Hmong Chicks

The Hmong chicken, or better known in the Hmong community as (qaib xiav nqaij), which when translated to English simply means (blue chicken meat), may possibly be one of the coolest rare breeds among poultry enthusiasts here in the US! These birds are secretly one of the best birds we have ever had on the farm. They are fantastic in every way — superior foragers, good mothers, good egg layers, and we find ours are very even tempered.

Hmong chickens first arrived in the USA in the late 70s with the arrival Hmong refugees from Laos escaping a civil war between royalists and communists. Depending on where you get your stock there will be slight differences. The Hmong chickens from America comes primarily from Hmong refugees of Laos.

Raised by the hill tribes of Asia and Southeast Asia in the white Hmong dialect “qaib xiav nqaij” means blue skinned chicken, Green Hmong dialect often calls them “qab xav nkaaj” meaning blue indigo chickens. This breed has strong roots and are very cherished in their native Country. Traveling with families from their native country long before there were restrictions on doing so, Hmong chickens have continued to be raised and cherished in their pure and unadulterated form. This blue/black skin chicken has been a sense of pride, and no doubt, a constant reminder of the homeland that their keeper’s love so much. Raised primarily by the older generation, and then passed down to the next when they have grown mature enough to appreciate them, these birds remain to be more than a chicken, but a connection between a people and their homeland. In addition to being a reminder of one’s heritage, Hmong chickens are also cherished for their believed healing properties. And often are served as a meal to help one regain strength. Their meat is flavorful and the best parts is arguably the dark meats, they make a great soup bird which their human counterparts have made for generations. Check out the recipes online! It is difficult to obtain this rare breed in the US because of the rarity and these are deeply rooted in their culture, their pride and joy so not many are sold.

We recommend starting baby chicks out with Sugar Feather Farm chick starter for the first 3 weeks, then switching to our Chicken Grower. Use the Grower Feed until they hit maturation (which is when they start to lay) then switch to Sugar Feather Farm Adult Feed.

We highly recommend using the Oil of Oregano in their water daily as a supplement to aid with digestion and overall health.