In the 1950’s and 1960’s Martin Silverudd, a Catholic Monk in Sweden, toyed with chicken genetics to create a number of new breeds. One of those breeds was the Isbar (pronounced “Ice Bar”). The Isbars were cold hardy, great for free ranging, beautiful, and somewhat auto-sexing. The hens produced 150 to 200 moss green eggs per year, which can be solid in color or spotted. The Isbar is the only green-egg-laying single combed chicken breed in the world today. The most beautiful and sought after variety of Isbar is the Blue Isbar, of which there are fewer than one hundred remaining in the world. Three of those, a handsome rooster and two lovely hens now reside here at the Buck ‘N Run Ranch.
The Isbars were legally imported into the country this year and we were lucky enough to be one of the first to obtain a juvenile trio. As with most of our animals, we gravitated towards the Isbars due to their rarity and the fact that they are in danger of extinction. We enjoy the novelty of having something different and unique, as well as the satisfaction of preserving the breed. Our plan is to let this little group grow up and start laying, then hatch and select the best of the best for our foundation flock. When that goal is met we will offer hatching eggs and chicks to other like-minded poultry enthusiasts.
After taking a couple of days to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, the Isbars were ready for their close-up today. Please check back frequently to see their progress.
Walli says
Those are very beautiful birds! My husband's family is Swedish, so that is a double plus! I will be watching for when you have hatching eggs available.
Julian says
Anything to help an endangered species. I will make room in my backyard just for them!
Mary O'Brien says
Happy Birthday Wynette, but you aren't getting my birds! Hopefully I can offer you some eggs in a few months!
Wynette says
MARY! HOLY CANNOLI, these birds are just GORGEOUS! Congrats – I wish you the VERY best with getting them started! Oh, adn by the way….today is my birthday….just sayin'!
Kelly says
They are so beautiful! Who doesn't love a blue chicken? I can't wait to see their eggs when they start laying!
Mary O'Brien says
I sure will as soon as they start laying and I can establish my breeding flock. Keep checking back. I'll post on my For Sale page first.
Ron Ottman says
Mary,
Great Chickens! Will you be selling chicks or hatching egge?
Ron
Cheryl Cohen says
Mary love the Isbars, I'm thrilled you have a new project! I've been secretly coveting these as well. Good Luck, hope all is well!
Cheryl