Shetland Hen History: How This Rare Breed Was Born from a Shipwreck
Picture this: A mighty Spanish galleon, braving the Atlantic with a cargo of rare South American chickens—ancestors of the famed Araucana, known for their mesmerizing blue eggs.
Then, disaster strikes. The ship veers off course and is battered by relentless waves until it finally meets its fate on the remote, windswept shores of the Shetland Isles.
But what could have been the end of their story was just the beginning.
Stranded in a rugged land, these South American chickens intermingled with the hardy local Scottish fowl. Over generations, this mix created something extraordinary: a cold-hardy, resilient, and strikingly beautiful bird—the Shetland Hen.
Shetland Hen Characteristics: Crests, Colors, and Unique Features
Forget plain, everyday chickens—Shetland Hens are walking works of art.
Tappits & Tufts: The Crested Crowns of Shetland Hens
Atop their heads, many Shetland Hens wear bold, feathered crowns—known as “tappits”—a nod to their fascinating genetics. Some have wild, tousled headpieces like rebellious rock stars, while others sport smooth, regal crests.
But these tufts aren’t just for show. In the chicken world, bold looks can influence pecking order and flock dynamics—because even chickens know how to make an entrance.
Iridescent Feathers: A Cloak of Color
Most Shetland Hens boast sleek black plumage, but look closer, and you’ll see a hidden rainbow of iridescent blues, greens, and purples shimmering in the sunlight.
But their coloring doesn’t stop there. Interspersed within this dark base are splashes of white, silver, and gold. These colors aren’t random—they follow distinct patterns unique to the breed. Some Shetland Hens have delicate white speckles, dotting their feathers like stars in a night sky. Others display streaks of silver that run through their plumage, giving them a regal, armored appearance.
No two birds look exactly alike, making each Shetland Hen a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of genetics and history.
And speaking of unique traits…
Shetland Hen Eggs: The Blue-Green Wonders of This Rare Breed
One of the most jaw-dropping features of the Shetland Hen? Their blue and green eggs.
This rare and treasured trait—passed down from their Araucana lineage—is a genetic jackpot in the poultry world. While most backyard chickens lay brown or white eggs, Shetland Hens produce an ocean-inspired palette of blue and green hues, making every egg collection feel like a treasure hunt.
This isn’t just about beauty—it’s about history in your backyard. These hens carry a legacy that spans continents, shipwrecks, and centuries of adaptation.
Why the Shetland Hen is Endangered (and How We Can Save It)
Despite their rich heritage, Shetland Hens are now critically endangered.
Their decline is due to a shift toward high-production commercial breeds, combined with their geographic isolation on the Shetland Isles. Once a hidden gem, they now face the risk of disappearing entirely.
But there’s still hope.
At Cluck It All Farms, we’re working to preserve and rebuild this incredible breed through careful breeding programs that maintain their genetic diversity.
And we need your help.
Where to Find Shetland Hens & How to Help Save the Breed
Saving the Shetland Hen isn’t just about conservation—it’s about keeping history alive.
How can you help?
✔ Raise Shetland Hens in your backyard flock
✔ Support breeders who specialize in rare poultry
✔ Spread the word about these incredible birds
Every Shetland Hen raised, every chick hatched, and every shared story keeps this breed’s legacy alive.
Get Shetland Hen Hatching Eggs & Chicks
Interested in adding Shetland Hens to your flock? Cluck It All Farms offers hatching eggs and chicks to help backyard chicken keepers become part of this incredible breed’s future. Whether you’re looking for a blue-green egg layer or want to preserve a rare, historical breed, raising Shetland Hens is a rewarding experience.
🐣 Availability is limited, so if you're ready to hatch a piece of history, check out our current offerings!
👉Hatching Eggs and Day Old Chicks
The Shetland Hen’s story isn’t over yet—and with your help, its future can be just as legendary as its past.
