Icelandic Settlement Hen

• Did you know that the original Icelandic poultry breed had an estimated 3000 birds?
• Did you know that an association for the protection of the Icelandic settlement hen was established in 2003?

Historical evidence suggests that the original Norse settlers brought poultry with them to the country along with other livestock. However, the original breed probably came close to extinction in the late 18^th century. Icelandic settlement hens, which are known for a great variety in colour, were traditionally kept in small flocks and this is still the case today. The breed appears to have ancient origins and is likely related to the old Norwegian Jærhøns poultry breed. The Agriculture Research Institution made a special effort in 1974 to protect the remaining settlement hen stock but by then it had probably become mixed with foreign chicken breeds imported in the 19^th and 20^th century. The effort increased the interest in keeping Icelandic settlement hen as pets and for small-scale egg production.

Icelandic hens and roosters not only have a great variation in colour but also in the size and shape of the comb and some of them also have a plume on their heads. Even though the hens lay fewer eggs than the imported mixed Leghorn breed, the Icelandic poultry breed is known for healthiness, longevity and good mothering abilities.