Icelandic Chickens

[karimw]

Well, I finally was able to sneak up on the babies from Jake and snap a few shots.
First, here's the lone Delaware. He isn't usually with his hatch mates any more - he can't keep up with them.


One of their favorite lounge spots


Most are light colored but I have one dark one from each hatch, both mottled.




I think I'll need a game cam to get better ones

They are truly feral.

 

[mlm Mike]

Nice photos. Yes, they can be rather feral!

 

[debs_flock]

Btw, thank you to whoever posted the video on the duck herding (can't remember who, sorry). That was pretty fun to watch

Now I want ducks, lol............

You're welcome, they are fun........herding dogs AND ducks!

 

[RedIII]

Karimw, looks like you have some fine birds, there! I love the porcelain color on the one pullet.

 

[Jake Levi]

I have three of the first hatch also showing the porcelain, one fairly dark, these are for now with 3 young turkeys that are soon going out to their own pen and they will be joined by some more in the brooder.

Most of these are by Isi's son Bjorn who is very dark, I have one look-alike dark one and the rest from wheaten to porcelain.

Bjorn is available to anyone who wants to come and pick him up, he has done a good job this year reproducing himself. I may retire Isi this fall, but he has a forever home here.

Several of this years young roosters will be rehomed, I will have three to use, two and Isi for backup.

Life goes on and the flock is looking very good.

 

[karimw]

Karimw, looks like you have some fine birds, there! I love the porcelain color on the one pullet.

Thanks! I love her too! I have a couple that are slightly tinted, but she is the prettiest.

 

[Myrth]

Your flock sounds beautiful, Jake! I would love to see photos, but I know from reading this thread that I won't be seeing any!


I have never had chickens with such varied colors. Previously I have had brahmas and orpingtons. Choosing a rooster was simpler, looking at weight, early feathering, shape and type, and behavior. In theory, I know that I should not allow color to influence my culling decisions in these birds either. But I wonder if I will tend to get distracted by the pretty colors. I hope not.

With horses I have always followed the old wisdom that a good horse cannot be a bad color (conformation, disposition and performance are controlling from my perspective). I have followed the same philosophy with goats and sheep over the years.

But these are so pretty I may have trouble getting distracted!

 

[karimw]

I agree Myrth, though all other characteristics being equal, prettier is better! Icelandics are great because there isn't a Standard they have to measure up to like other breeds.

 

[Myrth]

Pretty is nice! DH requested more variety for our next flock, a pretty, diverse flock. I wanted one breed that needs conservation, that would go broody, that lays well, and that would produce a reasonable amount of meat. These birds were the answer.

 

[NotAFarm]

Kari, What a nice group you got from Jake! I'm glad you posted pictures.......otherwise we would never know what Jakes' birds look like!

I like that the flock isn't "tame" and can take care of themselves.......a great trait that needs to be preserved.

It is so true that once vigor, temperament and obvious health issues are taken into consideration, we can choose what we want and have our pretty, varied flock all within one breed, our Icelandics! The fact that their genes have not been "narrowed down" to make they all look alike is the treasure that they possess and we are responsible for preserving.

The four youngest of the Falki x Forsaela daughters......look at the variety among these full sisters!