Spilled Ink Acres

The Svart Hona is a rare fibromelanistic chicken, sharing the same genetic trait as the Ayam Cemani that causes nearly every part of the bird—inside and out—to be deep black. While subtle physical differences between the two breeds have been suggested, such distinctions are minimal and difficult to detect. Despite their similar appearance, the Svart Hona has a distinct history and has adapted over centuries to thrive in much colder climates. Fewer than 500 were documented in a national poultry census, making this breed exceptionally rare.

The gene responsible for fibromelanosis originated in Asia over 800 years ago and later spread west through transported chickens. A landrace of black birds became established along the modern Sweden–Norway border, where they gradually adapted from tropical origins to harsh Nordic conditions. Some accounts suggest the birds arrived via seafaring trade routes in the 1800s, though their exact path remains uncertain.

Svart Hona birds are small, sleek, and calm in temperament, with roosters averaging about four pounds. Hens lay white to cream-colored eggs. Most individuals are entirely black, sometimes with mulberry-toned facial skin and iridescent green or purple feather sheen. They are excellent foragers and notably cold-hardy, with strong resistance to frostbite. Despite their rarity, they are hardy and relatively easy to raise.