Among the small population of livestock found in Iceland, the Icelandic chicken holds a unique place in the island’s history and daily life. Known in Icelandic as íslenska hænan, haughænsni, or landnámshænan (the hen of the settlers), this landrace fowl traces its arrival to the time of Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. The breed represents one of the oldest continuous lines of chickens in Europe, maintaining a distinct genetic heritage shaped by centuries of adaptation to the northern Atlantic climate.
A landrace shaped by Iceland’s environment
Unlike modern, standardised chicken breeds, the Icelandic chicken exhibits a remarkable variety in appearance. Feather colours and patterns vary widely, and some birds sport distinctive crests or unusual combs. The breed has not been subject to the kind of selective breeding which creates a ‘Standard of Perfection’; instead, it has evolved as a landrace, shaped by its environment and the needs of Icelandic farmers over generations. DNA analyses show that this variety correlates with high genetic diversity, much greater than that found in most modern chicken breeds.
Living in Iceland is not easy for any animal, and íslenska hænan is adapted for the challenge. These chickens thrive in the island’s backyard farms, showing a notable ability to resist the cold and cope with the short, dark days of winter. Unlike many chickens, they continue laying eggs through much of the winter season and throughout their relatively long lifetimes. Icelandic hens are known for being ‘broody’, often choosing to incubate and hatch their own eggs, and make attentive mothers.
The Icelandic chicken in modern Iceland
Today, the total population remains small, estimated at a few hundred birds. Some flocks can be found at agricultural sites such as Hvanneyri and at the family-friendly farm animal zoo in Laugardalur, Reykjavík. The breed’s presence is largely due to the dedication of the Eigenda- og ræktendafélag landnámshænsna, the Owners and Breeders Association of Landnámshænan, which preserves the genetic line and traditional practices associated with these chickens.
Behaviourally, Icelandic chickens are both alert and capable fliers, often roosting in high places at night. Their instincts keep them wary of predators, but also mean that good fencing or even the presence of a livestock guard dog is a necessity. They enjoy foraging and are sometimes found digging in compost or manure piles. On the whole, when raised with care, the breed becomes quite trusting of humans.
The Icelandic chicken continues to play an understated but significant role in the island’s rural heritage, valued for its adaptability and rare lineage rather than commercial productivity. In a country known for its strong ties to the past, the íslenska hænan is a living thread to the age of the original settlers.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia (Icelandic) in Icelandic
