HomeTable Birds → Barnevelder
Exhibiting possibly the most exquisite plumage of any chicken breed, Greenfire Farms has imported the large fowl silver double laced Barnevelders.
Item1+Quantity
Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed59.00
Large Fowl Silver Laced Barnevelder hatching eggs12.00Sold Out
Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick (New Bloodline 2023 Import) Unsexed59.00
Breed History

Originating in Holland almost 200 years ago, Barnevelders are medium-heavy fowl known for their striking coloration and production of large dark eggs. The breed was derived from mixing imported Asian fowl with local Dutch chickens. They are a dual-purpose breed that in the past several decades has been adapted more for display than farm life. More than a dozen Barnevelder varieties in large fowl and bantam have been developed.

The most striking visual feature of the breed is the double-laced feather pattern; an intricate arrangement that is as precise and beautiful as the most exquisite hand-sewn lace. The pattern emerged in the early 1920s in Europe and occurs only in the hens.

There is considerable variation in quality in this variety of Barnevelder, and frequently we found specimens that had red-tinged feathers and blurred lacing. These birds we avoided, and we spent time locating flocks that displayed deep black feathers with precise silver lacing. The silver double chevrons appear as if they were painted on a deep black background, and the improbably precise penciling elicits gasps of surprise and delight by even the most jaded poultry hobbyists.

Appearance and Behavior

Despite their stunning color patterns “Barnies” retain a reputation as a docile and productive breed. Hens typically lay 180-200 medium, tan eggs per year, and the carcasses of the birds are full and meaty. The roosters normally weigh about 7 to 8 pounds at maturity and the hens will normally weigh about 6 to 7 pounds at maturity.

They are a somewhat active breed but not very flighty. We have noticed that as the summer temperatures rise, they tend to slow down. Due to the fact that they aren't an extremely active breed, this breed will do very well in a medium-sized coop or run.

Breed Standard

To view the standard for the Barnevelder, please view this site: http://barnevelderclub.uk/breed-standards#:~:text=Beak%20yellow%20with%20dark%20point%20%28in%20the%20silver%2C,wattles%20and%20ear-lobes%20red.%20Legs%20and%20feet%20yellow.

Notes

Greenfire Farms has imported this breed twice. The first time we imported from Holland in 2016 and the most recent import was done from Belgium in 2023. We plan to sell chicks from both lines separately during 2024. The most noticeable difference between the two lines is in the eggs. The egg color from the newest line is more tan without the noticeable pink undertones and the egg size is slightly larger as well.

Hatching Eggs

We incubate at 99.5F and 55% humidity. This breed tends to hatch very well! We typically see about an 80% hatch rate from the eggs that have been placed into our hatcher. Most will hatch on day 21 but sometimes you will need to leave the eggs in the hatcher an extra day or 2. After the eggs have hatched, inspect the chicks to make sure the legs are clean-legged. We sometimes see a couple of feathers on one or both of the chick's legs and this is a cullable trait.
Egg Color brown
Egg Size Medium
Average number of eggs per year 160 - 200
Gamefowl no
Table Breeds Yes
Country of Origin Netherlands
Cold tolerant no
Year of import(s) 2016, 2023