Barnevelder

I started out with two Barnevelder hens and the next year ordered a third, which was supposed to be a roo. Surprise! He's now laying too.

One of my girls went broody three times her first year, and layed sporadically until winter. Her sister layed somewhat more frequently the first year, but this year both of them are laying a large egg almost every day.  

The girls are chatty, friendly and love to have their backs rubbed. A sweet addition to the flock. 

I have one hen in a mixed flock of seven chickens, and my aunt has her sister. Before I got my rooster, my Barnevelder hen was the boss lady. Yes, they seem to be "softer" and non-agressive, however mine for whatever reason took the top spot on the pecking order and would lead the others around the yard when out free ranging. Very friendly bird, lets me pick her up and handle her. Lovely soft vocals, and never a loud or obnoxious "egg song". Her eggs are not the sought after dark brown eggs, but they are instead light brown with beautiful dark speckles. Nonetheless, they are HUGE eggs and I get complements on them when I give away eggs. 

I have 4 Barnvelder's in with my mixed flock of 30 & they do very well. Slightly smaller & more compact in the body that most of my other breeds, but I have been impressed with their great personalities, mine are very self contained & independent. They are not as social as my Delawares & don't like to be handled. But  I love them for their dark eggs & GORGEOUS plumage. I have several different breeds, having had Delaware's for several years now, but have Welsumer's, EE's & Cuckoo Maran's. Have decided to focus on the Barnvelder's. 

PLEASE REMOVE THIS RATING. I NO LONGER HAVE THESE BIRDS AND CAN'T DELETE THIS REVIEW

Sweet calm bird that is very pretty.  Slow to mature but eggs are worth the wait

I was given my small flock of barnevelder chicks by a friend. Although I was certain they would NEVER lay, they eventually did, and it was so worth it! They were medium sized, gorgeous coppery brown eggs. Pretty good layers, and the birds, including my rooster, were very calm and sweet. The nicest rooster I ever had was my Barnie, and I still miss him.

The best thing about Barnevelders may be the roosters. They are friendly to people, pets, etc. and to each other. I keep them in pairs or trios, they like each other; no fighting. The are also pretty easy on the hens; they don't mess up their feathers and they will help raise the young. The hens are great mothers and lay eggs nearly all winter long. Overall, the breed is docile, you will even notice that they are calmer then other breeds even as chicks. This makes them a great choice for families with children.

A Barnevelders beauty is exquisite! The double lacing is AMAZING on the hens and the roosters are just as stunning in all of their glory. Aside from their beauty they are fantastically calm and friendly birds. The beauty of the Barnevelder egg is quite something as well. All around great birds!!!!