The overall description of the Barnevelder:
The Barnevelder is a breed of chicken that originates from the town of Barneveld in the Netherlands around the early 20th century. They are known for their traditional look, hardiness and ability to lay a high number of large brown eggs. The Barnevelder is a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are both used for meat production and egg production as well.
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Overall Appearance:
The Barnevelder is a medium-sized bird that has a rectangular build and relatively short legs. They have a broad, deep body with a slightly curved back and a full, rounded breast. They also have a full and dense plumage, which is shiny and almost iridescent. The feathers are predominantly black with a double-lacing of brown or bronze around the edges, creating a unique yet striking appearance.
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The Barnevelder chicken also has a red comb and wattles with a yellow beak. They have brown eyes with a very distinctive expression. They tend to have yellow legs and toes that are heavily feathered, and they have a tight, compact tail that sits high. The Barnevelder is a very attractive bird, and their distinctive coloring makes them easy to recognize from other dual-purpose breeds.


Overall Temperament:
Barnevelder chickens are good-natured and are known for their calm and friendly disposition. They are intelligent birds, and once they know their owners, they will approach and follow them around. They tend to have a curious nature and enjoy spending time outside, busying themselves with activities like foraging and dust bathing. Although they are not known for their high level of intelligence, they are docile birds and make for great family pets.

The Barnevelder is a hardy breed and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. They can take care of themselves, but they also appreciate a bit of human interaction and require minimal supervision.


Overall Egg Production:
The Barnevelder is a highly productive bird known for their ability to produce a high quantity of large, brown eggs. They lay an average of 180-200 eggs per year, and their eggs have superior taste. This egg-laying bird is known for not only producing a high quantity of eggs but also for the quality of eggs they produce. The eggs they lay are a rich brown color, making them a favorite for use in baking.
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Barnevelder hens also reaches their peak egg production around 20-25 weeks of age and will continue to lay large brown eggs for around two-three years.

Overall Diet:
Barnevelder chickens are healthy birds that require the normal amount of maintenance. Their diets consist primarily of a reliable egg layers mix and chicken scratch. Their diet should contain, at least, 18% protein to support their egg laying and growth. Chickens also like to eat fruits and vegetables, and they can nibble on grains like rice and quinoa. They should also have access to fresh water at all times especially in summer.

Overall Health:
Barnevelder chickens are a hardy bird that with proper care can have few health issues. They are robust and mostly immune to most common health issues that can affect chickens. As long as they are provided with a clean living space, plenty of water, proper diet, and occasional vet check-ups, they can live above average lifespans.

The Barnevelder’s have a rather unique lacing that can make them more susceptible to mites and lice, which can hide in the intricate feather patterns. It is essential to keep their coop clean and sanitized to prevent the infestation from happening.


Overall summary:
Overall, Barnevelder chickens are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a docile, hardy bird that is also productive and beautiful. They make excellent family pets, and in addition, their ability to lay large brown eggs makes them an asset to any poultry farm. They are easy to care for and require minimal supervision, making them an ideal choice for first-time chicken owners and those who are looking for a bird that is easy to handle, intelligent, and charming.
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