Slovene Late-Feathered Hen

The Slovene Late-Feathered Hen is a Slovenian chicken line or breed type named for late feathering, a trait used in some poultry breeding programs for management and sometimes sex-linked crossing systems. It is not primarily a fancy color breed; the important identity is the connection between Slovenian poultry development and a specific feather-growth characteristic. The birds are usually discussed as practical layer or breeding stock.

For keepers, late feathering has to be understood within a breeding plan. Chicks may not feather as quickly as other lines, but that does not by itself mean poor health. Management should keep young birds warm, dry, and uncrowded while feathers develop. Breeders should record feathering rate, laying, fertility, and livability so the trait remains useful rather than ornamental. Buyers should ask whether the line is pure or part of a crossing program.

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