All You Need to Know About Barnevelder Chickens

Have you ever dreamed of a chicken that lays chocolate eggs? Meet the Barnevelder chicken, a true gem among backyard flocks and a favorite for families. This Dutch breed, with its stunning double-laced plumage, isn’t just about looks; it’s a champion in both egg production and meat production, making it a prized dual-purpose breed.

Hailing from Barneveld, Netherlands, these birds combine charm and practicality. Known for their calm temperament and docile nature, they fit perfectly into family-friendly settings. Plus, their unique dark brown eggs are a delight to collect.

Whether you’re an urban farmer or a countryside homesteader, these chickens adapt effortlessly. Let’s explore why Barnevelders could be the perfect addition to your flock.

Table of Content

1. What are Barnevelder Chickens?

The Barnevelder chicken is a strikingly beautiful Dutch breed celebrated for its unique double-laced plumage and practical qualities.

These birds are known as a dual-purpose breed, excelling in both egg production and meat production, making them a favorite for backyard enthusiasts and small-scale farmers.

With their calm temperament and docile nature, they are ideal for families, especially those with children. Their standout feature? Gorgeous dark brown eggs that bring a touch of charm to every coop.

“Good choice for the first-time fancier, as they are all easy to keep—either free-range or in a grass run.” — Celia Lewis & Jeremy Hobson, Choosing & Raising Chickens

2. The History and Origin of Barnevelder Chickens

The Barnevelder chicken has a fascinating backstory rooted in the agricultural hub of Barneveld, Netherlands, east of Utrecht.

Known for its prominent poultry industry, Barneveld supplied much of Europe with eggs during the early 20th century. With England demanding dark brown eggs, local farmers needed a bird capable of meeting this high demand.

Though their exact genetic lineage remains uncertain, the breed evolved from crossing local “landrace” chickens with imported fowl like Langshans, Brahmas, and Malays.

By 1898, Gold Laced Wyandottes were introduced, adding the stunning double-laced plumage we recognize today.

However, Barnevelder lines varied greatly, leading to the formation of the Barneveld Breeders Association in 1921.

This group worked tirelessly to bring uniformity to the breed, and by 1923, the Barnevelder chicken was officially standardized.

Despite its relatively recent development, its rich breed history has earned it global recognition for its dual-purpose traits and undeniable charm.

3. Unique Characteristics of Barnevelder Chickens

Barnevelder chickens stand out for their beauty, practicality, and adaptability. Their calm temperament, unique double-laced plumage, and versatility as a dual-purpose breed make them a treasured addition to any flock.

3.1 Appearance

Barnevelder chickens are famous for their double-laced plumage, which creates a striking feather pattern with an iridescent sheen. Their beetle-green feathers, red earlobes, and yellow legs give them a regal look. Their upright stance and broad breast make them easy to spot in any flock.

3.2 Size and Weight

Barnevelders are medium-sized chickens. Hens typically weigh around 5.5 pounds, while roosters reach up to 7 pounds. Their mature weight makes them suitable for both egg production and meat production, maintaining their status as a reliable dual-purpose breed.

3.3 Personality and Temperament

Known for their calm temperament and docile nature, Barnevelders are family-friendly birds that thrive around children. They adapt well to both backyard flocks and urban farming setups. Their gentle demeanor makes them a delight to have in mixed-breed flocks.

3.4 Egg-Laying and Meat Production

Barnevelders are efficient layers, producing 150–200 dark brown eggs annually. Their consistent egg-laying frequency makes them a practical choice. Additionally, their solid meat production qualities make them a favorite for small-scale farms.

“When it comes to the color of the eggs, Barnevelders have little competition. The Maranses are in fact the only breed laying an egg of a similar dark brown.” — Esther Verhoef & Aad Rijs, The Complete Encyclopedia of Chickens

Egg-Laying and Meat Production Barnevelder Chickens

3.5 Barnevelder Chickens Color Varieties

Barnevelders come in a variety of color patterns, including the iconic double-laced plumage, double-laced blue, silver-laced, black, and white. These stunning varieties make them a hit in poultry shows and with breeders who prize ornamental beauty.

3.6 Broodiness

Barnevelder hens are not excessively broody but show strong mothering instincts when they decide to sit. They are reliable when hatching chicks and caring for them, making them ideal for those wanting to raise their own flock.

Read More: Simple and Effective Tips to Manage a Broody Hen with Ease

3.7 Lifespan

Barnevelder chickens typically live 5–8 years with proper care. Their hardy breed nature and adaptability to various climates can extend their lifespan when combined with regular health care and good living conditions.

Read More: How Long Do Chickens Live?

3.8 Health Issues

Generally healthy, Barnevelders require standard care to avoid issues like parasites, Marek’s disease and other health issues. Maintaining proper biosecurity and regular checkups ensure they stay in good shape. They are considered a relatively low-maintenance breed.

3.9 Cold and Heat Tolerance

As a hardy breed, Barnevelders show excellent cold tolerance and do well in winter climates. However, they also adapt to warmer regions, thanks to their efficient heat tolerance. Proper coop design is essential for their comfort year-round.

