Captivating and Rare: A Guide to Keeping Swedish Flower Hens

An Introduction to the Rare and Beautiful Swedish Flower Hen

The Swedish Flower Hen is a rare and uniquely beautiful breed of chicken that originated in Sweden in the late 19th century. Often referred to as "the prettiest chicken breed", Swedish Flower Hens are known for their distinctive plumage and sweet temperament. While still considered a rare breed today, they are gaining popularity among backyard chicken keepers and breeders around the world.

Origins and History

The Swedish Flower Hen was first developed in the 1880s by a Swedish breeder named Gustaf Anderson. He crossbred imported Japanese bantams with local Swedish landrace chickens to create a small ornamental chicken with profuse feathering. The result was a very fluffy, full-feathered hen with a shapely body and rosette comb. Anderson named his creation the "Skånsk Blommehöna", which translates to "Scanian Flower Hen".

For many years, the Swedish Flower Hen was bred principally for exhibition. Their eye-catching appearance made them very popular for poultry shows across Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the breed nearly became extinct after World War I. Thankfully, dedicated breeders in Sweden worked diligently to preserve these special chickens throughout the 20th century. Although their population remains limited, Swedish Flower Hens can now be found in North America, the UK, and Australia as well.

Appearance and Temperament

The most outstanding feature of the Swedish Flower Hen is its remarkably lush plumage. They are covered head to toe in a carpet of feathery down. Their broad, loose feathers give them a puffed-out delicate look. The hen's feathers are so profuse that their legs are nearly hidden from view. Swedish Flower roosters often have such long saddle and hackle feathers that their heads appear tucked into a fluffy feather ruff.

Swedish Flowers come in two color varieties: black and partridge (light brown with darker feather shafts). Their heads are adorned with large crested rosettes - fleshy red protuberances on the comb and wattles. These unusual crests are a signature trait of the breed.

In spite of their elegant appearance, Swedish Flowers have a very hearty constitution. They are cold hardy due to their heavily feathered body. And underneath all those feathers, they have a broad, sturdy frame that matures early. Hens start laying eggs at 16-20 weeks of age.

These chickens have a gentle, friendly nature. Their calm temperament and enjoyment of human company makes them a pleasure to keep for hobbyists. They do well in confinement and interact peacefully with other poultry.

Egg Laying

While valued primarily for ornamental purposes, Swedish Flower Hens are also decent layers of small white eggs. Each hen can produce around 200 eggs per year. As they are lightweight birds, their eggs are on the smaller side - averaging 48 grams. The shells are smooth and white in color.

The Swedish Flower's high egg production and small egg size makes them an efficient breed for urban and backyard flocks where space is limited. Their eggs provide a nice source of protein without taking up much room in the nest boxes.

Chicken Care Basics

Caring for Swedish Flower Chickens is fairly straightforward. Here are some key things to know about keeping this breed happy and healthy:

• Provide Plenty of Space: At least 2-3 square feet of coop space per hen.
• Give Access to Outdoor Runs: These active foragers need space to roam and scratch.
• Use Deep Layered Litter: Helps cushion their fluffy feet.
• Supply Abundant Nest Boxes: At least one 10" x 12" box per every 3-4 hens.
• Feed Quality Layer Ration: These busy layers need lots of protein, calcium, and nutrients.
• Discourage Broodiness: Swedish Flowers tend to go broody; break it gently and often.
• Control Pests: Check regularly for lice/mites which can hide in their thick plumage.
• Groom as Needed: Gently trim feathers around vent and eyes to prevent buildup.

With proper care, these lovely chickens will be an ornamental addition to your flock for many years.

Where to Buy Swedish Flower Hens

Swedish Flower Chickens are challenging to find for sale due to their rarity. Your best sources are:

• Specialty breeders: Contact Swedish Flower breeders directly to buy birds or hatching eggs.
• Live poultry swaps: Connect with vendors at swaps and markets for heritage breed chickens.
• Online auction sites: Check sites like eBay for occasional listings of birds and fertile eggs.
• Waitlists from hatcheries: Sign up with hatcheries that offer rare and exotic chicken breeds.

Be prepared to pay a premium price for these special chickens. Costs typically range from $50-100 per bird. But the chance to keep this rare Swedish breed may well be worth the investment for many poultry enthusiasts!

Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Flower Hens

Here are answers to some common questions about keeping Swedish Flower chickens:

Are Swedish Flower Hens good egg layers?

Yes, Swedish Flowers are very productive layers for their size. Each hen can lay up to 200 small white eggs per year. Their high egg output makes them a great choice for small flocks.

How cold hardy are Swedish Flower Hens?

Their heavy plumage allows them to tolerate cold conditions very well. They can handle winter temperatures down to several degrees below zero (Fahrenheit).

What is the temperament of Swedish Flowers like?

Swedish Flowers have a calm, friendly disposition. They tend to be quite docile and enjoy human interaction. This makes them a good breed for children.

Are Swedish Flower Hens noisy?

No, Swedish Flowers tend to be fairly quiet chickens. The hens make soft, melodious clucking sounds rather than loud cackles and squawks.

How much space do Swedish Flowers need?

These small chickens adapt well to confinement, but ideally should have at least 2-3 square feet of coop space per bird. Outdoor run space allows them to get exercise and fresh air.

Do Swedish Flower Hens go broody?

Yes, the hens are prone to broodiness. It's important to discourage this behavior gently so their egg laying is not reduced.

Are Swedish Flower Hens recognized officially?

Yes, Swedish Flower Chickens are recognized officially by the American Poultry Association (APA) and the American Bantam Association (ABA) in several feather color varieties.

Raising Beautiful Swedish Flower Hens

For chicken enthusiasts who appreciate heritage breeds, the Swedish Flower Hen is in a class of its own. Their elegantly fluffed feathers and peaceful personality have captivated keepers for over a century. Taking the time to source and properly care for these rare birds is very rewarding. The enchanting sight of Swedish Flowers grazing your backyard or strutting around the coop is sure to put a smile on your face!

FAQs

How big do Swedish Flower Hens get?

Swedish Flower Hens are a bantam breed, meaning they are miniature chickens. Roosters weigh around 26-34 oz and hens weigh 24-32 oz. Their compact size makes them good for small backyards.

What climate are Swedish Flowers suited for?

Swedish Flower Chickens do well in cold climates thanks to their heavy feathering. They can tolerate below freezing temperatures. However, their rose combs are prone to frost damage.

How many eggs do Swedish Flowers lay?

You can expect around 200 small white eggs per year from each Swedish Flower Hen. They are very consistent and persistent egg layers.

Are Swedish Flower Hens broody?

Yes, the hens tend to have a strong broody instinct. It's important to discourage their desire to sit on a clutch of eggs to prevent a drop in egg production.

Do Swedish Flower Hens make good pets?

Absolutely! Swedish Flowers have a very sweet, docile temperament. They are calm around people and enjoy human interaction. This makes them great backyard chickens for families.