 Photo by Gerrit van de Glind |
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History
The Barnevelder was developed in the Dutch town of Barneveld around 1850, the breed came about as Barneveld breeders realised the value of crossing. They crossed Barnevelder poultry with imported stock such as Cochins, Malays, Brahmas and Langshans and the egg production was improved tremendously. Even Buff Orpingtons were used to develop of the breed. In those days, brown eggs were preferred to white ones, so the new breeds eggs had to be brown. The eventual result at the beginning of this century became the Barnevelder with an egg production of around 180 - 200 eggs a year. The inhabitants of Barneveld always claimed that their chickens laid 313 eggs if the year had 365 days. That was because they were very much a Church going community who rested on Sundays and expected their chooks to do likewise!
The breed was imported to the UK from around 1920.
Characteristics
They have a single vertical comb and yellow legs. The breed is recognised in 4 colourings: double laced, blue double laced, black and white. Barnevelders are excellent layers and poor flyers. They are placid and easily tamed. They are however susceptible to Marek's disease - but most breeders vaccinate chicks.Their eggs are similar in colour to the Maran.
Breed Club
C.A.J. van de Burg, chairman Noordersingel 27B2651 LR Berkel & Rodenrijs
Netherlands
http://home.hetnet.nl/~briellae/english.htm
©2004-2010 Andy Moyle
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