Niederrheiner

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About

The lemon-cuckoo Niederrheiner is a hardy, calm, and visually striking dual-purpose chicken developed in Germany’s Lower Rhine region before World War II. Created by crossing North Holland Blue chickens with various heavy and light breeds, the Niederrheiner was officially recognized in 1943 and has since experienced fluctuating conservation status, most recently listed as at risk in 2022. These large, muscular birds feature pale gold and gray barred plumage, produce 200 to 230 extra-large tan eggs per year, and are known for their gentle temperament and suitability for mixed flocks. Five color varieties exist, though lemon cuckoo is the variety raised at your farm, and chicks of this color are not reliably sexable at hatch. The breed standard calls for a broad, deep body, pale legs, red earlobes, and a single upright comb, with roosters reaching 8 to 10 pounds and hens 5.5 to 6.5 pounds. Niederrheiners mature quickly at about five to six months, and your breeding line shows excellent fertility and hatch rates, with strong, vigorous chicks.

Breed History

The Niederrheiner originated in western Germany’s Lower Rhine region in the years leading up to World War II. Although North Holland Blue chickens—meat birds developed in the Netherlands—were introduced to the area in the late 1920s, they initially failed to gain popularity. Determined to create a more appealing breed, poultry enthusiasts Friedrich Regenstein and J. Jobs began crossing the North Holland Blue with a mix of heavy and light breeds. Their efforts culminated in the development of the Niederrheiner, which was officially recognized in 1943.

A breed census conducted in 1997 recorded 1,482 Niederrheiner chickens being kept by 138 breeders. By 2001, the breed was classified as "endangered, category 3" on the Red List maintained by the German Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds. Although its status improved to "not at risk" by 2007, it was once again listed as "at risk" in 2022 by the DAD-IS database. As of 2021, the total breeding population stood at 1,660 birds, including 308 cockerels and 1,352 hens.

Appearance and Behavior

The Niederrheiner is an impressive breed known for its striking looks, steady temperament, and hardiness in a wide range of climates. These large birds were developed as true dual-purpose fowl, excelling both in meat quality and egg production. Their broad, muscular build is complemented by a beautiful lemon-cuckoo plumage—soft, barred patterns of pale gold and gray that make them stand out in any flock, and their meat is highly regarded for being tender and flavorful! Hens are reliable layers of extra-large, tan eggs, and you can expect about 200 to 230 eggs per year from your ladies.

In terms of behavior, Niederrheiners are remarkably calm, sociable, and non-aggressive. Hens typically will not go broody. At Greenfire Farms, they’ve proven to be gentle flock members—well-mannered and easy to manage, even in mixed-breed environments. Their docile nature and quiet demeanor make them especially suited for backyard settings or small farms looking for both beauty and utility.

This breed is recognized in five distinct color varieties: crele, silver, lemon cuckoo, blue cuckoo, and birchen. At our farm, we currently raise the lemon cuckoo variety. While the breed is often described as auto-sexing, we’ve found that lemon cuckoo chicks are not reliably distinguishable by sex at hatch—other breeders in Europe report this same result in their flocks of lemon cuckoo Niederrheiners. Still, what these birds may lack in auto-sexing convenience, they more than make up for in visual appeal and practicality. The lemon cuckoos boast vibrant, golden-yellow barred plumage that sets them apart in any flock. Their eye-catching appearance and calm temperament make them a point of pride for any poultry enthusiast.

Breed Standard

The Niederrheiner adheres to a well-defined breed standard that emphasizes both utility and visual appeal. Birds should have a broad, deep body with a full, rounded breast and a strong, well-proportioned frame—traits that reflect their dual-purpose heritage. Roosters typically weigh between 8 to 10 pounds, while hens average around 5.5 to 6.5 pounds. Their plumage is a soft, barred pattern of pale lemon-yellow and light gray, giving the bird its signature "lemon cuckoo" appearance. They have pale-colored legs free of feathering, red earlobes, and a single upright comb. Roosters should exhibit a proud, upright carriage, while hens appear slightly more compact and rounded. Overall, the ideal lemon cuckoo Niederrheiner is not only striking in appearance but also structurally sound, calm in temperament, and true to its practical roots. The Niederrheiner tend to mature quicker than most breeds, with birds reaching maturity at 5 to 6 months!

For a detailed look at their standard of perfection, visit this link:

Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner Standard of Perfection - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

Hatching Eggs

We incubate at 99.5F and 55% humidity. In our experience, these birds consistently achieve around a 90% fertilization rate and an impressive near-100% hatch rate. Chicks hatch strong, vigorous, and full of life, a testament to the excellent genetic health and vitality of this bloodline.

Breed defects or issues

When hatching Niederrheiner eggs, each chick should be carefully inspected for leg feathering. We have observed that approximately half of the hatched chicks may display this trait. Since feathered legs are not part of the breed standard, any chicks exhibiting this characteristic should be excluded from future breeding programs.

Notes

A rooster-to-hen ratio of 1:10 works well for the Niederrheiners, ensuring effective breeding without overburdening the hens. They integrate smoothly into existing flocks, typically showing minimal aggression during the introduction process. As for hardiness, this breed has thrived in our warm Florida conditions and is also reputed to handle cold climates with equal ease, making them a versatile choice for a variety of environments.

Starting in 2026, we will begin offering sexed chicks, as we are confident in our ability to accurately determine sex based on chick coloration. Darker chicks with a rich golden hue are female, while lighter yellow chicks are male. We know many of our customers want the assurance of adding hens to their flocks, and we’re excited to expand our offerings with another breed available as sexed chicks.

