When I first started raising chickens I didn’t think much about different breeds I simply wanted fresh eggs for my family. But as I learned more I realized there were so many wonderful options. Among them the Barnevelder quickly caught my eye. This breed is known for its gorgeous feather looks and calm nature making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced keepers. Their darker brown eggs stand out beautifully in any egg basket and they are easygoing never too aggressive which makes them perfect for families with young kids.
Adding these birds to my flock was one of the best decisions I ever made. I carefully planned and picked from the top list of breeds I wanted, ensuring I was making the right choice. Watching my hens happily roam the yard while collecting their fresh eggs has been a joy. If you pay attention to their care they will reward you with steady egg production and friendly companionship. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a backyard coop or adding to an existing one, these birds are an excellent choice.
History of the Barnevelder Chicken Breed
The Barnevelder breed originates from the Netherlands, specifically the Dutch town of Barneveld, where it was traditionally bred for dual purposes both eggs and meat. As early as the 12th and 13th century, farmers in Holland were raising chickens for their usefulness.
However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the breed was developed through crossing local birds with imported ones like Langshan and possibly Brahmas. This selective breeding resulted in the stunning double-laced plumage that these birds are known for today. Their rich brown chocolate-colored egg production quickly made them popular among farmers.
By 1922, an effort was made to Standardize the stock ensuring that only the best birds met the quality standards. Out of over 100,000 birds in the district, only 2,000 were accepted by the inspector as possessing good quality traits. The calm temperament of the Barnevelders made them ideal for backyard flocks and their ability to lay a prolific number of eggs made them great for commercial farming. Today they remain a favorite among poultry keepers who appreciate their beauty and reliability.
Selecting Barnevelders for My Coop
When I first decided to add Barnevelder chickens to my flock I quickly learned that they are often sold as a straight run breed, making it difficult to determine their sex at hatch. I tried using old wives’ tales to pick out the hens but my sexing skills were clearly lacking and those tricks didn’t work as I had hoped.
I ended up with three roosters and just one hen. Eventually I rehomed the handsome roosters and kept my sweet Georgia. Looking back, it was an exciting experience that helped me dive deeper into the details of this special breed.
Barnevelder Chicken Traits
The Barnevelders are a medium-sized breed with hens weighing around 5.5 to 6 pounds, while roosters are slightly larger at 7-8 pounds. They have a single comb, red earlobes and their most distinctive feature is their double-laced feathers, which display beautiful hues of iridescent green, violet and bronze.
My hen Georgia is particularly stunning with her rich, dark brown plumage. The male birds have a black breast and tail, with red hackle and saddle similar to the Partridge Plymouth Rock. The female also resembles this breed but has heavy lacing on the feathers with secondary lacing within giving them a unique look.
Barnevelders are known for being docile, active and quiet never taking the top pecking order in the flock. My hen prefers to keep herself among the lower-ranking chickens showing a calm nature. They are winter-hardy and can tolerate summer heat well making them easy to care for in various climates. Though they can go broody they are generally easy to break from it if needed. Their yellow skin ability to produce shelled eggs and unique color selection make them a valuable stock for poultry keepers.
Egg Laying and Temperament
The Barnevelder is a wonderful hen known for being an excellent layer producing around 180-200 dark brown eggs each year. These eggs are special because they have a unique chocolate color making them highly popular in backyard flocks.
Not only are they great at laying but their calm friendly personalities make them easy to handle even for beginners. Roosters of this breed are also very gentle and often help raise chicks which is quite a rarity among chicken breeds. Their nurturing nature makes them a good choice for families with young chicks.
I have found that these chickens are incredibly easy to handle and their calm demeanor helps them fit right into the flock. The Barnevelder’s unique ability to be both great layers and friendly companions has made them a favorite for anyone looking to raise chickens. Whether you’re just starting out or adding to your flock their friendly personalities and egg-laying abilities make them an excellent choice for any chicken keeper.
Reasons to Include Barnevelders in Your Flock
If you are looking to add a breed that is both docile and great for eggs, I highly recommend Barnevelders. These chickens have a calm family-friendly nature making them perfect for any backyard. They not only offer a beautiful appearance with their unique color but also produce dark brown eggs that are a real treat.
For me, the joy of raising chickens comes from seeing the basket full of various colors and having sweet snuggles with my Georgia a wonderful Barnevelder hen. Their easy-going nature and reliable egg-laying abilities make them a top choice for anyone looking to start or expand their flock.
Life is More Enjoyable with Chickens
Raising chickens in the backyard brings so much joy to life. The variety of beautiful breeds makes everything more special, especially when the backyard is sprinkled with chickens of every color. This sight alone makes life complete. Watching the egg basket fill up with different hues of eggs brings so much happiness knowing that we are feeding ourselves with healthy fresh food. The presence of these birds truly makes life better by adding beauty and purpose to our daily routine.
Barnevelder Chicken Breed Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Docile and Friendly | Hard to Sex at Hatch |
| Attractive Appearance | Can Be Broody |
| Good Egg Layers | Not Highly Prolific Layers |
| Adaptable to Weather | Can Be Shy |
| Low Maintenance | Sensitive to Overcrowding |
Barnevelder Chicken Breed FAQs
1. What is the size of a Barnevelder chicken?
Barnevelder chickens are medium-sized with hens weighing around 5.5 to 6 pounds and roosters being slightly larger, around 7-8 pounds.
2. What color eggs do Barnevelder chickens lay?
Barnevelder chickens are known for laying dark brown eggs often referred to as “chocolate” eggs because of their rich color.
3. Are Barnevelder chickens good for backyard flocks?
Yes, Barnevelders are docile, calm and family-friendly making them an excellent choice for backyard flocks.
4. How well do Barnevelders tolerate different weather conditions?
Barnevelders are winter-hardy and can tolerate summer heat well making them adaptable to various climates.
5. Do Barnevelder chickens require special care?
Barnevelder chickens are relatively easy to care for needing the same basic care as most chickens with attention to their diet and living conditions.
Conclusion
The Barnevelder Chicken Breed is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a beautiful, calm and productive bird to their flock. Known for their stunning double-laced feathers and unique dark brown “chocolate” eggs, these chickens are not only a treat for the eyes but also reliable egg layers. Their docile and family-friendly temperament makes them ideal for both beginner and experienced poultry keepers. Barnevelders thrive in various climates being winter-hardy and able to handle summer heat making them adaptable to different environments.
While Barnevelders may not lay as many eggs as some other breeds, their low maintenance nature and beautiful appearance more than make up for it. With their unique characteristics and easy-going personalities they are a fantastic addition to any backyard flock. Whether you’re raising them for their eggs aesthetic appeal or simply for companionship the Barnevelder will surely bring both joy and practicality to your farm or garden.
