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Midnight Beauties: Why Black Barnevelders Steal the Coop Spotlight.

A black barnevelder on show.

Black Barnevelders are a stunning colour variety of the classic Barnevelder breed, which originated in the Netherlands in the early 1900s.

Breeders crossed local Dutch hens with Asian imports like Langshans and Brahmas to create hardy, dual-purpose birds. The black variety was the first recognised, stable colour pattern with solid, jet-black plumage and that signature greenish-purple sheen in sunlight.

Below: The black Barnevelder club was the first to be formed.

Hens weigh 5–6 pounds; roosters hit 7–8 pounds. They carry a compact, broad body, single comb, yellow legs, and reddish-brown eyes. Chicks hatch black with white chest patches that fade by 6–8 weeks.

Below: A black bantam hen. Notice the beetle sheen on the feathers.

The Black variety, however is a little rarer. Instead of the intricate lacing pattern, the feathers are a uniform beetle-green black - almost iridescent in the right light. This gives them a sleek, refined look that sets them apart from their showier cousins.

How to Spot a Quality Black Barnevelder:

Here’s your checklist:

  • Plumage: Solid black, no brown leakage or white feathers (except in chicks). Sheen should shimmer green/purple in sunlight.
  • Body Shape: Broad chest, slightly sloping back, upright tail. Avoid narrow or overly tall birds.
  • Health Signs: Bright eyes, clean vent, smooth legs, active movement. 
  • Source Matters: You will likely need to find local breeders as the type is rarely commercially available.

Black Barnevelder Facts: What You Need to Know

The Black Barnevelder is simply a solid-colour variation of the classic Barnevelder, which is most famous for the double-laced pattern. While the double-laced variety is often the most recognisable, the solid black version offers a sleek, sophisticated alternative.

Appearance: Black Barnevelder chickens possess a stately, robust appearance. They are medium-sized, heavy birds that stand upright with a broad, deep chest.

Below: Birds still need the classic yellow legs.

Feather Colour: Solid, rich black with an intense, iridescent green or bronze sheen.

Comb: Single, upright comb.

Weights: Hens typically weigh 6-7 pounds (approx. 2.7-3.2 kg). Roosters weigh slightly more, around 7-8 pounds (approx. 3.2-3.6 kg).

Legs: They have clean, yellow shanks (no feathers on the legs).

The Famous 'Chocolate' Egg:

The dark egg is the signature of the Barnevelder. Black Barnevelder hens lay medium-to-large eggs with a shell colour that ranges from a medium brown to a beautiful, coveted dark chocolate brown.

Annual Production: A good hen lays approximately 150-200 eggs per year.

Winter Laying: They are renowned for their ability to continue laying well into the winter months, which is a huge plus when other breeds shut down production.