Barnevelder: A Popular Breed of Chicken Known for Their Beautiful Eggs
The Barnevelder is a breed of chicken that originated in the Netherlands, named after the town of Barneveld. They are known for their beautiful brown eggs and gentle disposition, making them a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers and farmers alike. In this article, we will explore some of the key features and characteristics of the Barnevelder breed, including their appearance, egg-laying abilities, and popular varieties.
Appearance
Barnevelders are medium-sized chickens, with hens weighing between 6-7 pounds and roosters weighing between 7-8 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a broad, deep body and a full, rounded breast. Their feathers are soft and silky, with a lustrous sheen that can vary in color depending on the variety.
There are several different varieties of Barnevelder, including the blue laced, silver laced, double laced, and double silver laced. The blue laced and silver laced varieties are the most popular, and are recognized by the American Poultry Association.
Egg-Laying Abilities
Barnevelders are known for their exceptional egg-laying abilities, with hens laying an average of 180-200 large, brown eggs per year. The eggs have a deep, rich color that ranges from a dark brown to a chocolate brown, and are prized by chefs and home cooks alike for their flavor and appearance.
Barnevelder hens typically start laying eggs around 6 months of age, and can continue laying consistently for several years. They are known for their calm and gentle demeanor, which makes them easy to handle and ideal for backyard flocks.
Popular Varieties
The blue laced and silver laced varieties of Barnevelder are the most popular, known for their striking appearance and unique feather patterning. The blue laced variety has a blue-grey base color with black lacing, while the silver laced variety has a black base color with white lacing. The double laced and double silver laced varieties have a similar patterning to their single-laced counterparts, but with an additional layer of lacing that creates a more intricate and detailed feather pattern.
Other popular varieties of Barnevelder include the zwerg Barnevelder, which is a smaller version of the breed, and the partridge Barnevelder, which has a brown and black feather pattern.
In conclusion, the Barnevelder is a popular breed of chicken known for their beautiful brown eggs and gentle temperament. They come in several different varieties, with the blue laced and silver laced varieties being the most popular. Barnevelders are a great choice for backyard chicken keepers and farmers looking for a hardy, reliable breed that will produce high-quality eggs for years to come.
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