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.
A popular choice of color is the double laced variety. However, Barnevelders are also available in partridge, black, and silver. In its predominantly brown plumage, the hen has black double lacing. Often, this is called a double-laced partridge. Roosters have luxurious plumage with sprays of shimmering green, violet, and bronze. Some have a white and blue lacing.
The plumage of the male and female can be described as ‘rich and tight’. They have yellow skin, red ear lobes, and single combs. They have a very upright stance with a broad breast. Barnevelders have short wings so they don’t fly very competently.
While their original claim to fame was their egg-laying abilities and the unique color of the eggs, today most Barnevelders are used for show purposes. The egg color now has little significance because the focus is more on the bird’s external appearance. The eggs are lighter in color and the modern hen doesn’t lay as many eggs as her Dutch ancestors.
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.
Females and males are docile in temperament and love being around humans. They make good pets, particularly for children. In a short time, they can be domesticated and won’t mind being handled, picked up, or stroked. Young ones might need to be socialized before becoming a genuine pet. Unlike other breeds, Barnevelders will even try and nurture a new baby in the human family.
They are laid-back and enjoy being with the family. They will follow an owner around just like a dog. Some people say that they even like to take on the role of a ‘guard dog’. Hens brood their eggs and are outstanding mothers. The hen will take great care of her chicks when they are hatched. The rooster also plays his part in raising the offspring.
It takes a chick longer to feather-out than other breeds. Hens usually reach a weight of 6 pounds and males 8 pounds. To summarize, the Barnevelder Chicken is a multi-purpose utility bird that is great as a pet, a good layer, and good to eat. The average hen will lay approximately 180 to 200 eggs per year, some of which can weigh as much as 3 ounces. The droppings serve as an excellent grass fertilizer.
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