Barnevelder
This breed originated in the district of Barneveld, Holland. They are a dual purpose breed and are famous for their large, dark brown eggs. At one time, barnevelders were said to lay very dark brown eggs like a welsummer or marans. Unfortunately, it is not the case anymore. At least not in the US. Barnevelders are a rare breed and the majority of the birds in the US have been developed for show purposes with little attention being given to maintaining egg color. However, barnevelders bred for utility in the US are not much darker if at all. All this being said, barnevelder eggs are still lovely. They can range in color from light brown to a beautiful deep brown, not quite the same as a rhode island red or wyandotte. Barnevelder hens can produce 180 to 200 eggs per year and offen lay well even through the winter months. Egg sizes can range from 2 to 3 ounces.
Barnevelder Roosters and hens are docile, friendly birds. They actually seek human attention. The roos are typically non combative with people and not big fighters with other roosters. Several roos can be kept together without a fuss. Barnevelder roosters are also very good to their hens. Roos may even act maturnal towards their chicks. Aggressive, mean roosters are not the norm with this breed.
Barnevelder hens can become broody. They are said to be very good mothers. If you are looking for a good producing chicken that you can also make into a family pet or if you want a calm, easy going show bird, this is your breed.
Barnevelders are a very beautiful breed of medium size. Roosters weigh about 7 pounds while hens weigh around 6. The most common color is the double laced. The roosters have reddish bay feathers with wide greenish black lacing. At first glance, they look almost black or chocolate. They have a single comb and yellow legs. Hens have a more distinct, clear pattern and should not appear to be black.
I got my start with barnevelders from Christina Ledford of www.peaceofthyme.com. I later added pullets from Johan Achterberg in Conecticut and now have a very nice cockerel from Julie Gabbard in Arkansas. I hope to continue the quality my breeding stock have come from.
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