Bielefelder Chicken

   We have enjoyed the Bielefelder’s gentle and easy manner.  Having had a hen go broody, and the Roo being something like a gentle giant. He really is beautiful as well. These chickens are calm when we enter the coop and are easy to handle.

   As a dual-purpose chicken, they laid very well right through the winter months.  We do keep at least 14 hours of light on for them in the winter.  Their eggs are a jumbo brown, a bit long in the shape.  Egg production is around 230 - 280 per year.

   The size of the Bielefelder gives them more meat than the typical high-producing hybrid laying hens. Due to their size, these can be a good option to add to your mixed flock to add a sturdiness.

   As a chick, the Bielefelder looks a bit like a chipmunk in its marking, with the roosters having a white spot on the head and lighter coloring.  These markings make them auto-sexable at hatch.

   Originating from Germany, the Bielefelder is considered an heirloom chicken.  The original breeder, Gerd Roth cross bred Malines, Welsummer, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, and American Barred Rocks in the 1970’s.