Import Notes

Our initial import of the Niederrheiner in 2014 quickly captured attention—they were an instant favorite among our visitors. However, after the first year, we began to notice a decline in egg production and overall viability. Despite efforts to improve the line, we ultimately chose to start fresh with a new bloodline imported in 2023. This latest line has exceeded expectations, showing exceptional hardiness and consistent productivity year after year.

Breed Availability

= Pick up only

Nov 17, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 2
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 2

Dec 08, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 9
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 4
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 5

Dec 15, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 9
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 4
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 5

Dec 22, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 9
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 4
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 5

Mar 02, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 09, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 16, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 23, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 30, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Apr 06, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

Apr 13, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

Apr 20, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

Apr 27, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

May 04, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

May 11, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

May 18, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

May 25, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Niederrheiner

The lemon-cuckoo Niederrheiner is a gentle, eye-catching dual-purpose chicken that brings beauty and productivity to any flock. With its soft golden barring, steady temperament, and reliable extra-large eggs, this hardy German breed is as practical as it is striking. Perfect for keepers who want a calm, dependable bird that shines in both looks and performance.

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Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female Total Available:

$49.00

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Dec 08, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 4

$49.00

Quantity:

Dec 15, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 4

$49.00

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Dec 22, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 4

$49.00

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Mar 02, 2027 Available: 3

$49.00

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Mar 09, 2027 Available: 3

$49.00

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Mar 16, 2027 Available: 3

$49.00

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Mar 23, 2027 Available: 3

$49.00

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Mar 30, 2027 Available: 3

$49.00

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Apr 06, 2027 Available: 6

$49.00

Quantity:

Apr 13, 2027 Available: 6

$49.00

Quantity:

Apr 20, 2027 Available: 6

$49.00

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Apr 27, 2027 Available: 6

$49.00

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May 04, 2027 Available: 6

$49.00

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May 11, 2027 Available: 6

$49.00

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May 18, 2027 Available: 3

$49.00

Quantity:

May 25, 2027 Available: 3

$49.00

Quantity:

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male Total Available:

$19.00

Choose Date

Nov 17, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 2

$19.00

Quantity:

Dec 08, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 5

$19.00

Quantity:

Dec 15, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 5

$19.00

Quantity:

Dec 22, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 5

$19.00

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Mar 02, 2027 Available: 4

$19.00

Quantity:

Mar 09, 2027 Available: 4

$19.00

Quantity:

Mar 16, 2027 Available: 4

$19.00

Quantity:

Mar 23, 2027 Available: 4

$19.00

Quantity:

Mar 30, 2027 Available: 4

$19.00

Quantity:

Apr 06, 2027 Available: 6

$19.00

Quantity:

Apr 13, 2027 Available: 6

$19.00

Quantity:

Apr 20, 2027 Available: 6

$19.00

Quantity:

Apr 27, 2027 Available: 6

$19.00

Quantity:

May 04, 2027 Available: 6

$19.00

Quantity:

May 11, 2027 Available: 6

$19.00

Quantity:

May 18, 2027 Available: 4

$19.00

Quantity:

May 25, 2027 Available: 4

$19.00

Quantity:

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed Total Available:

$39.00

Choose Date

Nov 17, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 2

$39.00

Quantity:

Dec 08, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 9

$39.00

Quantity:

Dec 15, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 9

$39.00

Quantity:

Dec 22, 2026 ( Pick up only ) Available: 9

$39.00

Quantity:

Mar 02, 2027 Available: 7

$39.00

Quantity:

Mar 09, 2027 Available: 7

$39.00

Quantity:

Mar 16, 2027 Available: 7

$39.00

Quantity:

Mar 23, 2027 Available: 7

$39.00

Quantity:

Mar 30, 2027 Available: 7

$39.00

Quantity:

Apr 06, 2027 Available: 12

$39.00

Quantity:

Apr 13, 2027 Available: 12

$39.00

Quantity:

Apr 20, 2027 Available: 12

$39.00

Quantity:

Apr 27, 2027 Available: 12

$39.00

Quantity:

May 04, 2027 Available: 12

$39.00

Quantity:

May 11, 2027 Available: 12

$39.00

Quantity:

May 18, 2027 Available: 7

$39.00

Quantity:

May 25, 2027 Available: 7

$39.00

Quantity:

Niederrheiner Hatching Eggs Total Available:

$12.00

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Total

00.00

Breed History

Appearance and Behavior

Breed Standard

For a detailed look at their standard of perfection, visit this link:

Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner Standard of Perfection - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

Hatching Eggs

Breed defects or issues

Notes

Import Notes

More Details

Brown

Jumbo

200 - 230 Eggs Per Year

Table Breed

Germany

Cold Hardy

Year of Import: 2023

Occasionally Broody

About

Breed History

Appearance and Behavior

Breed Standard

For a detailed look at their standard of perfection, visit this link:

Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner Standard of Perfection - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

Hatching Eggs

Breed defects or issues

Notes

Import Notes

Breed Availability

= Pick up only

Nov 17, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 2
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 2

Dec 08, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 9
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 4
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 5

Dec 15, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 9
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 4
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 5

Dec 22, 2026

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 9
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 4
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 5

Mar 02, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 09, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 16, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 23, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Mar 30, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

Apr 06, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

Apr 13, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

Apr 20, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

Apr 27, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

May 04, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

May 11, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 12
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 6
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 6

May 18, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

May 25, 2027

Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Unsexed : 7
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Female : 3
Niederrheiner Day-Old Chick Male : 4

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Niederrheiner

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