Bielefelder

Bielefelder Chicken

The Bielefelder chicken is a rare German breed, developed in the 1970s by Gerd Roth, using Amrocks (Barred Rocks), Malines, Rhode Island Reds, and New Hampshire chickens. Known as the "Uber Chicken," this breed is prized for its dual-purpose qualities and auto-sexing ability, where males and females can be easily distinguished at birth. Bielefelders are prolific layers of large to extra-large eggs and have a calm, friendly temperament, making them great for families with children.

Although the Bielefelder is a recognized Heritage breed in Germany, it hasn't yet been accepted into the American Standard of Perfection. However, it meets all other Heritage breed criteria: it's naturally mating, breeds true from like parent stock, and is not bred for rapid growth, ensuring a normal lifespan. The chicks are easily sexed at hatch—males are soft brown with a white spot on their heads, while females have a darker chipmunk pattern with a distinctive black mark across their eyes.

Are Bielefelder chickens good egg layers?
Yes, Bielefelder chickens are excellent layers, producing some of the largest brown eggs among our flocks at Greenfire Farms. You can expect around 200 to 230 eggs per year, which averages about 4 eggs per week.

Are Bielefelder chickens rare?
Bielefelder chickens are indeed rare, which means they may come with a higher price and a longer waiting period. However, their unique qualities make them worth the wait. For instance, our Bielefelder rooster, Murray, once bravely faced a hungry coyote in the early spring.

What are Bielefelder chickens used for?
Bielefelders are a dual-purpose breed, excelling in both egg production and meat quality. They grow quickly and provide a well-proportioned carcass. Hens typically produce around 230 large brown eggs annually, with each egg weighing about 60 grams. Bantam versions may lay around 160 eggs per year, with an average egg weight of 49 grams.

Are Bielefelders friendly?
Yes, Bielefelder chickens are known for their calm, confident, and friendly nature. They are also auto-sexing, which means you can easily distinguish between male and female chicks at hatching.

What age do Bielefelders start laying?
Bielefelder hens start laying eggs at about 6 months of age. While they are slow to mature, they become reliable layers once they begin. They are also known for being intelligent and can easily adapt to different coop setups, taking cover when predators are near.

Are Bielefelder chickens rare?
Yes, Bielefelders are rare, so they may be more expensive and require a longer wait time to acquire. But their qualities, such as the story of our rooster Murray facing off a coyote, prove they are worth the investment.

• Poultry Show Class: Not applicable
  
• Weights: Hen—–6 1/2 lbs    
• Rooster——8 1/2 lbs
  
• Pullet–5 1/2 lbs    
• Cockerel—–7 1/2 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Primary production, Egg Laying & Pet/Secondary meat source
  
• Egg Shell Color: Brown
  
• Egg Production: 230 eggs per year (estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Large
  
• Temperament: Docile
  
• Gender Accuracy: 85-90%
  
• Fertility Percentage: 60-75%
  
• Broody: Setter
  
• Mating Ratio: 12 Females to 1 Males
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Country of Origin: Germany
  
• APA: No
  
• TLC: No
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of pure Bielefelders since 2017.