Hedemora hen

Hedemora hens are a remnant of an old indigenous hen from the Swedish province of Dalarna. The birds have very thick and downy plumage, which indicates long-term adaptation to cold climates.

They are good laying hens, and lay year-round. The sootcolored hens, white with gray-black markings, have been considered for generations to be the best layers.

The breed today is not critically endangered, but there is a shortage of specimens.

The museum’s hens are allowed to brood eggs and young chicks as they please.