The Svart Hona is also called the Swedish Black Hen. They get their name from their home country of Sweden. The name ‘svart hona’ literal translates as ‘black female’ in the Swedish language, although, Svart Honas are obviously both male and female.

Where the Svart Hona came from is not known for sure. Most resources agree though, that they were first created in Indonesia. Then they were imported from Mozambique to Sweden in the 1800s. Sweden’s neighbor, Norway, may have also played a role in getting Svart Honas into Sweden. Norway may have had birds that carried the same genetic mutation that the Svart Hona has. Svart Honas are extremely rare, both in the United States and in their home country. A census taken in Sweden estimated that there were only 400 Svart Honas left in their country. They are considered a landrace breed. Svart Honas were not imported into the United States until 2012 and it is still hard to find quality strains. Svart Honas are more rare then their cousin the Ayam Cemani.

A close relative of the Svart Hona is the Ayam Cemani. Ayam Cemanis are another all black, rare chicken breed. They originated in Indonesia and have a gamey appearance. Another breed that may look similar to the Svart Hona is the Sumatra. Sumatras are small, black chickens best known for their showy appearance, ability to fly well, and many spurs. They too, are very black in color, although they do have some mulberrying (purple color) in their face. They are also not black all the way through like the Svart Hona and Ayam Cemani. Another difference is that the Sumatra has a pea comb.

Svart Honas are generally a friendly breed, although some cocks can be more protective then others. The hens can be very docile if they are handled frequently and properly. Svart Honas make excellent showmanship birds and can be trained very easily. They are a smart breed and are often near the top of the pecking order. The cocks do best if they have quite a few hens to care for (over 10). The hens are quiet compared to some other breeds. Each Svart Hona has it’s own distinct personality, which can be very amusing at times!

Raising and caring for Svart Honas is really no different then any other breed. The cocks usually have excellent fertility for breeding and the hens make good mothers. Hatching Svart Honas can require some patience, as Svart Honas chicks tend not to be in a hurry to get out of their shell. The chicks are slow maturing and the pullets don’t tend to start laying until about 24 weeks. 

Svart Honas are very cold hardy and can withstand warmer temperatures just as well. The cock’s combs and wattles are prone to frostbite though, and you must also provide plenty of shade during the summer. Because they are all black, they can be more prone to heat related stress and the sun can actually bleach their black feathers. Svart Honas are excellent foragers and love to free-range. The cocks are very aware of their surroundings and make good flock protectors.

Svart Honas are an assertive breed but they don’t tend to be aggressive. They will be near the top of the pecking order but they get along well with other chicken breeds. Svart Honas are friendly but not docile.