The complete guide to the Barnevelder chicken.
Are you thinking about adding Barnevelder chickens to your backyard coop? Then you've come to the right place!
Table of Contents
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about this breed of chickens.
Originally a dual purpose breed kept for both meat and eggs the breed is now more often kept just for eggs and showing.
Origins of the Barnevelder Chicken:
The Barnevelder chicken is a Dutch breed that was developed in the early 20th century in the town of Barneveld in Holland.
It was created by crossbreeding different breeds of chickens, including the Brahma and the Cochin, and was originally bred for both meat and eggs. The breed quickly became popular in the Netherlands, and has since spread throughout the world.
Unique traits of the Barnevelder:
One of the most distinctive traits of the Barnevelder chicken is their stunning feathers. The birds have a distinctive laced feather pattern that features chestnut brown, and black feathers with a beautiful beetle sheen.
Another unique trait of the Barnevelder chicken is their friendly and docile personality. These chickens are known for being very friendly and easy to handle, which makes them a great choice for backyard coops.
They are also hardy birds that are able to tolerate cold weather, making them well-suited for colder climates.
Below: Barnevelders come in both bantam and large fowl types, here are some of my bantams.
Colours and feather patterns:
There are both patterned and solid colours of Barnevelder, the most common is the double laced Barnevelder, called the chestnut Barnevelder here in the UK.
Below: A white Barnevelder in a show cage.
Other colours and types of Barnevelder include:
- Double Laced,
- Silver double laced,
- Dark Brown,
- White
- Black,
- Autosexing barred,
- Splash,
- Blue laced,
- Double silver, double blue,
- Partridge,
- Isabel.
Care Requirements for Barnevelder Chickens:
When it comes to caring for Barnevelder chickens, there are a few key things that you need to keep in mind.
Firstly, these birds require a spacious coop with plenty of room to move around and roost.
Secondly they also need access to a secure outdoor area where they can scratch, peck, and soak up the sun.
While Barnevelders can be kept confined in a run, they do better free range.
Feeding Barnevelders:
In terms of feeding, Barnevelder chickens are not particularly picky and will eat a variety of food, including grains, vegetables, and insects. However, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet that contains all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
This can be achieved by feeding them a high-quality commercial feed, or by supplementing their diet with fresh food and treats.
It's also important to provide your Barnevelder chickens with regular veterinary care, including regular check-ups and parasite control. This will help to keep them healthy and happy, and will also help to prevent the spread of disease.
Summary:
In conclusion, Barnevelder chickens are a wonderful breed of chickens that are well-suited to backyard coops. With their distinctive feathers, friendly personalities, and relatively low care requirements, they are a great choice for anyone who is interested in raising chickens. So why not consider adding some Barnevelder chickens to your backyard coop today!