While I was researching chicken breeds that would be good for me to get as a beginner egg laying chicken keeper, I stumbled upon Swedish Flower Hens and I became enthralled. Why? Well, I’m a little bit lazy (not really, I just try to select low-maintenance plants and animals for my homestead) and it seemed that Swedish Flower Hens are a hardy breed that would perform well in the Southern Maryland climate (USDA Zone 8a). I ended up buying my Swedish Flower chickens from Meyer Hatchery.
A Beautiful Bird
Swedish Flower Hens, or “Skånsk Blommehöna” as they are known in their native Sweden, are a fascinating and historically significant chicken breed that has gained popularity due to their beauty, hardiness, and adaptability. Originating from the southern Swedish province of Skåne, Swedish Flower Hens are an ancient landrace breed, meaning that they developed naturally over hundreds of years through adaptation to local conditions rather than through deliberate selective breeding like most chickens that are farmed. Because of this “survival of the fittest” development, the breed exhibits considerable genetic diversity, contributing to their resilience and suitability to various environments.
Characteristically, Swedish Flower Hens display strikingly diverse plumage, making each bird unique. The breed name “Flower Hen” arises from the hens’ remarkable feather patterns, which resemble vibrant flowers blooming in a garden. They commonly exhibit colors ranging from black, white, gray, and brown, to shades of red and gold, often with distinctive speckled or mottled patterns. Their legs are typically clean, yellow or pale, and free from feathers, which is beneficial in muddy or snowy conditions, further enhancing their suitability for colder climates.
An Egg Laying Powerhouse in Adverse Cold
The breed nearly vanished in the 1970s and 1980s due to industrial agriculture favoring specialized breeds designed specifically for high egg production or meat yield. At that time, traditional and more genetically diverse breeds fell out of favor which pushed Swedish Flower Hens towards extinction. Dedicated poultry conservationists and enthusiasts stepped in, recognizing the intrinsic value of the breed’s unique genetic heritage which lead to a significant revival effort. Today, Swedish Flower Hens remain rare but have attracted a dedicated following among backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, and those passionate about preserving genetic diversity in livestock.
From a practical standpoint, Swedish Flower Hens have many desirable traits. They are hardy birds, well-suited to outdoor living, thriving in free-range or pastured environments. The breed’s historical development in Sweden’s cold climate has equipped them exceptionally well for handling cold winters, allowing them to maintain egg production when other breeds slow or stop laying altogether. This trait is highly advantageous for anyone looking to maintain a steady egg supply year-round, especially homesteaders. Typically, hens lay medium to large-sized eggs, characterized by a creamy or lightly tinted shell color. Egg production averages around 150 to 200 eggs per year, making them not the most prolific layers compared to commercial breeds which can lay around 250 eggs per year, but still highly valuable, particularly in harsher climates or in sustainable agricultural settings. In this case, I think there is more value in when they are able to produce eggs rather than the total quantity of eggs that they produce. There’s so much other food available over the summer and fall like vegetable and fruits, so summer eggs are not as desirable as winter eggs.
And Friendly to Boot
In addition to their egg-laying capabilities, Swedish Flower Hens have pleasant temperaments. They are generally known for their docility and ease of handling, making them excellent choices for beginners or families with children. These chickens exhibit independent foraging behavior, actively seeking insects, seeds, and other natural food sources, thus reducing feed costs and contributing to pest control around gardens or orchards. Their robust nature also means they typically have fewer health issues compared to breeds selectively bred for high productivity, translating into lower veterinary care costs and fewer management challenges.
Humans Tend to Want What They Can’t Have
They are a rare and expensive breed (which adds to the allure), but worth it since they are very cold hardy they will still produce eggs in the winter after it gets too cold for most other breeds to continue laying eggs. That’s a major plus because productive sources of food over the winter are scarce. Though it seems (and data backs it up) that Spring comes earlier and earlier every year in Southern Maryland, so the Swedish Flower Hen may not have the same advantage in 10 years as the climate warms.
Even so, the Swedish Flower Hen that I bought will be productive next winter, and her Swedish Flower Rooster companion will lend his genes to both her chicks, and also create hybrids with the Easter Egger, Wheaten Marans, and Cuckoo Marans egg laying hens that I have. Hopefully, bird flu won’t wreak any more havoc.
Update: Unfortunately, both of these Swedish flower chickens were eaten by a fox. I know that’s just how nature works, and the fox was trying to feed its young pups, but I’m saddened nonetheless. On the bright side, we did order more chicks, including another rare breed called a Bielefelder chicken.