3.10 Foods

Barnevelders thrive on a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Along with a high-quality poultry feed, they excel at foraging, eating bugs, safe veggies, grains, and safe fruits. A proper diet ensures optimal egg quality, vibrant shell color, and flavorful yolks.

4. Quick Breakdown of Barnevelder Chickens

Characteristic	Details
Breed Origin	Barneveld, Netherlands
Primary Purpose	Dual-purpose (Egg and Meat Production)
Egg Color	Dark Brown (Chocolate-like)
Egg Production	150–200 eggs annually
Temperament	Calm, Docile, Family-friendly
Appearance	Double-laced plumage, beetle-green sheen, yellow legs, red earlobes
Varieties	Double-laced, blue, silver-laced, black, white
Size	Rooster: ~7 lbs, Hen: ~5.5 lbs
Climate Adaptability	Excellent cold tolerance and good heat adaptability
Maintenance Level	Low-maintenance with foraging ability and confinement adaptability
Lifespan	5–8 years with proper care
Special Traits	Unique feather pattern, hardy breed, good mothering instincts

5. My Journey with Barnevelder Chickens

When I first brought home my Barnevelder chickens, I was captivated by their stunning double-laced plumage. They quickly became the stars of my backyard flock, turning heads with their iridescent sheen and calm presence.

I’ll never forget the joy of collecting my first batch of dark brown eggs—they felt like little treasures. Their gentle nature made them a hit with my kids, who loved feeding them and watching them forage.

These birds taught me so much about patience and care. Their resilience through cold winters and warm summers made me appreciate their reputation as a hardy breed.

6. Amazing Facts About Barnevelders Chicken

Adaptability to Urban and Rural Settings: Barnevelders are equally comfortable in both backyard setups and larger homestead environments, thanks to their adaptability and calm demeanor.
Low Roosting Preference: Unlike breeds like Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds, Barnevelders prefer lower roosts, making them ideal for coops with limited vertical space.
Ornamental Value: Their unique plumage and variety of colors make them a top choice for poultry exhibitions and shows.
Egg-Laying During Winter: Barnevelders are known to lay eggs consistently, even during colder months, making them reliable year-round layers.

6.1 Your Barnevelder Hens Will Lay Lighter Eggs Over Time

Barnevelder hens start their laying period with dark brown eggs, but their color gradually lightens over time. This happens with all other breeds, but it’s especially noticeable with Barnevelders. Expect their darkest eggs within the first six months of laying.

Eggs also lighten within each laying cycle. For example, if a hen lays four days in a row, the fourth egg will be lighter than the first. After a rest day, her next egg will be darker.

The good news? After an annual molt or broody period, hens will lay darker eggs again. However, don’t expect consistently super-dark eggs from any strain of Barnevelders.

7. Care and Maintenance for Barnevelder Chickens

Proper care ensures your Barnevelder chickens stay healthy, happy, and productive year-round.

Housing: Provide a secure coop with proper ventilation to protect from predators and extreme weather.
Diet: Feed a balanced diet with quality poultry feed, supplemented with greens, grains, and insects for optimal egg quality.
Cleanliness: Maintain a clean coop to prevent parasites and promote good health. Regularly clean nesting boxes and perches.
Health Care: Ensure vaccinations, such as for Marek’s disease, and perform regular health checks.
Space: Allow ample space for foraging while ensuring their confinement adaptability in smaller setups.
Climate: Prepare for all seasons. Use insulation for winter and shade for summer to support their cold and heat tolerance.

With these simple tips, your Barnevelder chickens will thrive and reward you with their beauty and bounty.

8. Common Questions About Barnevelder Chickens

Are Barnevelder chickens good layers?

Yes, they are excellent layers, producing 150–200 dark brown eggs annually, perfect for backyard flocks.

What color eggs do Barnevelder chickens lay?

Barnevelders lay beautiful chocolate-colored eggs, prized for their unique and rich egg color.

What is the difference between a Barnevelder and a Bielefelder?

While both are dual-purpose breeds, Bielefelders are larger and lay cream-colored eggs, unlike the Barnevelder’s dark brown eggs and striking double-laced plumage.

How much space do they need?

Each Barnevelder needs about 4 square feet in the coop and room for free-range foraging.

Are they hardy in cold climates?

Absolutely! Barnevelders are a hardy breed with excellent cold tolerance, thriving in winter weather.

Can they live with other chicken breeds?

Yes, their calm temperament makes them great companions in mixed flocks, even with other breeds.

9. Closing Thoughts

The Barnevelder chicken is more than just a backyard beauty—it’s a practical, family-friendly bird with stunning double-laced plumage and the ability to produce delicious chocolate eggs. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a first-time chicken keeper, their docile nature and low maintenance needs make them an excellent choice.

With their hardy breed traits and adaptability to different environments, Barnevelders are a joy to raise and care for. Adding them to your flock brings a perfect blend of functionality and elegance. These feathered gems truly embody everything you’d want in a backyard companion!

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