Swedish Flower Hen Thread

[KYTinpusher]

We hatched 3 SFHs last week. Any guesses as to what colors they will be as adults?

Black, blue-based MF, and blue

Very cute! Congrats!

 

[my2boysteacher]

Is there a place to see adults of those colors- black, blue, etc.? I don't know what that means in terms of color.
Here is our roo, what is his color considered?

 

[minihorse927]

I believe he's a black based Mille fluer

 

[ki4got]

Is there a place to see adults of those colors- black, blue, etc.? I don't know what that means in terms of color.
Here is our roo, what is his color considered?

the pattern on each bird is going to vary some, when we refer to blue black splash, look at the bird's tail feathers especially. the feathers should have white at the ends with either black with a green/blue/purple iridescence, various shades of blue/grey or mostly white with a few splotches of blue or black here and there (aka splash).

 

[ki4got]

just a comment... I've noticed a LOT of pictures recently of sfh with LARGE white earlobes... (not here, but on some auctions I've seen...)

I would personally be wary of those, as I think there are some breeders out there mixing mille fleur leghorns with the sfh. leghorns typically have large white earlobes, while most sfh I've seen have more red or pink (red with a faint wash of white on it), which is more correct for the lightly tinted eggs we normally see. they also have a much larger comb and the hens tend to flop over (as seen in the second pic).

these pics are just an example (from feathersite) of the mille fleur leghorns



to contrast this, these are a few of my own SFH, showing the difference from the large white earlobe to one that's more red or pink...

 

[HaplessRunner]

Folks, after going through this horrendous experience, I have now have really good news to report. VDACS tested all of my chicks on Saturday and the results are in. All chicks were negative (clean!) for MG/MS.

**************************************************************************

Mr. Markley,
I just received the attached test results. All the samples that were collected on Saturday are negative. If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Kymberly

Kymberly Hammer Coffman
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
261 Mount Clinton Pike
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Phone: 540-209-9120
Fax: 540-432-1357
[email protected]

*************************************************************************

So I can finally move ahead. Many thanks to the folks who supported me and expressed concern, it was gratifying and very much appreciated.

Tony

 

[KYTinpusher]

Congrats on the clean bill of health!

 

[OHfarmerswife]

Great news!!!!!!!

 

[CackleJoy]

just a comment... I've noticed a LOT of pictures recently of sfh with LARGE white earlobes... (not here, but on some auctions I've seen...)

I would personally be wary of those, as I think there are some breeders out there mixing mille fleur leghorns with the sfh. leghorns typically have large white earlobes, while most sfh I've seen have more red or pink (red with a faint wash of white on it), which is more correct for the lightly tinted eggs we normally see. they also have a much larger comb and the hens tend to flop over (as seen in the second pic).

these pics are just an example (from feathersite) of the mille fleur leghorns



to contrast this, these are a few of my own SFH, showing the difference from the large white earlobe to one that's more red or pink...

Having owned MFL from The Omelet Ranch I can see your point. However, my stock is direct from GFF, late 2013 chicks. The main cockerel couldn't be farther from MFL in type - but he doesn't have red ears. I no longer own MFL breeding stock and 100% prefer the SFH. I wouldn't want a mix for any reason! The temperament is worlds apart!

Main cockerel = white ears. He is easily 2x the size of a MFL. I would be very offended if someone accused me of mixing my stock. (I know you are not so don't worry - just pointing out that white ears DO happen). One should definitely be cautious, I see a potential for someone to add in Speckled Sussex and think that is okay too. It is probably best to know your source or at least ask for referrals from a known source. Ebay is scary - although even I have used it in the past to sell excess eggs.


The younger cockerel = pink ears.


Even though the lead cockerel has those leghorn scary ears - he is absolutely magnificent and significantly outsizes the younger one (they are a week apart). I much prefer his type so we will be using him as a breeder. I guess GFF must have white ears somewhere in their lines. If it's good enough for them it ought to be good enough for me.

Edited to clarify that I would NOT think it would be okay to cross with SS. I was saying other less scrupulous people might think it was okay. I hope that is clear as I value these birds and believe that true breed preservation does NOT include introducing other breeds!

 

[CackleJoy]

Announcing the very first pip of a SFH egg at our house!!!