The Barnevelder is a Dutch breed from the town of Barneveld, best known for its stunning double-laced brown plumage and rich, dark chocolate-brown eggs. They're calm, hardy and easygoing birds that tolerate confinement well and rarely go broody, laying dependably through the darker months when many hens slow down. Handsome and low-drama, they're a favorite of keepers who want good looks and good eggs without a demanding temperament. A comfortable choice for beginners.
Beginner friendly
Quiet breed
Good with kids
Cold hardy
Heat tolerant
Egg colorDark Brown
Egg production150–200 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessRare
ClimateCold hardy, Heat tolerant
PurposeEggs, Meat
Weight
Large fowl (Standard size)
Hen5–6 lb
Rooster6.5–7.5 lb
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen1.8 lb
Rooster2.1 lb
How to spot it
CombSingle
Single comb, medium
Earlobes
Red
Legs & feet
Clean yellow legs, four toes
Plumage
Double-laced brown — each mahogany feather carries two concentric black rings
Look for
The double lacing, best seen on the hen's breast; a Wyandotte's lacing is single-ringed
Single
