Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for a breed that’s as beautiful as it is hardy, let me introduce you to the Swedish Flower Hen—or as they say in Sweden, Skånsk blommehöna. These birds are the hidden gems of the poultry world, known for their speckled, “flowered” plumage, friendly personalities, and impressive adaptability.
Once on the verge of extinction, this vibrant landrace breed has made a remarkable comeback, thanks to conservation efforts in Sweden. Whether you’re a backyard chicken keeper, a homesteader, or just a fan of unique heritage breeds, the Swedish Flower Hen is a must-have for your flock.
Let’s dive into their fascinating history, characteristics, egg-laying abilities, and why they make such fantastic additions to any coop!
A Petal from the Past: The History of Swedish Flower Hens
The Swedish Flower Hen isn’t just another pretty bird—it’s a living piece of Sweden’s rural history. This breed traces its roots back to the plains of Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost province, where they thrived for centuries as hardy, self-sufficient farmstead birds.
But by the 1980s, these feathered beauties were nearly lost. Modern commercial poultry breeds took over, and small farm flocks dwindled. Enter Håkan Hallander, a conservationist who recognized the breed’s historical and genetic value. He, along with the Swedish Gene Bank, helped bring them back from the brink by collecting birds from three key farmsteads:
🐔 Ester Pålson’s flock in Esarp
🐔 Kurt Jönsson’s flock in Tofta
🐔 Bror Svensson’s flock in Vomb (where nearly all birds were crested!)
The name “blommehöna” comes from an old Swedish term meaning “flowered hen”—a nod to their uniquely speckled plumage that looks like a wildflower meadow in full bloom.
Today, thanks to dedicated breeders and enthusiasts, Swedish Flower Hens are making a well-deserved comeback in coops worldwide!
Built for Beauty and Hardiness: Physical Characteristics of the Swedish Flower Hen
Swedish Flower Hens are more than just eye-catching—they're the largest of Sweden’s native landrace chickens, with a round, robust body and strong build that has helped them thrive on the fertile plains of Skåne for generations.
Size & Build
✔ Hens weigh 2–2.5 kg (4.4–5.5 lbs)
✔ Roosters weigh 2.5–3.5 kg (5.5–7.7 lbs)
✔ Legs are smooth and sturdy, with colors ranging from skin-colored to yellow or black-mottled
✔ Feet have four toes—standard for most chickens
Head & Comb
✔ Earlobes are typically white, sometimes with red speckles
✔ Single, serrated comb, usually medium-sized but with some variation
✔ Some birds have crests, which range from a few extra feathers to a fully developed “luva” (a Swedish term for a knitted cap-like crest)
⚠️ Breeding Note:
If you’re breeding Swedish Flower Hens, avoid pairing two crested birds. A fully developed crest can block vision and make it harder for birds to spot predators.
Plumage & Colors
What truly makes these birds stand out is their flowered feather pattern. Their base color varies, but all birds carry the gene for white-tipped feathers, creating their signature speckled appearance.
✔ Base Colors:
- “Vild” (Wild-type) – Red-orange roosters, brown hens
- Black
- Gray (Blue)
- Rare Bright Yellowish
✔ Special Variations:
- Birds with double genes for blue appear almost white
- Brown birds often have a three-toned feather pattern—a black (or gray-blue) strip between their base color and white-tipped ends
- With each molt, white speckling tends to increase, making older birds appear even more flowered over time
Swedish Flower Hens are truly one-of-a-kind, with no two birds looking exactly alike!
❄ Hardy & Adaptable
One of their best traits? They can handle almost any climate. Bred in Sweden’s unpredictable weather, they’re tough enough to withstand both cold winters and hot summers.
🏡 Independent But Friendly
Swedish Flower Hens are known for their curious, social, and intelligent nature. They’re friendly with people but also independent enough to forage on their own, making them low-maintenance and beginner-friendly.
Pro Tip: If you love having hands-on, interactive chickens, these birds can be tamed easily with treats and regular handling!
Raising Swedish Flower Hens: What to Know
🐥 Broodiness? Not So Much.
Swedish Flower Hens aren’t the broodiest breed, but some hens will go broody occasionally—about 20% of the time. If you’re looking to hatch your own chicks, you might need to encourage a broody hen or use an incubator.
🌿 Foraging Experts
These chickens thrive in free-range environments, making them an excellent choice for farms and homesteads. They love to scratch around for bugs, seeds, and greens, helping to keep your yard pest-free.
🏡 Coop Considerations
They don’t require anything fancy, but like all chickens, they need:
✔ At least 4 sq. ft. of coop space per bird
✔ 10–12 inches of roosting space each
✔ Nest boxes(one per 3–4 hens)
✔ A secure run if free-ranging isn’t possible
🌡 Cold-Hardy, But Keep an Eye on Combs
Swedish Flower Hens handle cold well, but their single combs are prone to frostbite in freezing temperatures. Instead of using petroleum jelly (which doesn’t actually prevent frostbite), here’s what works:
✔ Good Coop Ventilation: Reduces moisture buildup, which is the main cause of frostbite.
✔ Draft-Free but Not Airtight Coops: Keep cold winds out, but allow airflow to prevent condensation.
✔ Lanolin-Based Balms (Optional): Some chicken keepers use these to repel moisture, but proper housing is the best defense.
Final Thoughts: Are Swedish Flower Hens Right for You?
If you want a hardy, low-maintenance, and visually stunning breed, the Swedish Flower Hen is an absolute winner. They’re friendly, good foragers, and adaptable to different climates—making them perfect for backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farms alike.
At Cluck It All Farms, we’re proud to offer Swedish Flower Hen hatching eggs and chicks (seasonally). If you’re ready to add some blooming beauty to your flock, check out our available stock and start raising these feathered stars today!
