Icelandic chicken
The Icelandic chicken is a type of chicken from Iceland. Called íslenska hænan , Haughænsni ([ˈhœyɣˌhainstnɪ], pile chicken) or landnámshænan ([ˈlantˌnaumsˌhaiːnan], hen of the settlers) in the Icelandic language. They are a landrace fowl which are rare outside their native country. They have been present on the island since introduction by Norse settlers in the 9th century.
| Life Span | 5-10 years |
| Weight | 2-5 kg |
What to Know Before Buying an Icelandic chicken
Finding a responsible Icelandic chicken breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells chickens commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Icelandic chicken. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Icelandic chickens appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for an Icelandic chicken breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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