Icelandic Chickens

[Happy Chooks]

Mary, don't jinx yourself.....................she was waiting in the incubator for you!

And congrats, she is beautiful. I love the dark ones! (the light ones are beautiful too, but I just love the dark ones)

 

[The Sheriff]

CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

10 day-old chicks
Pinch of chick starter

Directions:

Line a warm glass baking dish with paper towels. Add chicks. Sprinkle with starter crumbles.

Serves 10

Actually, I put them in there while I cleaned their brooder are couldn't resist snapping a picture!

 

[Happy Chooks]

 

[kathyinmo]

Love it, Mary! I think the one in the back took a bite out of that apple behind him.

 

[Mahonri]

I love it!

Chicken Casserole!

 

[The Sheriff]

If you like dark meat, you have to get your fork in this batch fast!

Nah, that little bugger is all MINE!

p.s. I know this is hardly a news flash at this point, but as of 0800 hours this morning....drum roll please....Lukka is broody!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
Ummm, what did she give you, one egg, then back to motherhood?

Good thing you're already incubating eggs!

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
Ummm, what did she give you, one egg, then back to motherhood?

Good thing you're already incubating eggs!

I am not even sure she laid that one egg! Now she is sitting on the ones I promised to send to other people! I am going to try to move her today and give her some eggs from the incubator.

 

[Carrie Lynn]

Warden,
Congrats on your efforts to ward off extinction!
I just found your story and I'm finding Icelandics so interesting.
What can you tell us about the breed's temperment, laying habits, size etc.?
Keep up the good work

Carrie Lynn

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
As far as temperament, mine are fiercely independent. They have no intention of becoming lap chickens. I have only had one aggressive rooster but Sigrid tells me she has never had one. They run to me for treats and food but have no plans in the near future to jump on my shoulder for a nap. As babies they are friendly and inquisitive but it seems like all the affection they feel for me at that stage ends when the join the flock. They get along well with each other with only minor skirmishes to maintain pecking order. They mingle with other breeds well but seem to pile up in the afternoons for "Icelandics Only" naps in the sun.

Mine are good layers of medium white eggs. I lost one beloved hen to egg yolk peritonitis after internal laying. That is the single health issue I have had with my birds. They are very hearty and healthy. They love to forage, love to fly up and sleep in the rafters, and can fly over most fences. Our yard is covered in net but when it wasn't we just clipped wings when they were teens. As far as size I would consider them a medium sized bird. As teenagers they look like game birds but they fill in as they age.

My roo is the most amazing creature. I am quite sure if asked, he could write the "Roostering for Dummies" edition. He keeps the peace, constantly patrols for threats, makes sure he points out all the tasty treats to the girls before eating any himself. He rules with an iron fist though. If he says there is a reason for the flock to stay in the coop, they stay in the coop until he sounds the "all clear." He has never once made an aggressive move towards a human. He crows mostly in the morning and gives us a break much of the day. His only vice is "sleeping around." He loves getting himself a little silkie action now and again and they LOVE him.

I am just in love with these birds. Can you tell?

Thanks for visiting!