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Hedemorahöna (hedemora)Since 2023
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To the best of our knowledge and careful research of each source, these are genetically true Hedemoras. NWP's Hedemoras were originally sourced only from reputable flocks. Sources can be provided upon request. Any new additions will come directly from these sources going forward in an effort to keep this unique landrace breed pure from other breeds. Any chicks unidentified at hatch are presumed *not* a Hedemora and not used for further breeding (as they make look like one of our projects). Only 100% identified known chicks/adults are used. This is to maintain the unique genetic integrity of this rare landrace breed as well as the beneficial characteristics this breed has developed through natural selection to survive cold environments.
The only importer of the Hedemora has since sold off their flock. It now continues to exist in the USA solely with those who diligently continue to raise them. The only way to obtain this breed is through those scarce flocks that are willing and able to sell chicks or hatching eggs. But stay tuned - myself and another breeder are working behind the scenes to import new lines directly from Sweden so we may continue to keep this wonderful breed from being lost in the States. |
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If you're looking for a beautiful, diverse, cold-hardy, docile, and curious beginner flock, I'd absolutely recommend the Hedemora. This landrace is slightly smaller than other standard breeds, very easy to handle, not flighty, easy keepers, great foragers, and excellent, consistent layers.
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. |
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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. |
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Physical Characteristics |
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NWP Hedemora hen
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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. |
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.
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. NWP keeps all varieties of Hedemoras: smooth and wooly feathered, fibromelanistic and non-fibro skinned, feathered and non-feathered shanked. To maintain diverse characteristics, we do not accomodate
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NWP Woolly Hedemora Rooster ("Rusty")
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