Last Updated on April 25, 2022 by Pauline G. Carter
There is a town in the district of Utrecht called Barnevelder, in the Netherlands. It boasted an agriculture college that specialized in poultry. Back in the day, around the 1930s, this area was noted to have exported over 40-million eggs in a year.
It would appear that this is where the Barnevelder Chicken gets its name from. But the real origins of the Barnevelder are just like the above; it’s just a guess.
Barnevelder Chicken | Breed Profile
| Country of origin: | The Netherlands |
| Primary use: | Dual-purpose meat/eggs |
| Weight: | Male: Standard: 3–3.5 kgBantam: 1000–1200 g Female: Standard: 2.5–2.75 kgBantam: 900–1000 g |
| Temperament: | Friendly, Active, Quiet, Lively |
| Recognized Varieties: | Double-laced, Black, White, Autosexing barred, Dark brown, Partridge, Double-laced Blue, Blue, Silver, Silver-black double-laced |
| Egg production (annual): | 180 |
| Egg color: | Light brown |
| Egg size: | Large |
| Comb type: | – |
Characteristics Of The Barnevelder Chickens
The Barnevelder chickens are medium-sized, dual-purpose birds – suitable for both their egg-laying and table meat. They produce around 180-200 eggs every year.
Eggs are speckled golden-brown eggs, brown, light brown and cream-colored. Chicks are quite slow growing which means they are only table-ready from around 6 months.
They are hardy birds and do well in most kinds of weather, more so in the cooler temperatures. They love to forage and free-range, although it doesn’t mind being confined. They are not good flyers though.
The most well-known variety of Barnevelder chickens is called the Double Laced. In females, double-lacing is a certain color pattern. The male equivalent will be the melanized black-breasted reds. They are extremely attractive birds with fascinating markings. They have a single vertical comb.
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The cock weighs in at about 8.5 lb. The hen’s weight in at between 6.5-8.5 lb. with cockerels weighing in between 10-14 lb. The chicks are yellow-colored and take quite a while before they start growing their dark feathers.
All chicken breeds of the Barnevelder have yellow legs and orange eyes. The feathers of the Barnevelders are varied. They can have black, white, brown, blue and blue-lace feathers. The hen’s plumage follows the natural contours of the bird and gives it an orderly and precise look.
The rooster is less showy than the hen, with his black plumage that has a green shimmer. The two birds together make a truly handsome couple.
Behavior/Temperament
The Barnevelder is like the typical traditional storybook farm-type chicken, with a friendly, calm nature, producing the large, delicious, speckled egg.
They are easy to tame and good with children. Being lazy-like laid-back chickens, it is better that they free range which they love doing so that they get their exercise.
The hens do get broody quite often, which gives them their docile temperament – they make excellent mothers. The rooster too seems protective of the young chicks.
Likes and Dislikes of the Barnevelder
We Liked
- Attractive to look at
- Hardy
- Good-natured
- Good egg supplier
- Good mothers
- Curious
- Make good backyard chickens
We Don’t Like
- Can be a bit rowdy when young, around 2-4 months
Are the Barnevelder Chickens a Good Choice For you?
The Barnevelder chickens, with their Dutch gene, support a bird that can tolerate cold, damp weather rather well. But the chickens do better in well-insulated, coops that are draft-free.
Being quite shy, they enjoy plenty of human interaction and they even enjoy following you around. These chickens are easy to keep, going for years as they are good at looking after themselves. This is as long as they have their basic needs met of course.
Their coops and runs where they stay will need to offer protection from the elements, with fresh clean water and food provided daily.
They are wonderful as pets, happily producing their eggs and offering plenty of entertainment for years on end. They’re a good choice simply because they are such eggs-tra-ordinary birds!
FAQ: Barnevelder Chicken
The Barnevelder chicken is a Dutch breed developed in the late 19th century. The breed was created by crossing several different breeds of chickens, including the Brahma, Cochin, and Dorking. The resulting breed was named after the town of Barneveld in the Netherlands, where the breed was developed.
Are Barnevelder chickens good layers?
Yes, Barnevelder chickens are good layers, producing 180- 200 eggs per year. The breed is also known for its docile nature, making it a good choice for backyard chicken keepers.
Where can I buy Barnevelder chicks?
There are several hatcheries that sell Barnevelder chicks, including Murray McMurray Hatchery and Cackle Hatchery. You can also find Barnevelder chickens for sale from breeders across the United States.
How do I care for my Barnevelder chicken?
Barnevelder chickens require the same basic care as any other chicken breed. They need a clean, dry coop with plenty of ventilation, and access to fresh water and a nutritious diet. Barnevelder chickens are also known to be good foragers, so they will enjoy having plenty of space to roam and explore.
How big do Barnevelder chickens get?
Males can weigh up to 9 pounds, while females typically weigh 7 pounds.
Are Barnevelder chickens friendly?
Yes, Barnevelder chickens are known for their docile nature, making them a good choice for backyard chicken keepers. The breed is also good with children, making them a popular choice for families.
What do Barnevelder chickens eat?
Barnevelder chickens require a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. A good quality chicken feed will provide the nutrients they need to stay healthy and lay plenty of eggs. You can also supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and grit and oyster shells to help with digestion.
What diseases do Barnevelder chickens commonly get?
Barnevelder chickens are generally healthy birds, but they can be susceptible to common chicken diseases. These include Marek’s disease, coccidiosis, and respiratory infections. It’s important to keep an eye out for these diseases and consult a veterinarian if you suspect your chicken is sick.
Final Verdict: Barnevelder Chicken
The Barnevelder chicken is a large bird known for its dark brown eggs. The breed is also docile, making it good for backyard chicken keepers. However, the breed can be susceptible to some common chicken diseases.