To the best of our knowledge and careful research of each source, these are genetically true Svarts. We have never purchased Ayam Cemanis and have no plans in keeping them, so their is no risk of these being Ayams. Sources can be provided upon request. Any chicks unidentified at hatch are presumed *not* a Svart 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.

History
​       Svart Honas, also known as Swedish Black Hens, are an all-black landrace bird that flourished on what is now the Sweden-Norway border. And what had probably began as a tropical Indonesian import to this frigid region, eventually, adapted to the colder climate.  Some sources suggest that Swedish Black Hens made their way to the Nordic countries from seamen who traveled from Mozambique in the 1800s, although explanations vary and are often vague. It's worth noting that Norway and neighboring Sweden had a complex and often bloody history but suffice to say that, for a period of time, Norway was a state within Sweden until Norway won independence in 1905.
       Svarts are extremely rare. However, the Svart has a vastly different history and has adapted to a much colder climate over the centuries compared to the Ayam.
​       As of 2013, there are very few known flocks in the entire United States. To this day, the birds are even extremely hard to find in Europe. A national poultry census in Sweden verified the existence of fewer than 500 Swedish Black Hens.
  • Eggs: 200 - 250 eggs per year
  • Egg Color: Tinted
  • Egg Size: Large
  • Weight: 3-5 lbs. (hens), 5-7 lbs. (roosters)
  • Hardiness: Extremely cold-hardy
  • Temperament: Friendly, easily handled, great free rangers

​Physical Appearance

     They are a fibromelanistic breed meaning their bones, meat, eyes, comb, legs, and feathers are solid black and is known as the "blackest breed in the world". The gene that causes fibromelanosis is a mutation that existed in Asia more than 800 years ago and made its way in chickens transported to Norway as many as 400 years ago. 
​     The other all-black breed, the Ayam Cemani, is the close cousin to the Svart Hona. The breeds are similar, with most differences hard to spot to an untrained eye. But, Svart Honas should not be confused with its cousin. Although they are very similar in appearance, the main difference is that the Svart has a less “game fowl” appearance compared to the Ayam. ​
Picture
2024 NWP chick
​       The Svart is sleek and small, but they are not considered bantams. They are almost completely black although some have deep mulberry red facial skin. Their feathers shimmer with iridescent greens and purples.
​       The roosters can weigh approximately 7 lbs., have a friendly, relaxed temperament, are alert, and take great care keeping an eye on the hens. Hens are approximately 5 lbs. and are excellent layers of off-white or cream colored eggs. For her size, the eggs are extraordinarily large and she can produce up to 200-25o a year, even maintaining production during the colder months.
       These birds are excellent fliers and enjoy roosting high off the ground when given the opportunity. Because of their flight and alertness, they make great foragers which reflects the mastery that comes from the hundreds of years of free-range living enjoyed by their ancestors. However, just because these birds are excellent fliers, does not make them unfriendly nor flighty.
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