Norwegian Jærhøne

The Norwegian Jærhøne, also called Jærhøns or Norwegian Jaerhon, is a small native chicken from the Jæren district of southwestern Norway. It is commonly described as Norway's only indigenous chicken breed, conserved from old farm flocks and later standardized in light and dark color varieties. The birds are trim, alert, yellow-legged, and active, with a reputation for laying well for their size. Many lines have useful chick-down differences that help experienced breeders sex chicks early, although accuracy depends on the strain and the person's experience.

These chickens suit keepers who can offer secure outdoor space, because they forage eagerly and may fly better than heavier breeds. They are hardy in cool climates when given a dry, draft-free house, but they still need shade and water during warm spells. Egg production is usually the main reason people keep them; meat yield is modest. Conservation breeders pay attention to the light and dark varieties, fertility, and avoidance of unnecessary outcrossing. As with other rare landraces, source matters, especially outside Scandinavia where small populations can pass through only a few breeding flocks.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White