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The Barnevelder Chicken Makes An Excellent Utility Bird
Author : kor rassad
Submitted : 2011-02-16 16:02:14 Word Count : 556 Popularity: 16
Tags: Barnevelder chicken, chicken, Barnevelder, breed, chicken breed
A variety of poultry, known as the Barnevelder Chicken, originated in the Netherlands region of Barneveld just before the First World War. Due to the rich brown color, and the high quality, of the eggs, the species became sought-after by other countries and, consequently, in 1921 exports began. Another main attraction was the fact that hens produced were excellent layers.
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.
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.
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.
Having said this, they are still useful layers, especially during winter. With a quiet, amicable disposition, they behave well in the show ring and also serve as great utility birds. Medium-to-heavy in weight, the Barnevelder is a perfect all-purpose bird that produces a good supply of eggs and also yields a tasty carcass for the dinner table. They are robust and are useful foragers. If you don't want them to get fat, avoid keeping them cooped up. Allowing them to roam freely will avoid this.
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 easygoing and relate well to adults and children. Similar to a dog, a pet chicken will follow his or her owners around. Some people have said that Barnevelders also show guarding characteristics. The hen is a doting mother and will brood her eggs. When the chicks have hatched, she gives them care and attention. Even the rooster plays his role in parenthood.
Chicks grow their feathers slower than most other breeds. A standard hen usually reaches a weight of six pounds, while a rooster is eight pounds. All in all, a Barnevelder Chicken is a versatile utility bird that's great for eggs, for a pet, and to eat. An average hen can lay around 180 eggs a year and some jumbo-sized eggs weigh up to three ounces. This breed's droppings make an excellent garden fertilizer.
Author's Resource Box
For more info about chicken coops to keep your Barnevelder chicken visit ChickenCoopAdvice.com
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