What breed are these hens?

[CovenantCreek]

After seeing the pics on Feathersite, I'm joining the chorus for Barnevelders. What beautiful hens they are!

 

[FarmGirl01]

Yes, very nice birds. What nice feather pattern. Conjrats.

 

[Mahonri]

My first thought was Partridge Rock cross but upon further inspection,... Barnevelder

 

[Rosecomb-Ryan]

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[hcammack]

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If they are dark laying Barnvelders you should breed them there is allot of trouble with the egg color of this breed.

 

[smith2]

They are Barnies. The Barnies in this country typically have 2 major problems--they won't lay, and they aren't very hardy. If you go to the SandHill Preservation site and read what he says about Barnies you will have the entire issue in a nutshell. A lot of people ordered Barnies from Ideal, but they aren't a good laying strain so many of them are getting dumped onto people who want dark eggs, but they aren't told at the time that they lay about 1-2 eggs a week. I have some that I started with from Ideal and I am working with them, but having limited success with the egg laying aspect. They are beautiful birds but they just won't lay. I have artificial light on mine at this time which does increase their laying. Mine go to bed very early as well. I am trying several out-crossings with other breeds to try and increase the laying ability without sacrificing the color pattern, form, etc. This will take many years. Mine also lay better with a higher carb diet than my other birds. I add extra corn to the high-protein layer pellets. I am getting about 3-4 eggs daily from 7 hens.

 

[trailhound]

Wow, I guess I need to just wait and see what happens with these girls. I have no idea where the guy I got them from got them from. I don't have any roos- well just sold a really nice EE roo because I like my peace and quiet. I might have to consider breeding them if they turn out to be good layers of dark eggs then, for the sake of the breed. I got into chickens for the eggs, but as my flock has grown this year I have enjoyed getting some 'fancier' chickens. I have these two Barnvelders, two Cuckoo Marans (laying every day at 7 months old) and just picked up two Salmon Faverolles on a whim last weekend.

I am excited that I accidentally stumbled upon the Barnvelders. I hope they turn out to be better layers than 1-2 eggs per week- that may not be enough to earn their keep. Luckily, they are so darn pretty. All of my other chickens come when I call them back to the coop, and all of my new ones but these have picked it up quickly. These girls are the last to leave, but refuse to go back in, even when I try to chase them- all my other ones get the idea and go on in if I follow them around a bit.

Andrea