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Thursday, October 1, 2015

Flockers from the 9th Century

Cold Hardy - Low Maintenance Chickens

Icelandic chickens are a great idea; if, you want a low maintenance flock.  They are the hardiest of animals for cold weather.  No need for fences: as these bird fly well and have a very strong sense of survival.  Build a chicken coop that they like.  As great foragers, Icelandic chicks, will scavenge and hunt for grub.  You will likely want to provide feed to keep them near their roost.  No need for expensive egg incubators as the Viking Hens are broody and the flock will not likely need assistance; once you've established the population.  They will lay colourful eggs: to make omelets, or little speckled chicks.



Something that may be considered a deterrent; or a great benefit, Viking Hens are not pets.  They are not -likely, let you hold and pet them.  If you are worried about catching them to butcher them, well, these chickens are on the smallish side (3-4 1/2 lbs.).  While, they are considered delicious; they are not a meat producer, they are egg layers.

You'll need to weigh the positives and the negatives of these feathered flockers.

A brief history; this 9th century fowl was a Norse livestock, that didn't make its way to the US, until 1930's.  Icies where breed with other breeds to create Leghorns.

If you want to check out reviews and tips by flock owners click here.
For more information check out what Mother Earth News has to say about them.