The Svart Hona (Swedish Black Hen) Thread!

[gapey]

I haven't had any trouble from mine. What is your line?

I've got a broody that is kicking the eggs out right before they hatch and starting over. That's making me crazy.

I was told they were from a Ewe Crazy Roo and GFF hens but I have my doubts. Both of my girls are broody and decided to give one chicks. She is doing pretty good with them so far.

 

[Asbestron]

My 2 week old Sverta Hona.
Pretty sure it's a roo as he has an attitude. That's a Swedish Blue Hen on the right. Incubating another batch in 2 days.

 

[Beccachicka]

I just was gifted a cockerel a few weeks ago. This is him with my twins. He is the sweetest chicken I have. He seems to think my hair is a cool place to cuddle up under and makes some of the funniest noises, none of which I've ever heard from a chick before. I'm so excited to see him all grown up and fingers crossed he stays such a sweet guy! His comb has grown twice the size of this now!!!

 

[steaknegger]

Yes the meat is totally black and the eggs are white.

I am not sure of my pricing quite yet. I will probably release the first chicks at auction and then determine price

Can you tell me what percentage of chicks are born all black? It turns out that Ayam Cemani chicks are generally born 25% silver, 50% mostly black, and 25% pitch black. American breeders of the Cemani are culling really hard to increase the percentage of black offspring, but seem to be having little luck. Since the same gene type/trait is involved, and color breeding is a pretty established science, I would think that the odds of breeding pure black reliably would be similar. Also, there is no American Standard of Perfection for Cemani, what about these Hona? How would you know if you had good ones? I am curious about some of these new rare breeds and would like to find out all I can. We have been very successful with our Silver Phoenixes, and are looking for something unique.

 

[Zoomie]

@steaknegger if you read back in this thread there is a SOP from Sweden that was posted, and two translations of it. I don't think this is a recognized breed in the US.

I have very little experience, but ALL of my chicks have been black. Now, some might have a pink toenail, or a tip of a wing that is white, but they are all black. Or is that what you are considering "mostly black"? I have not seen a silver one. Maybe others could pitch in here with their experience.

 

[Asbestron]

I have 2 that are about 8 weeks old and both are solid black

 

[karma33]

Can you tell me what percentage of chicks are born all black? It turns out that Ayam Cemani chicks are generlso, there is no American Standard of Perfection for Cemani, what about these Hona? How would you know if you had good ones? I am curious about some of these new rare breeds and would like to find out all I can. We have been very successful with our Silver Phoenixes, and are looking for something unique.

A breeder who participates in the Swedish gene bank shared this information:
"As a participant in the gene bank, you may not select for exterior or color. White, red (mullberry) and blue combs and earflaps are ok, red legs occurs and even white animals. ...But the focus should be on the pure breed and healthy animals."

 

[Kindercare]

Fellow Svart Enthusiasts,

I've got a Svart Hona trio for sale if anyone is interested. Augusta County, VA.

Pictures and details here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/svart-hona-breeding-trio-augusta-co-va.1199720/

 

[campingshaws]

I’ve decided to get out of honas but wanted to post a pic of my breed cock for critique before I sell out. I think he’s still in molt (saw pin feathers) and he’s a bit too thin but I’m curious about your opinions on his form overall. He’s strutting a bit and I love it. He’s blind in that eye and lost bits of his comb to fighting younger cockerels.

 

[Zoomie]

Oh, I'm sorry you are getting out of them, @campingshaws. I think your rooster looks really nice! Mine is younger than yours and still not in his full glory.

I wish you lived closer, I'd love to pick up a couple of birds... ah well...