Surely many of our friends and family have followed this post, hoping to find pictures of our oldest daughter’s wedding. Sorry to disappoint. But we’re really excited to share about one of the newest additions to Sunbird Farms: the ancient Styrian Hen.
A bird with many names, “the Celje Hen,” “Stajerke,” “the Old Styrian Hen,” or (in Germany) the “Altsteirer Huhn,” this breed of chicken may be one of the oldest identifiable breeds in Europe. While some characteristics of the Styrian Hen suggest that it may have some Mediterranean origins, it is best known as the foundational breed of the Styrian region in Austria and Slovenia. The Styrian Hen is a wonderful chicken, full of life and vigor, they strut around wearing their little crests as if they are aware of their ancient and noble heritage. Styrian hens can lay up to 200+ eggs a year, and have be touted for centuries as a culinary delight. If you know us here at Sunbird Farms, it is easy to see that this breed is in our wheelhouse. We are huge fans of the Austrian Sulmtaler, and now we can celebrate this Austrian breed even more by introducing its foundational ancestor, the Styrian Hen.
Stay tuned for more updates as our little flock develops into this spring…
-Blessings,
SF