The Barnevelder Chicken Makes An Excellent Utility Bird

Indigenous to the Netherlands, the Barnevelder Chicken is a very popular breed of poultry. The species made its first appearance just before the start of World War I. Due to the high quality and distinctive color of the eggs, Barnevelders were soon in demand in other parts of the world. Exports to other countries began in 1921.

The most popular color is double-laced, but they are also available in silver, black, and partridge. The hen has predominantly dark brown plumage with a double lacing of black. This is often known as a double-laced partridge. The rooster has luxurious plumage with bursts of violet, bronze, and shimmering green. Some varieties have a blue and white lacing.

Plumage of the female and the male has been described as ‘rich in texture and very tight’. Barnevelders have single combs, yellow skin, and red ear lobes. They look very impressive with nice upright stances and broad breasts. Their flying capabilities are somewhat lacking due to short wings.

Their fame was initially due to the unusual color of the eggs but, today, they are used for show purposes more than for their laying abilities. The color of the eggs is of little importance now because the birds’ appearance is the center of focus. Eggs are lighter and Barnevelder layers don’t produce the vast quantities as they did in their early history.

Nevertheless, they are good winter layers and have friendly, quiet dispositions. In addition to being bred for showing, they are also bred as a good utility breed. Because their weight is medium-to-heavy, they are great all-purpose birds that are capable of producing an ample supply of eggs. A Barnevelder also yields a tasty carcass for the table. They are wonderful foragers and extremely hardy. The breed is lazy and prone to getting fat if kept cooped up. Ideally, they should be free-range.

Both the female and the male enjoy human company and are docile. Therefore, they make good pets, for children especially. They will happily become a member of the family and won’t mind being handled, stroked, or picked up. A young one will probably need some socialization before it becomes a true pet. Barnevelders, unlike other breeds, have even been known to nurture very young children and babies.

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.

Chicks grow their feathers slower than most other breeds. A standard hen usually reaches a weight of six pounds, while a rooster is eight pounds. All in all, a Barnevelder Chicken is a versatile utility bird that’s great for eggs, for a pet, and to eat. An average hen can lay around 180 eggs a year and some jumbo-sized eggs weigh up to three ounces. This breed’s droppings make an excellent garden fertilizer.

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