Hedemora Chicken

Hedemora Chicken

The Hedemora or Hedemorahona, is a rare chicken breed over 500 years old that originated  in the forested areas of Dalarna County of Sweden close to Hedemora. It’s said to be the most cold hardy chicken in the world.  Hedemoras are known to lay throughout the frigid winters, and are willing foragers even in the snow at a very low temperature in subzero weather – how cool! We immediately wanted to get our hands on these birds living in the harsh conditions of Vermont.

Hedemora chickens are a landrace breed that over time split into three distinct varieties. The first variety is the ‘Wooly Silkied-Feather’, which has fine and furry looking feathers that cover its body. They can have feathers on their legs, clean legs and colorings can vary,  with a heavy down layer under their feathers, which protect them from the extremely cold weather. Our breeding stock has several color varieties and feather variations! A landrace breed means that there is no standard in colorings, looks etc. What this means for you is you can expect some fun colors and looks, there are even some that are fibro!  We breed for temperament and health.

Feed Recommendations: we recommend starting baby chicks out with Sugar Feather Farm chick starter for the first 3 weeks, then switch to our Chicken Grower. Use the Grower Feed until they hit maturation (which is when they start to lay) then switch to Sugar Feather Farm Adult Feed. 

We highly recommend using the Oil of Oregano in their water daily as a supplement to aid with digestion and overall health.

Hedemora chickens have small single combs and wattles, and mostly red earlobes. The hens are good layers of white to light tan eggs (around 150 eggs per year), and they tend to go broody as well. Due to their very thick feathering, Hedemoras are capable of brooding very large clutches of eggs and make wonderful mothers. These chickens  can acclimate to any climates, but it gives us peace of mind knowing in the winter months they will be able to handle the cold temperatures. They are a very calm breed, the roosters are generally friendly and hens tame and sweet, some timid. This is important to know in the flock hierarchy. All are vaccinated for Marek’s Disease and Non-GMO.

Hardy birds, easy keepers and they make great pets. We also find adding additional younger birds to the flock to be a smooth transition.   A huge favorite on the farm and interact well with other breeds and fowl. Our daughter has her favorite rooster in several videos on our You Tube Channel.

History

The Hedemora originates from the area close to Hedemora in Delarna County, Sweeden. They were rediscovered in the 1980’s when a woman saw a flock that reminded her of chickens her parents had in her childhood.