Considering Bielefelder

[Legbar Lover]

I am considering Bielefelder chickens. I love my cream Legbars and will alway have some but would also like a multi purpose bird. I raised the Cornish cross for meat once. It was heartbreaking to me, I won’t do it again. At 7 weeks they had a miserable exsistance. I tried naked necks but my family did not like their meat. I liked it, but killing chickens is very hard for me so I don’t want to do it just for myself. I did get the naked necks from a hatchery though so maybe they were smaller??? They really are cute and funny birds I enjoyed watching.

Anywho, I have been doing a little research on Bielefelders. I love autosexing chickens so that is a point in their favor. Are they broody? Not fond of broody at all. What is the meat like? How do they do in the heat? Any info pros and cons would be great.

 

[PattyNH]

I had 3 bielfelders and I love them! Great egg producers and only one was broody. Unfortunately I lost 2 to a raccoon a few weeks ago. Never ate them so can't comment on meat production...

 

[gunslinger33]

I have 7 Biels and 2 Orps. Hands down would take the Biels over the Orps. The Biels have amazing personalities and are also excellent free rangers. My Orps are far less adventurous eaters.

Excellent egg production. I do not butcher mine so I can’t speak to that.

 

[Legbar Lover]

Oh. Did not read they were good free rangers, love that. Huge plus.

Orps are pretty though, too sensitive to the heat for my taste. I have friends that have them and love them.

I love to raise baby chicks and when you hatch and raise chicks there are always left over roosters. Sad but true. I feel better having a good use for them.

 

[PattyNH]

Yes, mine free range as well and love it!

 

[gunslinger33]

I live in central Ga and our temps have been pretty high this late summer. Like most of the larger breeds they pant and drink quite a bit but overall they don’t seem too bothered by the heat. My Biels are not big flyers , maybe 4’ So adequate cover is necessary.

 

[gunslinger33]

I am considering adding Welbars , Legbars and Isbars in the Spring.

 

[Legbar Lover]

Love my legbars. Big fliers when compared to chickens though. Raising babies right now, so fun.

So far nothing on the meat.

Thought about just buying some hatching eggs this fall, still haven’t made up my mind. I love a reason to hatch some babies and try on line egg buying for the first time.

 

[gunslinger33]

There is a new tread about Biels. Some comments are positive regarding meat quality

 

[gunslinger33]

What area do you live in? We got our Biels from Orchard Hill Poultry in Griffin Ga. check out Brandy’s site. She is great to work with. I’m sure you can find quality Biels near you but I think Brandy does a good job. You can also check out Uber Chick ranch.