A Bielefelder Thread !

[DesertChic]

I have the chance to buy a 3- 4 month Beilfelder Roo for $10.
I currently only have black Astrolaurps and buff Orpington hens.
Will the Bielefelder really increase productivity and make larger eggs in future generations?
What color will the eggs be?

As far as increasing production goes, I've no idea. Perhaps others on this thread with more experience can provide a better answer. I do know that Australorps are already known for being amazing egg layers. Biel eggs are brownish in color, though the hatching eggs I received range from a peachy-brown to an almost mauve color to a deeper salmon-brown.

Perhaps the most desirable thing about Bielefelder roosters is the fact that they're so incredibly people-friendly while be tolerant of other roosters, and yet still protective of their girls. And they're big! Really, really big!

 

[jbkirk]

I got 14 eggs from a breeder in Scottsdale but only 3 made it to lockdown. (Very disappointing since they didn't even go through the mail.) And I also got 8 eggs off of eBay, a breeder in Oklahoma, 6 of which made it to lockdown.

We noticed that two more eggs/chicks had pipped around 10:35 this evening, but they're taking their sweet ole time hatching. In the meantime, my lonely little boy hung out with me for a few hours and is not finally resting in the brooder.

I hope every thing goes well. (I have heard that they just about always take their time)

 

[DesertChic]

I hope every thing goes well. (I have heard that they just about always take their time)

Oh yeah. The more you watch them the more resistant they are to hatching. I'm convinced those little chicks can actually see me through the eggshell, hovering over them. My poor little lone chick...named "Bosch", by the way...is still alone in the brooder while all of the other eggs have now pipped, but not hatched. I'm really NOT a patient person.

 

[Odelia]

All of those breeds lay brown eggs. I don't believe the cross would effect productivity but offspring should lay a larger egg.

I have the chance to buy a 3- 4 month Beilfelder Roo for $10.
I currently only have black Astrolaurps and buff Orpington hens.
Will the Bielefelder really increase productivity and make larger eggs in future generations?
What color will the eggs be?

 

[jbkirk]

Oh yeah. The more you watch them the more resistant they are to hatching. I'm convinced those little chicks can actually see me through the eggshell, hovering over them. My poor little lone chick...named "Bosch", by the way...is still alone in the brooder while all of the other eggs have now pipped, but not hatched. I'm really NOT a patient person.

Just like a watched pot never boils, soooooooo start ignoring them and they'll all hatch just like that.

 

[salmonfood]

Thanks for the replies.
Supposedly Bielefelders lay about 200 eggs per year. Supposedly my Astrolaurps lay about 300/year. So I would imagine a cross would decrease the number of eggs but increase the size.

Either way I already have way more eggs than I need, so perhaps the real benefit would be just in having a large rooster for protection

 

[jbkirk]

Oh yeah. The more you watch them the more resistant they are to hatching. I'm convinced those little chicks can actually see me through the eggshell, hovering over them. My poor little lone chick...named "Bosch", by the way...is still alone in the brooder while all of the other eggs have now pipped, but not hatched. I'm really NOT a patient person.

Have any more popped out?

 

[DesertChic]

Have any more popped out?

I'm up to six now...4 boys and 2 girls. Three more are sloooowly pecking their way into the world. Once they hatch that will be 100% of what I put in lockdown.

 

[jbkirk]

I'm up to six now...4 boys and 2 girls. Three more are sloooowly pecking their way into the world. Once they hatch that will be 100% of what I put in lockdown.

LOL sounds just like my chickens

 

[Ron Skekel]

Thanks for the replies.
Supposedly Bielefelders lay about 200 eggs per year. Supposedly my Astrolaurps lay about 300/year. So I would imagine a cross would decrease the number of eggs but increase the size.

Either way I already have way more eggs than I need, so perhaps the real benefit would be just in having a large rooster for protection

Maybe you will come across a poulet then you can have chicks. Pam