History |
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This breed is believed to be the most cold-hardy chicken in the world. The aptly named "Hedemora" or "Hedemorahöna" is a landrace breed from Hedemora, Sweden. This small town is located in the central part of the country and lies very close to the 60 degree north parallel latitudinal line. This line also crosses along several southern parts of Alaska such as the Kenai Peninsula, Evans Island, Elrington Island, Latouche Island and Montague Island. And through the northern borders of several Canadian provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
It’s believed these chickens arrived to Sweden around 500 years ago. The region is known for its freezing, snowy, windy climate along with harsh winters. Because they are a land ("landrace") breed, meaning they were not bred to look the way they look, their appearance the result of hundreds of years of evolution to fit their environment. Individuals don’t all look alike as there are various colors and feather types. |
Their hardiness is shown in their small, round body. The color of the comb, beak and legs also varies, often with hints of black or blue or they are fibromelanistic (black skinned). The comb and wattles are often small to avoid frost bite. And they have dense and downy feathering.
The breed almost came to extinction in the 1970s, when many Swedish Hedemora chickens were cross-bred with Leghorns, and virtually no true Hedemora chickens were left. But in 1982, an intact flock of true Hedemora chickens was found in Dalarna, a town in central Sweden, and the breed was saved. However, the breed remains rare; only a few thousand birds are found worldwide. |
Physical Characteristics |
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There is no breed standard for the Hedemora. They can come in all types of various colors and feather types. However, they can be divided into three categories based on their appearance: woolly silkie-feathered, feather-legged and clean-legged. Feather-legged and clean-legged Hedemoras, have either feathered or clean shanks and toes. Woolly silkie feathered Hedemoras have fluffy feathering, looking like the feathers of a Silkie. This fur-like plumage helps them to contain body heat and protect their bodies from the cold.
The Hedemora is a smaller chicken, slightly larger than a bantam, although it’s a large fowl. Roosters weigh around 5 pounds (2.3 kg), and hens 4 pounds (1.8 kg). Their skin is often black, and comb and wattles are primarily red and relatively small to prevent frostbite. The Hedemora comes in a wide range of color varieties with black, red, white, and blue being the most common ones. Swedish breeders believe that all types and colors should be kept in a flock to assure genetic diversity. |
In the NWP flock, some of the more common colors we see are white, buff, isabel/isabella, lavender, red/black, black copper, and black silver. Patterns and lacing also seems to be very prevalent. The woolly feathering is recessive, however, as we continue to carry this breed, we will be selecting for more woolies in order to offer more of this sought after type.
Egg Production |
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Hedemoras are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they can be kept for both meat and egg production. Hens lay around 150-200 eggs annually, all tinted in color and medium-sized. They are good sitters, can go broody regularly, make excellent mothers, and take good care of their chicks.
Personality |
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Hedemoras are beginner-friendly, calm, docile, and easy to care for. You’ll notice that Hedemora chickens don’t have any trouble foraging through snowy landscapes, while other breeds prefer to stay in the run. And they’re a healthy breed that isn’t susceptible to diseases and doesn’t need much extra care other than food, water, and shelter. Their cold-hardiness also means they may be less tolerant of heat waves or warm temperatures. However, proactive husbandry practices to keep your birds well shaded, hydrated, and comfortable will help.
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If you are looking to add some of the beautiful birds to your flock, here are our sources: