Barnevelder chickens (often called “Barnies”) are a gorgeous addition to any backyard flock. Though this bird is celebrated across the globe for its beautiful feathers, friendly personality and, of course, eggcellent (forgive the pun) egg laying abilities. This extensive guide will cover the temperament, and family-friendly information of Barnevelders to inform both veterans and beginners in raising backyard chickens.
An Overview of Barnevelder Chickens
Barnevelder – Barneveld, Netherlands, early 20th century The Brahma was used as well to create “fatter” chickens and their crosses to be a dual-purpose bird like the Cochin. Barnevelders One of the happy endings, Barnevelders are a feather pattern that is beautifully double laced with chestnut brown feathers edged in black that give a distinctive appearance that is both flashy and elegant.
What Are Barnevelder Chickens Like?
Barnevelder chickens have a good and docile temperament which makes them a good choice for the backyard flock. They generally have mild temperaments, are docile and do well in both confinement-type and free-range farming systems. Below are some common characteristics of Barnevelder hens:
Calm and Docile
On the whole, Barnevelders have a very placid and gentle temperament for a good sized bird Reasonably nerve-resistant, Mastweilers are composed in unfamiliar or stressful environments. Due to their friendly demeanor, they are great for families with children or beginners in chicken-keeping.
Friendly and Social
This chicken is very social and enjoys living with humans. They are typically the first to greet you when you step out into the yard and they tend to follow you where ever you go, but such wonderful little back yard residents.
Talkative but Quiet
The Barnevelder is quite the chatty chicken and although not overly noisy, they certainly keep their owners entertained! A downside is the quietness of some calls, but they are not as noisy as a breed like a Rhode Island Red that would send most neighbors back over the fence).
Active Foragers
Although quiet, Barnevelders are relatively a high foraging breed. They are prone to wander the land, scratching in the dirt for bugs and seeds. They also pick up the ground, a form of natural foraging, which not only entertains them but cuts back our feed bill.
Are Barnevelder Chickens Aggressive?
Most chicken keepers worry about rooster and hen aggression. Luckily Barnevelder chickens are generally not aggressive, which means they could live peacefully next to any other breeds.
Rooster Behavior
Barnevelder Rooster temperament: Barnevelder Roosters are mild-tempered and rarely aggressive. Barnevelder roosters are less aggressive than other breeds to humans and other chickens also Many claims that they are docile and easygoing, and so they are also good for mixed flock situations.
But of course, personality varies. Most Barnevelder roosters are even tempered, although there is the occasional exception. Good management and young age socialising will help prevent the aggression on the cocks.
Hen Behavior
Barnevelder hens are sociable and calm birds. They are great friends to your other chickens and are virtually never involved against disagreements with the pecking order. This makes them a great candidate for mixed flocks, as their presence will neither be picked on by others nor pick on others of other breeds.
Barnevelders Are They Friendly?
Calm and friendly are two of the most frequently used adjectives to describe the Barnevelder chickens. Their docile and friendly nature makes them a favored breed for small flock owners. Characteristics that puts Barnevelder Chickens in the friendly category
Human Interaction
Barnevelders generally like being around people and are more friendly than other breeds They are usually the first to greet you when you enter the yard and like to be petted and touched. With this nice character they are perfect to have around if you have children, they will always be calm around them, and they might never be scared of them.
Good With Other Breeds
They mix well with other chicken breed Their low level of aggression with respect to many predatory animals advances as well as their fundamental communitarian nature underscores that they can live without turmoil together bunches with more fiery breeds. But it is important to check, especially trying-they add the new birds into a current flock to ensure that the introduction goes well.
Kid-Friendly
Barnevelder – Calm and suited to families with kids Their mild temperament also means they get along with most animals and are a great choice for small children and timid adults, and they don’t peck or scratch as easily as other more aggressive breeds. That makes them great to teach children responsible pet ownership and animal care
Barnevelder Chickens Health And Care
Barnevelder chickens are friendly and non-aggressive birds who are easy to care for and quite hearty. So lets go over some key points to keep your new Barnevelders fit and fine:
Housing And Space Needs
Barnevelders are moderate to large birds, the hens weigh 5-6 pounds and the roosters 7-8 pounds. Sussex will need a sizeable coop with ample room for playing and perching. A general rule for space per chicken in the coop is a 4×4 foot area, along with 8-12 inches of roost bar per bird.
Feeding
Overall, Barnevelder chickens are quite wide feeders and will flourish on a well-balanced meal of business feed, grains, veggies, and bugs. You must have provided them the complete feed which is rich in all the nutrients. You can also provide oyster shells to make sure you chickens are getting enough calcium for their bones!
Health Issues
Overall, Barnevelders boast good health and are usually hardy. But they are very prone to a viral disease called Marek’s disease, in which they can become paralyzed and dead. Barnevelder Chickens Vaccination against Marek’s disease -This is recommended to prevent outbreaks in Barnevelder chicks. Regular health visits and worming are also very important to maintain a healthy flock.
Climate Tolerance
Barnevelders tend to tolerate cold climates well. They are a breed that was bred to tolerate the harsh winters of the Netherlands and are highly cold and even damp tolerant. Unfortunately, over-heating and excessive humidity are not their friend They are sensitive to heat so make sure to offer them shade and access to cool water daily, especially when it is super hot.
Egg Production and Broodiness
Barnevelder – These are such lovely and different eggs. Points of focusThe breeding and behavior of egg production
Egg Color and Size
Barnevelders lay dark brown eggs, that are often said to look like dark chocolate in colour. There is a lot of diversity in egg colors, but our Americana eggs are generally tints varying from very light to very dark brown, with freckled eggs in between. Typically, a Barnevelder will lay 3-4 eggs a week, or 180-200 eggs a year.
Broodiness
Broodiness – Barnevelder hens can tend toward broodiness. While some hens may go broody and be very possessive over their chicks, others might have no interest in brooding them at all. Though large, Barnevelders are good brooders and attentive mamas to their chicks. If you intend to reproduce Barnevelders, be sure to keep an eye on their broodiness and give them the ideal setting for nesting.
Barnevelder Chicken History
The history of Barnevelder chickens offers an important context in which to understand what makes these birds distinct and popular. The breed was Barnevelder, after the Dutch community of Barneveld where it was developed in the late nineteen century. Since local Dutch chickens were extremely tough and Asian breeds like Brahmas and Cochins were very good egg layers, farmers in the region were naturally interested in developing a breed of chicken that had both qualities.
The breed was admitted to the Dutch Poultry Society in 1902 and soon became popular due to its great egg-laying attributes as well as marvellous colours. They were brought to The UK in the beginning of the 20th century and are now a popular breed around the world. In the present, the breed has been declared a heritage breed and rates as “watch” with The Livestock Conservancy.
Special Characteristics and Traits
Barnevelders have a number of unique features and standards that distinguish them from other breeds:
Distinctive Feather Pattern
The most remarkable thing about the Barnevelder chickens is its unique double-laced feather pattern. It is characterized by chestnut brown feathers, framed in black, forming more or less arrowhead-shaped thrushes. The creative color scheme of its feathers makes Barnevelders one of the prettiest chickens.
Cold Hardiness
Barnevelders are able to tolerate cold temperatures, and in fact, they were created to be cold-hardy, having originated in the Netherlands where winters can get quite harsh. Kadaknath chicken can withstand the cold and wet weather very easily which makes them the best fit for the harsh winter or snowy region.
Foraging Ability
Barnevelders are also great foragers and will roam about, scratching the ground and eating insects and seeds all day if allowed to. This natural behavior serves as mental enrichment which not only makes them happier but also decreases feed costs. Their foraging aptitude accommodates them to open-scope situations.
Barnevelder Chicken Varieties
There are also several color varieties in the Barnevelder chickens, and each variety have its own beauty. Currently the most common variety is the double-laced Barnevelder but there are others as well:
- Double-laced blue
- Black
- White
- Double-laced silver (bantam only)
- Blue
- Partridge (accepted in large fowl by the Entente Européenne)
It helps make the breed attractive, and it also means that people who are interested in gardening are likely to be interested in breeding this bird because the chances are that they may result in quality show birds!
Barnevelder Chickens as Pets
Because the Barnevelder chickens are calm and non-human, they are great pets. They are great for families with kids being social pets and being very handleable. Some key pointers of keeping your Barneveld as a pet
Socialization
You should get along with Barnevelder chickens from an early age in order to keep them from becoming shy and liking humans. They like to be petted and handled, so they will be a pleasant addition to any house backyard.
Housing
A coop that is spacious and secure is crucial if you are looking to ensure your Barnevelder chickens stay happy and healthy. Each bird must have at least 4-5 square feet of space in the chicken coop as well as access to a protected outdoor area for foraging and exercise.
Health Care
Which is why Barnevelder chickens should have regular veterinary check-ups and be monitored for parasite control. Marek’s disease in chicks should be vaccinated against, and they should also be given the right diet so that they do not suffer from other health problems.
Barnevelder Chicken Lifespan
Barnevelder chickens have an average lifespan of only about 7 years but-taking good care-they can get to the fine age of 15. Diet, housing, and overall health care are those factors which can impact the life span of your bunny. By ensuring that your Barnevelders are kept in a low-pressure environment and see a vet regularly you will be well on your way to giving them a long and healthy life.
Barnevelder Chicken Status
Heritage breed, Barnevelder chicken, is on The Livestock Conservancy as a “watch. This essentially states that the breed is in critical need of conservation measures to save its genetic diversity. Breeders and groups working to preserve heritage breeds can help ensure future generations get to enjoy the sweet nature of Barnevelder chickens.
FAQs
Are Barnevelder chickens good layers?
Yes, the Barnevelder is a fantastic layer – my girls tend to lay 3-4 very dark chocolate eggs a week which equates to around 150-200 eggs each year.
What is the personality of a Barnevelder chicken?
Barnevelder chickens are docile and friendly, making them a good family fowl and good in a mixed flock.
Are Barnevelder chickens good with children?
Yes, Since Barnevelder chickens are so imperturbable and easygoing, they are definitely child-friendly and can be kept with children.
How hardy are Barnevelder chickens in different climates?
Barnevelder chickens are pretty chill in the cold and damp. But in the heat, they need shade and a source of cool water.
Conclusion
Barnevelder chicken is a nice and friendly and useful for eggs and meat. The First are very quiet, gentle and meek rodents – they can be pets in families with children. Barnevelders are prolific foragers so they are sure to make your yard a busy place looking for food and brown, gold and copper Barnevelder eggs are guaranteed. Having proper care, housing, and nutrition, these chickens can be stay healthy and can live for years being a great addition to your flock. Anyone interested in poultry should find Orpingtons charming and practical, not only in look but in personality becuase they are cold hardy and friendly birds.
