Bielefelder thread!!!!

[JacinLarkwell]

5 weeks old, got to experience triple digits almost yesterday for the first time

 

[abpatchy]

I found some pictures of my 3 girls when they were 12 weeks old last year.

 

[ChickenWhisperer101]

5 weeks old, got to experience triple digits almost yesterday for the first time

View attachment 2677599View attachment 2677600

I found some pictures of my 3 girls when they were 12 weeks old last year.
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Cuties, can’t wait for mine!

 

[gunslinger33]

I have biels. We really enjoy the breed. They are super friendly but they are big eaters.................... like gluttons. My rooster can be handled very easily. Never an issue with my Biels. I live in middle Georgia. They seem to take the heat fairly well considering their size.

I'm looking to add some Rhodebars with my Biels

 

[Joel Côté-Kanning]

Hello all- I figured this would be the thread to pose this question to. I swapped out all my old stand-by hens (I’ll keep a few back just to have some eggs) this spring and got 20 Bielefelders. There seems to be a lot of interest regarding this breed but it’s proving to be a challenge to find people who actually have these birds beyond the odd 1 or 2 here and there. I got them because I wanted something that would really be able to withstand the ND winters and continue to lay throughout the winter months as well. In the past I’ve been able to keep all my girls (a combo of RI and NH reds, barred rocks, black australorps, and whiting true blues) laying right through January and February, but this year was spotty compared to other years. I was also attracted to their size and the viability of them being a dual purpose bird, though in truth I’ve never been able to utilize any of my laying hens for meat- I’ve only ever been able to use the Cornish crosses since they don’t seem to have the personality that the laying hens do. Bottom line is I’m looking for personal anecdotes from those that have experience in raising them regarding egg production in extreme temperatures, temperament, and overall feed to size ratio. With their reported bigger size do they require much more feed than say a NH red? Thanks in advance!

 

[ChickenWhisperer101]

Hello all- I figured this would be the thread to pose this question to. I swapped out all my old stand-by hens (I’ll keep a few back just to have some eggs) this spring and got 20 Bielefelders. There seems to be a lot of interest regarding this breed but it’s proving to be a challenge to find people who actually have these birds beyond the odd 1 or 2 here and there. I got them because I wanted something that would really be able to withstand the ND winters and continue to lay throughout the winter months as well. In the past I’ve been able to keep all my girls (a combo of RI and NH reds, barred rocks, black australorps, and whiting true blues) laying right through January and February, but this year was spotty compared to other years. I was also attracted to their size and the viability of them being a dual purpose bird, though in truth I’ve never been able to utilize any of my laying hens for meat- I’ve only ever been able to use the Cornish crosses since they don’t seem to have the personality that the laying hens do. Bottom line is I’m looking for personal anecdotes from those that have experience in raising them regarding egg production in extreme temperatures, temperament, and overall feed to size ratio. With their reported bigger size do they require much more feed than say a NH red? Thanks in advance!

Sorry I can’t help you with this, as I have no experience with this breed, and live in a warm climate, but I’m getting some in 2 or so weeks. Good luck and I hope someone can help you.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Hello all- I figured this would be the thread to pose this question to. I swapped out all my old stand-by hens (I’ll keep a few back just to have some eggs) this spring and got 20 Bielefelders. There seems to be a lot of interest regarding this breed but it’s proving to be a challenge to find people who actually have these birds beyond the odd 1 or 2 here and there. I got them because I wanted something that would really be able to withstand the ND winters and continue to lay throughout the winter months as well. In the past I’ve been able to keep all my girls (a combo of RI and NH reds, barred rocks, black australorps, and whiting true blues) laying right through January and February, but this year was spotty compared to other years. I was also attracted to their size and the viability of them being a dual purpose bird, though in truth I’ve never been able to utilize any of my laying hens for meat- I’ve only ever been able to use the Cornish crosses since they don’t seem to have the personality that the laying hens do. Bottom line is I’m looking for personal anecdotes from those that have experience in raising them regarding egg production in extreme temperatures, temperament, and overall feed to size ratio. With their reported bigger size do they require much more feed than say a NH red? Thanks in advance!

I've never had them before like a month, but I've heard they eat a lot of feed

 

[Mtn Homestead]

Hello! I'm looking into Bielefelders for our homestead here in north Idaho. They look like a very promising dual-purpose breed from what I can find online. I'd like to know about how old Biels have to get to weigh in the 5 lb range. Does anyone have 16-20 week weight averages for Bielefelders? Thanks!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

welp, my boy found a new home with 2 Wyandotte pullets as well. They all went to a 4H home though so that makes me feel better

 

[Ducksmom]

I still have 1 rooster ( big boy Jacquouille), 1 hen and 1 pullet. Lost one rooster and one hen from a mysterious illness. I was really determined to raise this breed but now, I think that if you are looking for a good layer, the RIR is the way to go. They lay very late ( around 7-8 months), eat a lot and the size is not consistent. You can have a big hen and another could be a medium size. They are docile but the roosters can attack as any other roosters if they feel a danger.