Icelandic
Also known as Islensk landnamshaena
Also known as: Islensk landnamshaena
Is the Icelandic right for you? Take the Breed Matcher →About the Icelandic
Icelandic chickens are known for their varied appearances, each bird showcasing unique markings and patterns. They have a robust build with a relatively upright stance. Their temperament is generally calm and hardy, making them suitable for a range of environments, especially colder climates.
History
The Icelandic chicken has a rich heritage that dates back to the Viking era, originating from birds brought by Norse settlers. This landrace breed has adapted to Iceland’s harsh conditions, developing unique traits that allow it to thrive in the environment. Over time, Icelandic chickens have remained relatively pure, differentiating them from many commercial breeds.
Care tips
These birds are highly resilient and require minimal shelter in harsh weather. They exhibit broodiness, making them excellent mothers if allowed to hatch their own chicks. Providing ample space for foraging and social interaction helps keep them happy and healthy.
Color varieties
Fun facts
- Icelandic chickens often have varied feather patterns and colors.
- They are known for their ability to survive in extreme weather conditions.
- This breed is considered a treasure of Icelandic agriculture.
- They have a long-standing reputation for being excellent foragers.
What Icelandic chickens are like to keep
Icelandic chickens are a landrace that came to Iceland with Norse settlers more than a thousand years ago. Because the island was so isolated, the birds stayed mostly free of outside breeding and were shaped by farm life and a harsh climate, not by a show standard. In Iceland they are called the settlers' hen. The breed was in real danger in the 1900s as modern layers took over, and conservation work in Iceland helped bring it back.
No two look alike
There is no single look. Icelandics come in almost every color and pattern, with single, rose or other combs, and some have small crests. Breeders who keep the landrace true avoid selecting for one color, since the variety is part of what makes it an Icelandic.
Day to day
They are small to medium, lively and very independent. Icelandics are some of the best foragers you can keep, and they do well on free range where they find a lot of their own food. They are alert and quick to dodge predators. Most are not lap birds, but many get used to their keepers. Roosters tend to be watchful flock guards.
Eggs and broodiness
Hens lay white to light-tinted eggs, small to medium in size, at a fair rate. Many go broody and raise chicks well, which suits keepers who want a self-sustaining flock.
Climate
Icelandics handle cold very well. Larger single combs can still get frostbite in hard freezes, so keep the coop dry and ventilated. They cope with heat with shade, though they are clearly built for cool weather.
How they compare
The Swedish Flower Hen is another Nordic landrace with lots of color variety. It is a bit larger and lays tinted to light brown eggs.
Where to get them
Icelandics are rare in the US and mostly come from small breeders who keep separate lines. Ask about the source of the stock, since keepers care about keeping the lines pure.
Common questions about Icelandic chickens
Are Icelandic chickens good layers?
They are fair layers of small to medium white or lightly tinted eggs.
Are Icelandic chickens cold-hardy?
Very. They were shaped by Icelandic winters.
Why do Icelandic chickens look so different from each other?
They are a landrace, so color and comb vary naturally. Breeders keep that variety on purpose.
