The Barnevelder Chicken originates from Holland and was first bred just prior to the beginning of World War I. With the unique brown color of its eggs, which were also of excellent quality, the breed became popular in other countries. In 1921, the chickens began to be exported. The fact that they were outstanding layers was another attraction.
A popular choice of color is the double laced variety. However, Barnevelders are also available in partridge, black, and silver. In its predominantly brown plumage, the hen has black double lacing. Often, this is called a double-laced partridge. Roosters have luxurious plumage with sprays of shimmering green, violet, and bronze. Some have a white and blue lacing.
The plumage of the male and female can be described as 'rich and tight'. They have yellow skin, red ear lobes, and single combs. They have a very upright stance with a broad breast. Barnevelders have short wings so they don't fly very competently.
While their original claim to fame was their egg-laying abilities and the unique color of the eggs, today most Barnevelders are used for show purposes. The egg color now has little significance because the focus is more on the bird's external appearance. The eggs are lighter in color and the modern hen doesn't lay as many eggs as her Dutch ancestors.
However, they are very useful winter layers and have a quiet, friendly disposition. They are not only bred to be show birds, but also as a handy utility breed. Medium-to-heavy in weight, they make an ideal double-purpose bird that can produce an adequate supply of eggs and yield an acceptable carcass. Barnevelders are excellent foragers and very hardy. Because they are inherently lazy, if allowed to live inactive lives, they are prone to becoming fat.
Females and males are docile in temperament and love being around humans. They make good pets, particularly for children. In a short time, they can be domesticated and won't mind being handled, picked up, or stroked. Young ones might need to be socialized before becoming a genuine pet. Unlike other breeds, Barnevelders will even try and nurture a new baby in the human family.
They are easy-going and love to be wherever the family is. Like dogs, they follow their owners around as much as they can, and some say that they even have a tendency to 'guard'. The hens are excellent mothers and brood their eggs. Once hatched, the chicks are given attentive care by her. The rooster is also a good parent and will assist in raising the offspring.
In comparison to other breeds, the chicks take longer to feather-out. On maturity, hens weigh up to 6 pounds, and roosters can reach up to 8 pounds. To conclude, one can definitely say that the Barnevelder Chicken will make an excellent all-purpose utility bird that is a good layer, a good pet, and good to eat. Hens can lay 180-200 eggs a year and jumbo eggs can weigh up to 3 ounces. The manure is a fantastic garden fertilizer.
A popular choice of color is the double laced variety. However, Barnevelders are also available in partridge, black, and silver. In its predominantly brown plumage, the hen has black double lacing. Often, this is called a double-laced partridge. Roosters have luxurious plumage with sprays of shimmering green, violet, and bronze. Some have a white and blue lacing.
The plumage of the male and female can be described as 'rich and tight'. They have yellow skin, red ear lobes, and single combs. They have a very upright stance with a broad breast. Barnevelders have short wings so they don't fly very competently.
While their original claim to fame was their egg-laying abilities and the unique color of the eggs, today most Barnevelders are used for show purposes. The egg color now has little significance because the focus is more on the bird's external appearance. The eggs are lighter in color and the modern hen doesn't lay as many eggs as her Dutch ancestors.
However, they are very useful winter layers and have a quiet, friendly disposition. They are not only bred to be show birds, but also as a handy utility breed. Medium-to-heavy in weight, they make an ideal double-purpose bird that can produce an adequate supply of eggs and yield an acceptable carcass. Barnevelders are excellent foragers and very hardy. Because they are inherently lazy, if allowed to live inactive lives, they are prone to becoming fat.
Females and males are docile in temperament and love being around humans. They make good pets, particularly for children. In a short time, they can be domesticated and won't mind being handled, picked up, or stroked. Young ones might need to be socialized before becoming a genuine pet. Unlike other breeds, Barnevelders will even try and nurture a new baby in the human family.
They are easy-going and love to be wherever the family is. Like dogs, they follow their owners around as much as they can, and some say that they even have a tendency to 'guard'. The hens are excellent mothers and brood their eggs. Once hatched, the chicks are given attentive care by her. The rooster is also a good parent and will assist in raising the offspring.
In comparison to other breeds, the chicks take longer to feather-out. On maturity, hens weigh up to 6 pounds, and roosters can reach up to 8 pounds. To conclude, one can definitely say that the Barnevelder Chicken will make an excellent all-purpose utility bird that is a good layer, a good pet, and good to eat. Hens can lay 180-200 eggs a year and jumbo eggs can weigh up to 3 ounces. The manure is a fantastic garden fertilizer.
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