Swedish Flower Hen Thread

[lcatty]

I think they only imported twice, but I read someplace they may import more this year. When I got my chicks the two lines where marked. Does someone have three lines?
Ps My sister-in-law lives in Calera, pretty lakes in AL. We try to visit once a year.

Sorry this is quite a few days after your post but have not been online for awhile due to job, etc.

I found out from Greenfire (Jenny) that they have three lines of Swedes- purple banded, un-banded, and pink banded. I have ordered some from the pink banded line recently, for purposes of avoiding in-breeding as much as possible (I have chickens from the other two lines right now).

As long as we are on the topic, does anyone else suspect possible "split wing" defects in their birds? I am going to wait until mine mature more to make any final determinations on that but gosh it looks like most have it- there is a distinct gap between the primary and secondary feathers, rather than a nice even fan. Hopefully it is because the birds are not yet fully developed. When I get a chance I will take some photos and show you what I mean.

Also, the rooster I really, really wanted to breed because of his deep red coloring and lovely straight toes turned out to have side sprigs (is that the correct term of art?) on his comb. I think someone else had that happen- maybe it was KYTinpusher. I am going to re-home him soon.

With the curved toes, the combs, and now possibly the wing issue- is this a result of inbreeding, and, if so, at what point should I/we consider out-crossing? Any experienced breeders out there please opine. I am reading what I can on the subject but not finding a good answer to that question so far.

Basically, I think this breed is the cat's meow- a backyard chicken-keeper's dream in terms of both looks and personality. I want to help improve it but not sure how to begin.

 

[lcatty]

Wow, Contrastphoto your birds are marvelous! That Cayenne is especially handsome, I think.

Congrats on your success!

 

[Contrastphoto]

Thanks! (The names are above the photos... sorry for the mix up. I am guessing you are talking about Spruce.) I have pink and purple banded. Thanks for emailing them about that. I guess we should have asked sooner.

Also do mine have "split wings," not sure what they look like. Please let me know. As far as the side sprigs, I also had a female that I had hatched from a breeder in GA. that had side sprigs. Unfortunately, she disappear one day while free ranging. What line did the rooster come from that has them?

Wow, Contrastphoto your birds are marvelous! That Cayenne is especially handsome, I think.

Congrats on your success!

 

[Fluffballs]

Those are very pretty birds. Do they come in any other varieties other than mille fleur (that's what they're coloring is called, right?)?

 

[Theeggboxtoo]

These are my four Swedish Flowers!

This one isn't named yet, I'm not sure if it's a rooster or a hen yet. Any ideas? Do you have any name ideas?

This is Bandit (Pullet)



This is The Mad-Hatter (Male)



and this is Dixie! (Pullet)

 

[Theeggboxtoo]

Those are very pretty birds. Do they come in any other varieties other than mille fleur (that's what they're coloring is called, right?)?

I have one that doesn't have the spotting

 

[BLaBauve]

Contrast, they are stunning. Love your crested blue girl!!

 

[lcatty]

Those are very pretty birds. Do they come in any other varieties other than mille fleur (that's what they're coloring is called, right?)?

Most of these Swedes are speckled, or mottled. Here's what I've always thought people meant by mille fleur, but I could be using the term incorrectly

 

[lcatty]

Yes I did mean the rooster Spruce is very handsome- my oversight! They are all lovely, though.

I will try to post a pic of one of my bird's wings spread out tomorrow.

The roo I have with the sprigs came from the purple-banded line.

Thanks! (The names are above the photos... sorry for the mix up. I am guessing you are talking about Spruce.) I have pink and purple banded. Thanks for emailing them about that. I guess we should have asked sooner.

Also do mine have "split wings," not sure what they look like. Please let me know. As far as the side sprigs, I also had a female that I had hatched from a breeder in GA. that had side sprigs. Unfortunately, she disappear one day while free ranging. What line did the rooster come from that has them?

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Icatty, none of my birds had the split wings. (I know what you're talking about because I currently have an NN with it.)

Regarding the sprigs. I have one single combed and 2 crested cockerels. Both of my crested boys have a sprig, but just on one side.
I decided to keep these boys for breeding for several reasons. I don't see it as a fault. They're a land race fowl and no standards have been set for these birds. There aren't many birds in the breeding pool. I chose the roos that were larger, had a nice body type and color. I'm not bothered by the sprigs and they don't affect their ability to do their job.

I love seeing all these birds as they feather out! So beautiful! Thanks for sharing all these wonderful pictures

ETA: I wouldn't breed a bird with crooked toes. That can be genetic and something that could get worse with each breeding. That would affect a birds well being, whereas side sprigs wouldn't. Just my opinion.