A Bielefelder Thread !

[DesertChic]

Thanks. I'm wanting a good duel purpose breed and was pretty set on the Biels but now* after hearing about their heat intolerance I'm wondering if I shouldn't reconsider. I was very drawn to the auto sexing function, hence my questions regarding preserving auto sexing in crosses. I still have a Birl hen but I'm gonna do some research on a breed (eta:for a roo to cross with the Biel) that continues to auto sexing feature but maybe brings in a better tolerance to our extremely hot summers.

I hear you, the heat problem is giving me concern as well. Right now I'm looking into Cream Legbars which are also auto-sexed. While they don't lay a huge egg, it is a very pretty blue egg.

But then again, I see that Greenfire Farms is in Florida, of all places. Given that I've recently moved to NC from the Sunshine State, I can guarantee you that it is HOT and HUMID down there 11 months out of the year. And Omega Hills is in Alabama, also a pretty sultry state. So maybe their stock is becoming acclimated????

Heat can be a definite issue, as it has been this past summer here in AZ where temps of 105 were common, but it doesn't have to be a deal breaker. My Biels were fine with frozen bottles to lay against, lots of well-ventilated shade, and moist earth to stand and lay on when it was 95 degrees and 47% humidity, as long as it's not all day long. If your summers are not excessively hot then it should be fine.

 

[otakalhasas]

That's something to think about - thanks!

 

[wava1vaughn]

Hi from Ga. Were 95+ degrees for months on end here never had a problem with our Bielefelders.

 

[Zinniah]

Hi from Ga. Were 95+ degrees for months on end here never had a problem with our Bielefelders.

Your biele boy is is beautiful. I live in southeast texas, near the coast. My temps are often between 100-115. Though the weather channel says the temps are high 80's and 90s, but my acu-rite system and my body tells me differently! My biele's aren't having to much of an issue, they do however, only stay in shaded areas. If they get in a non shaded area they do have issues very quickly. By issues i mean, panting, watery poo, hanging wings, they often run to a shaded area to rest under for many minutes. They now just stay in the shade out of their own will, and have no desire to move from it. I hope that next year one of them will hatch some babies and through breeding, more heat tolerant birds will come. Not sure how that works though.

 

[wava1vaughn]

Sometimes we forget that some live where only gila monsters lay eggs. Good Luck in Texas. I do send a lot of eggs there.

 

[Zinniah]

I have always had a lot if trouble growing grass, the chickens sure aren't helping, lol. I soaked the ground and threw down some grass seeds, next day they had eaten all the grass seeds. They aren't going to have any grass to forage in, it costs to much water in this dry place to keep it growing well.

 

[Zinniah]

I found a tortoise in my yard, how odd. I dropped it at the animal control, I don't know here it came from, never seen anything like it, so close to my house. It was really cute though, I would've kept it, but I don't know if chickens would like a turtle friend, and it might be illegal.

 

[Candy442]

Ok, finally got pictures of both my boys. This is Fritz. I believe he is very pretty and so far no sprigs. My other older cockerel, Franz, was born in December. He is a real sweetheart, but has sprigs and not the long straight back. I will be keeping him around anyway.

Fritz born March 2015: Please * @Bine especially!! let me know what everyone thinks of his coloring, body shape, comb, etc.

 

[Candy442]

Ok, here is Franz with the six Biele pullets I have He is sweet on the two legbar pullets in the same coop for the time being...the Biele pullets also born in March are not laying yet. When Franz was about 6 months old, his quarantine mate pulled out some of his tail feathers so it still looks awkward. Both of my cockerels here weigh about 7 lbs now.



that being said, I think Franz has the nicer comb as far as height, but darn those sprigs!!!

 

[TNBielefelder]

Ok, finally got pictures of both my boys. This is Fritz. I believe he is very pretty and so far no sprigs. My other older cockerel, Franz, was born in December. He is a real sweetheart, but has sprigs and not the long straight back. I will be keeping him around anyway.

Fritz: Please * @Bine especially!! let me know what everyone thinks of his coloring, body shape, comb, etc.

Ok, finally got pictures of both my boys. This is Fritz. I believe he is very pretty and so far no sprigs. My other older cockerel, Franz, was born in December. He is a real sweetheart, but has sprigs and not the long straight back. I will be keeping him around anyway.

Fritz: Please * @Bine especially!! let me know what everyone thinks of his coloring, body shape, comb, etc.



Candy thanks for posting a picture of Fritz. I think he is nice for 6 months of age. I wish we could get the taller combs not the points but the body of the comb on our birds in the USA. When he matures he will be a super nice cock and I think develop the obtuse angle of the tail. It appears to be going that direction. Great yellow skin on the shanks. Do you know how much he weigh's ? Nice boy!