A Bielefelder Thread !

[DanielE1990]

Would I be better off to get them from one place or two?
On one hand I feel more risk in getting from multiple places but on the other it would get me greater biodiversity and would make for a healthier flock. Right?

 

[sewandgrow]

I got mine from Omega Hills Farm and they were super healthy and it was a great experience. I would recommend them.

I got my eggs from an Oregon breeder with terrible results. My friend in Washington got her's from Louisiana & had great results so she shared & gave me an extra cockerel to go with the 2 pullets I was able to hatch.

Would I be better off to get them from one place or two?
On one hand I feel more risk in getting from multiple places but on the other it would get me greater biodiversity and would make for a healthier flock. Right?

I like the different breeders to form breeding groups.

 

[DCchicken]

Would I be better off to get them from one place or two?
On one hand I feel more risk in getting from multiple places but on the other it would get me greater biodiversity and would make for a healthier flock. Right?

They all originate from Greenfire Farms. So we are all using the same limited gene pool. Greenfire is really the only source for unrelated lines. However it does not really matter for several generations as you are unlikely to run across any inbreeding issues.

 

[DanielE1990]

I got in contact with greenfire farms and they seem quite helpful. I was also looking at the sulmtaler so I ask about them too but after the conversation I believe the bielefelder is definitely the way to go. I also considered crossing them but I dont think that would be the best way to go now.

 

[RFR of CA]

I have a group of 8 hens and 2 roos from Greenfire that are six months old now. Looking for someone who would like to start an egg/chick swap for genetic diversity as soon as mine get going.

I also would like to do the same for my Sulmtalers (4 mo now), Basque Hens, and Blue Breda Fowl. (All are Greenfire Farms stock).

Thank You,

Christine

Rare Feathers Ranch - Herald CA

 

[DMRippy]

My eggs from NC seem to be doing very well for shipped eggs...... eggciting

 

[DanielE1990]

I have a group of 8 hens and 2 roos from Greenfire that are six months old now. Looking for someone who would like to start an egg/chick swap for genetic diversity as soon as mine get going.

I also would like to do the same for my Sulmtalers (4 mo now), Basque Hens, and Blue Breda Fowl. (All are Greenfire Farms stock).

Thank You,

Christine

Rare Feathers Ranch - Herald CA

Awesome someone who has both. How would to compare your sulmtalers and bielefelders? Thats the two breeds ive really thought about getting. Im leaning towards the bielefelder but more opinions is welcome at the point

 

[RFR of CA]

My Sulmtalers are much younger so I can't really make a valid comparison yet and I am not sure there is much to compare. I consider the Sulmtalers to be more exhibition, and the Bielefelders to be more production. I got the Sulmtalers to see if they are really a "quiet" breed and good egg layer, as promoted. Sacramento has recently allowed backyard hens in town, and I thought this might make a good place for them if it is true. So far they are shy in behavior, and a bit flighty. They definitely keep their distance from me, and I have never once found them underfoot at feeding time (that would be the fat little weeble wobble english orpington babies that are always starving!). They remind me of Bredas in temperament, but they are not as hardy or weather resistant.

I do not like that there are a few of the roos that seem to love to torture those smaller than themselves, so we shall see how that goes!! This behavior reminds me of my Marans boys who were also bullies at this age. They are interesting in looks and seem to come in two distinct color patterns. I have honestly not yet paid too much attention to them yet, as they are in a group of 150+ freeranging youth of varied breeds. I have noted that they are very fragile when compared to my others, and have succombed to various random ailments, while others thrived around them.

The Bielefelders are a much bigger, and faster growing bird. They are calm and docile, if a bit "dull" in temperament, when compared to say my Basque or Heritage Rhode Island Reds, which are full of personality as youngsters. They grow crazy fast and are very typey in build and size, which is to say they all look exactly alike! The roosters get along great with all ages and all breeds in my younger group. Even though they tower over everyone, they do not bully or chase or try to jump the young girls. They will probably will make a great breed to market for meat, and maybe egg production, if they do not take too much longer to start laying. The roosters are definitely heavy early! So far they rarely crow. I do like the autosex aspect, and they forage confidently and diligently, just like the RIRs and Basque, and they seem to fly very little. Crossing fingers on both breeds. Stand by for updates

Christine
Rare Feathers Ranch Herald CA

 

[DanielE1990]

I was wondering about the growth rates. I will be useing them as a meat and egg bird so the bielefelder is still probably the better choice. I wish I could keep 4-5 breeds but I dont think I will have the space for that lol. Especially since id have to keep them separate unless trying to cross. My top 3 (large breeds) are the bielefelder (like the complex coloration and physical conformity of the breed.. also seems to be the best for what I want), the sulmtaler (I love the look of this breed especially the roos in the silver), third is the silver laced orpingtons ( this is one of the most spectacular colorations of orpingtons ive ever seen... also reminds me of my old buffs but fancier)

 

[DCchicken]

I got in contact with greenfire farms and they seem quite helpful. I was also looking at the sulmtaler so I ask about them too but after the conversation I believe the bielefelder is definitely the way to go. I also considered crossing them but I dont think that would be the best way to go now.

I have both Sulmtalers (3 different import lines) and Bielefelders. While they are both good dual-purpose breeds, they have different requirements. Bielefelders are a production breed. While they prefer to be outside roaming around, they don't seem to care about being inside a run. The Sulmtalers, on the other hand, hate being confined. They are flighty and will get out of a run and free-range whether or not you want them to do so. I gave up trying to keep my Sulmtalers in a pen. Now i just watch the little parade of Sulmtalers walking in the woods around my house. They always come home. Both are calm birds and grow very large while still being friendly to humans. The only downside to the Bielefelders is that both the males and the females are loud.