The Barnevelder Chicken Is An Excellent All-round 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.

Although they first became famous because of their brown eggs, Barnevelders are today most sought-after by show breeders and not so much for their eggs. In fact, the color of the eggs is now irrelevant because the focus is more on the characteristics of the birds' appearance. Eggs are now much lighter in color and layers are not producing quantities equal to their previous reputation.


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 male and female are docile and enjoy human company. As such, they make excellent pets, especially for children. A pet will happily join the ranks of the family and will not object to being picked up, stroked, and handled. A young bird may need some socialization before they become a true pet. Unlike most other breeds of chickens, Barnevelders have even been known to try and nurture new human babies or very young children.

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.