The Wonderful World of Icelandic Chickens
WARNING!!! the beauty of Icelandic Chickens has proven to be highly addictive. Proceed at your own risk....
If you want to start at the begining, then start where I did, by reading this thread;
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3660335#p3660335
A great article about the birds can be found here:
http://www.aviculture-europe.nl/nummers/10E06A03.pdf
The shortest explanation is copied from KathyinMO's sig line:
ICELANDIC CHICKENS are a landrace fowl which are rare outside its native country. An old breed, they have been there since introduction by Norse settlers in the 9th century. Icelandics are not standardized in appearance, and possess a wide range of plumage colors & patterns, skin coloration & comb types. They have white earlobes, lay white eggs & are winter hardy.
I had thought before about getting a rare breed, if I'm going to make more chickens why not do it with a bigger purpose. After seeing the pictures and reading the information I became fascinated by the Icelandics. I was hopeful that their natural survival skills would help them flourish in the harsh Alaskan climate. The more I thought about them, the more I wanted some. Luckily it was hatching season so the wait wasn't that long.
The first batch of Icelandic chicken eggs came to me from The Warden, each one an innocent looking little white egg leading me closer and closer to being hopelessly addicted. 3 long weeks in the incubator and suddenly I had a flock of Icelandic Chickens. The first batch was 8 chipmunks and 5 blonds.
I know mom's aren't supposed to pick favorites but that's a hard rule to follow with babies this cute.
I nick-named this one "Mullet-head".
The one consistant rule when dealing with Icelandics, you can't ever guess how they will turn out. This is my Mullet Head now, I've named him Kelinn, Icelandic for Cuddly
