About the Breed:

Viking settlers brought their home flocks to Iceland in the ninth century. For more than a thousand years, the only chickens in the country were of this robust landrace. This means that for 1000 years they didn't breed with other chickens! It is for this reason that they are called an "Old World" chicken race because they come to us directly from that time. Icelandics have incredible DNA diversity which is why you never know what color you'll get!

Icelandic chickens (or “Icies”) originated with the settlement of Iceland in the ninth century by the Viking, who brought their farmstead chickens with them. In Iceland these birds are known as Íslenska landnámshænan, or “Icelandic chicken of the settlers.” Over the centuries, farmers selected birds capable of feeding themselves, and hens with reliable mothering skills. The result was a landrace of active, naturally healthy fowl adapted to harsh conditions. (A landrace is a group of domesticated stock adapted to local conditions and selected for useful traits rather than for conformation to specific breed standards, such as color, pattern or comb style.) Icelandics have great egg production, especially in winter.

For more than a thousand years, the only chickens in Iceland were of this robust landrace. But in the 1930s, strains of Leghorns were imported to boost commercial egg and meat production. Inevitably, those chickens were crossed with some of the natives, and the pure landrace was in danger of being lost. Efforts to conserve the native population began in the 1970s. The success of these efforts was followed by importation of these genetically unique birds into other countries, including the United States.

Fine Print:

*Please note that it takes 3 to 6 weeks to process your order* We are a small, 100% solar hatchery and have to use electricity sparingly. Because of this and our commitment to raising some of the finest chickens in the world - orders can take up to 6 weeks before they are shipped. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Live birds can only be shipped using USPS Priority Express which reaches most local post offices overnight. Your birds must be picked up from the local Post Office as quickly as possible to ensure your new babies are safe. Shipping is additional and generally ranges from $30 to $60 depending on where you live and how many chicks you order. We're currently only shipping within the continental United States.

Our Live Chick Guarantee only applies if you order 6 or more chicks. This is because we believe that 6 chicks is the ideal number of bodies to keep the little guys safe. (Enough fluff for padding and enough bodies for heat). An explanation of this guarantee as well as answers to all of the most frequently asked questions can be found at this link: FAQ

We know you'll LOVE your baby Icies!!