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In Sweden there are several local breeds of hens of native origin. These peasant breeds are all characterized by a large variation in colour, with wild type and black, grey or white mottled being rather common. Their physical appearance also varies, with crested or tufted heads and thinly feathered legs occasionally occurring. The breed types though are rather homogenous with a robust brawny body.
The Skånsk Blomme is one of the largest of the landrace poultry breeds. They are a stout and sturdy bird; an average adult female is approximately 2.4kg and the male 3.7kg. The colours of the feathers are white at the tip with different background colours. The background colour is often wild type with orange/red hens and brown or black cocks, but other colours occur such as blue, grey and light yellow. A small variation in size can also occur. Hens of this breed are good layers, on average around 155 eggs per year. Each egg weighing approximately 60-65g. The egg colour varies from white to beige. The Skånsk Blommehöna is a lowland breed, which is well suited to the rich agricultural regions of Skåne in southern Sweden. The present population originates from the Swedish towns Esarp, Vomb and Tofta. The gene bank1 was established in 1989, and consisted of 476 animals. In 2002, the gene bank activity consisted of 70 flocks totalling 970 birds. 
1 The gene bank is controlled by the Svenska Lanthönsklubben (The Swedish Native Poultry Society) and keeps a register of owners of all the native breeds. The most original type of each breed making up the gene bank. Svenska Lanthönsklubben http://www.kackel.se/Old/index.htm Jordbruksverket http://www.sjv.se/ Nordisk Genbank Husdyr http://www.nordgen.org/ngh/ |
