Swedish Flower Hen (Skånsk Blommehöna)
Mille-fleur Swedish landrace recovered from near extinction.
Overview
The Swedish Flower Hen, known in its native country as Skånsk Blommehöna, is a landrace chicken originating from Sweden. This breed was developed over generations through natural selection within rural farm settings, rather than through systematic breeding programs. Its unique appearance, characterized by a variegated feather pattern, likely arose from spontaneous mutations and adaptation to local environmental conditions. For a long time, these chickens were common in the southern parts of Sweden, particularly in the region of Scania (Skåne).
During a period when many traditional landraces were replaced by commercial laying and meat breeds, the Swedish Flower Hen faced a significant decline. At one point, the breed was considered almost extinct. However, efforts by dedicated enthusiasts led to the rediscovery and aggregation of remaining birds from isolated farm flocks, primarily in the 1980s. These conservation efforts have helped to restore the population, ensuring the continuation of this distinct Swedish chicken type. Today, it is recognized and valued for its heritage status and unique aesthetic appeal.
Origins
Tracing back to Sweden, the Swedish Flower Hen (Skånsk Blommehöna) earned its place in the lineage of chickens through generations of selection — a slow conversation between climate, husbandry, and human eye. Mille-fleur Swedish landrace recovered from near extinction.
Temperament
Custodians describe the Swedish Flower Hen (Skånsk Blommehöna) as known for calm behavior and gentle disposition, often adaptable..
Conservation
Current status: Recovering in its native country · rarity tier Rare. Working populations remain in the hands of a small global network — 0+ of them keep programmes on Best of Breed alone.
Swedish Flower Hen (Skånsk Blommehöna), in photographs.
A living plate — community submissions and high-resolution photographs from Wikimedia Commons, sorted by clarity.