Silver Laced Barnevelder

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About

The Barnevelder, developed in Holland nearly 200 years ago, arose from crossing imported Asian “Shanghai” chickens—early ancestors of breeds like the Brahma, Cochin, and particularly the Langshan—with local Dutch fowl, resulting in a hardy, dual-purpose bird known for its rich brown eggs and strong winter laying. Originally bred to meet Europe’s demand for high-quality brown eggs, the Barnevelder has since expanded into more than a dozen varieties, with the stunning double-laced feather pattern becoming its most iconic feature. Imported into the U.S. in the 1920s, the breed is now a favorite among backyard keepers for its calm temperament, reliable production of 180–200 tan eggs per year, and substantial size—roosters reaching 7–8 pounds and hens 6–7 pounds. Though moderately active, they tolerate confinement well and may slow down in summer heat, making them well suited to medium-sized coops and runs.

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 breeds. These Asian fowl arrived in Europe in the 1850s and soon became known as the “Shanghai” chickens. These birds were first crossbred among themselves before eventually being developed into distinct breeds such as the Brahma, Cochin, and Croad Langshan. Around 1865, some of these Shanghai chickens were crossed with local farmyard chickens in the Barneveld region, contributing to the development of what would later become the Barnevelder breed. It is believed that the Langshan breed had the most significant influence on the Barnevelder, contributing to its hardiness, ability to lay brown eggs, and strong winter production.

Originally, this breed was created to meet the demand for high-quality brown eggs. They are a dual-purpose breed that has been adapted more for display in the past several decades than farm life. More than a dozen Barnevelder varieties in both 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 first Barnevelder chickens were imported into the United States around the 1920s and have since become a popular choice among backyard poultry enthusiasts.

Appearance and Behavior

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 to be delicately painted on a deep black background, with the exceptionally precise penciling often eliciting astonishment and admiration, even from the most experienced poultry enthusiasts.

Despite their striking color patterns, Barnevelders—affectionately known as "Barnies"—are renowned for their docile temperament and productivity. Hens typically produce 180–200 medium tan eggs per year, while the breed also boasts a well-proportioned, meaty carcass. Roosters typically reach a mature weight of 7 to 8 pounds, while hens generally weigh between 6 and 7 pounds at full 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. Because they are not an extremely active breed, this breed can do very well in a medium-sized coop or run.

Breed Standard

The Silver Laced Barnevelder have a single, straight comb, red earlobes and yellow legs.

To view the standard for the Barnevelder, please view this site: Breed Standards - British Barnevelder Club

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 our incubated eggs. While most chicks hatch on day 21, some may require an additional day or two in the hatcher before fully hatching.

Breed defects or issues

When hatching eggs of this breed, chicks should be carefully examined to ensure their legs are free of feathers. Occasionally, a chick may exhibit a few feathers on one or both legs, which is considered an undesirable trait. These chicks should be culled to prevent their inclusion in a breeding program.

Notes

The most distinguishable difference between the two lines lies in their eggs. The newer line (2023 import) produces eggs with a more tan coloration, lacking the distinct pink undertones, and are also slightly larger.

Import Notes

Greenfire Farms has imported this breed twice, first from Holland in 2016 and more recently from Belgium in 2023.

Breed Availability

= Pick up only

Nov 09, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Laced Barnevelder hatching eggs : 20

Nov 10, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Nov 17, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 11

Nov 24, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Dec 08, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Dec 15, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Dec 22, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Mar 09, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Mar 16, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Mar 23, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Mar 30, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Apr 06, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Apr 13, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Apr 20, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Apr 27, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

May 04, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

May 11, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 10

May 18, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 10

May 25, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 10

Silver Laced Barnevelder

The Silver Laced Barnevelder is a striking chicken breed known for its elegant laced plumage, featuring a distinct pattern of black-edged white feathers that create a shimmering, lacy effect across its body.

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Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed Total Available:

$29.00

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Nov 10, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 16

$29.00

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Nov 17, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 11

$29.00

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Nov 24, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 14

$29.00

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Dec 08, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 16

$29.00

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Dec 15, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 16

$29.00

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Dec 22, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 16

$29.00

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Mar 09, 2027 Available: 7

$29.00

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Mar 16, 2027 Available: 7

$29.00

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Mar 23, 2027 Available: 7

$29.00

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Mar 30, 2027 Available: 7

$29.00

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Apr 06, 2027 Available: 14

$29.00

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Apr 13, 2027 Available: 14

$29.00

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Apr 20, 2027 Available: 14

$29.00

Quantity:

Apr 27, 2027 Available: 14

$29.00

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May 04, 2027 Available: 14

$29.00

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May 11, 2027 Available: 10

$29.00

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May 18, 2027 Available: 10

$29.00

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May 25, 2027 Available: 10

$29.00

Quantity:

Large Fowl Silver Laced Barnevelder hatching eggs Total Available:

$14.00

Choose Date

Nov 09, 2026 Available: 20

$14.00

Quantity:

Total

00.00

Breed History

Appearance and Behavior

Breed Standard

The Silver Laced Barnevelder have a single, straight comb, red earlobes and yellow legs.

To view the standard for the Barnevelder, please view this site: Breed Standards - British Barnevelder Club

Hatching Eggs

Breed defects or issues

Notes

Import Notes

Greenfire Farms has imported this breed twice, first from Holland in 2016 and more recently from Belgium in 2023.

More Details

Brown

Medium

160 - 200 Eggs Per Year

Table Breed

Netherlands

Cold Hardy

Year of Imports: 2016, 2023

Rarely Broody

About

Breed History

Appearance and Behavior

Breed Standard

The Silver Laced Barnevelder have a single, straight comb, red earlobes and yellow legs.

To view the standard for the Barnevelder, please view this site: Breed Standards - British Barnevelder Club

Hatching Eggs

Breed defects or issues

Notes

Import Notes

Greenfire Farms has imported this breed twice, first from Holland in 2016 and more recently from Belgium in 2023.

Breed Availability

= Pick up only

Nov 09, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Laced Barnevelder hatching eggs : 20

Nov 10, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Nov 17, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 11

Nov 24, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Dec 08, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Dec 15, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Dec 22, 2026

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 16

Mar 09, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Mar 16, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Mar 23, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Mar 30, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7

Apr 06, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Apr 13, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Apr 20, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

Apr 27, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

May 04, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 14

May 11, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 10

May 18, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 10

May 25, 2027

Large Fowl Silver Barnevelder Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 10

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Silver Laced Barnevelder

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