hardy and can survive in freezing temperatures. "I first came across the breed as a child while on holiday in Sweden, " she tells me. It is now the largest native breed, although still considered rare and the birds' speckled colour give good camouflage against predators on the Swedish plains. While this breed is perfect for small-scale farming in smaller areas, the problem is finding them. Dark Brown Egg Layers. Laying approximately 150 medium sized, tinted eggs per year.
Swedish Flower Hen Origin. These birds were almost extinct in the 1980s, and it took a special effort called the "Swedish Genetic Project" to bring them back from the brink. Sold straight run only. Some blue-gray based. Chickens were introduced to Sweden about 2000 years ago, brought to the country. They can also be used as meat because they reach a decent weight. Help grow the population. The birds were used for meat and eggs and their feathers were used to fill duvets. Swedish Flower Hen Characteristics. They produce about 150–200 eggs per year in Sweden and can produce more in warmer climates. Hot Weather Chickens. Some of these birds do exist in the U. They are much hardier than most other breeds and have a low level of care, which is perfect for a small homestead.
Available in many colours, the Swedish Flower Hen, with its gentle non-aggressive nature, beautiful feather pattern and inquisitive love of foraging make it one of my favourite breeds. However, they do not become obsessively broody like some other hens, and they make good mothers for the most part. Discovered 3 remaining flocks in Sweden. Predominately white. These birds will be available at point of lay during the summer but young stock are available now. My favorite thing about the Swedish is how friendly and beautiful colors. Most of the time, you need to know someone who owns one to purchase chicks. "The gene pool is very small, " she tells me, "So a large stock is needed to avoid inbreeding. Of blooming flowers. They primarily exist in Skane, a region in Sweden.
They have white-tipped feathers and are heavily spotted. Swedish Flowers generally have whitish spots at the tips of their feathers, giving them a speckled (or flowered) appearance. By the mid 1900's, the Swedish Flower Hen was a rarity in the country of its creation. In 2010 the breed was introduced to America. However, they are still all recognized as the same breed. Place of Origin:||Sweden|. Since they developed naturally, no one knows precisely when these chickens came about or the steps that led to their creation. There are thought to be around 2, 000 birds now in existence worldwide. Please contact me directly for more information. The feathers, giving the bird the spotted appearance.
Usually, their bodies are round and quite large. The white-tipped feathers make the birds look like a field of blooming flowers. EGG COLORS: PALE BROWN.
In the southern part of Sweden over the last 500 years. For instance, we know that some were transported to the U. S. A. in 2010. White-based birds often have darker markings on the feathers, but can also be. There are no common health problems for this breed either.