Shetland Hens are an exceptionally rare and historic landrace breed originating from the windswept Shetland Isles of Scotland. Their story is as fascinating as the birds themselves—tracing back nearly 500 years to Spanish galleon ships that ran aground along the Scottish coast. The surviving birds interbred with local Scottish chickens, giving rise to a hardy, resilient population uniquely adapted to harsh conditions.
 
One of the most distinctive features of the Shetland Hen is their charming tufted head feathering, known as a tappit, along with their beautiful blue to green eggs. Despite their smaller size, these hens lay eggs that are impressively large for the breed—some even producing green eggs with speckling, a real delight for egg collectors.
 
Shetland Hens remain extremely rare in the United States, having only been imported in 2018, with just a handful of flocks currently established. We are proud to steward this noble and historic breed. They are sweet, personable birds and have quickly become a favorite here on our farm.
Our flock consists of a multi-colored rooster over a variety of hen colors, with selective breeding focused on cream and lighter-colored birds. Fertility has been excellent, and the hens are enthusiastic, productive layers. For those seeking a truly unique, historically rich, and rewarding breed, Shetland Hens are a remarkable addition to any flock.