Barnevelder Chickens | Ultimate Guide

Barnevelder chickens bring two big things to the backyard: gorgeous laced feathers & rich brown eggs. Originating from the town of Barneveld in the Netherlands, Barnevelders were developed as hardy, all purpose farm birds that could lay well in damp, chilly northern European weather.

Today they’re best known for their double laced plumage & attractive, chocolate toned eggs that stand out in a mixed carton. While the classic Double Laced Barnevelder is the most famous, other varieties like Blue Double Laced, Silver, & Partridge Barnevelders are also gaining attention with breeders & backyard flocks.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Barnevelder chickens: appearance, history, color varieties, where to find them, egg laying, health, temperament, feeding, housing, pros & cons, & FAQs so you can decide if this beautiful Dutch breed belongs in your coop.

Quick Chick(en) Facts

Origin	Netherlands (Barneveld region)
Colors	Double Laced (classic), Blue Double Laced, Silver, Partridge & more
Weight	Hens: ~6 lb & Roosters: ~7.5 lb
Lifespan	5–8 years
Rate of Lay/yr	~180–220 eggs; steady layers
Egg Size	Large
Egg Color	Brown to dark brown
Heat Hardy	Moderate; needs shade & airflow
Cold Hardy	Good; bred for damp, cool climates
Broodiness	Low to Moderate; varies by line
Disease Susceptibility	Generally hardy; watch weight & feet in wet runs
Temperament	Calm, steady, friendly but independent
Beginner Friendly	Yes

 

 

Quick Jump

 

Chapter 1: Appearance of Barnevelder Chickens

Barnevelder chickens are instantly recognizable once you’ve seen a good Double Laced bird. They have deep, rounded bodies, a medium height, & a calm, grounded stance. Their feathers sit fairly close to the body but still give a soft, full look, especially over the back & tail. The classic Double Laced Barnevelder hen has rich chestnut brown feathers edged with black in a precise double lacing pattern, creating a beautiful scale like effect over the entire body.

Roosters are equally handsome, often showing glossy green black tails & darker lacing over chestnut or mahogany tones. Overall, Barnevelders look like sturdy, practical farm birds wearing very fancy plumage.

Size

Barnevelders are medium heavy, similar in build to breeds like Sussex or Plymouth Rocks. Hens average around 6 lb & roosters around 7.5 lb. They are solid, muscular birds without being overly bulky, giving them enough mass for meat without sacrificing agility. Their legs are strong & usually yellow or slate depending on variety.

Colors & Varieties

While most people picture the classic Double Laced Barnevelder, the breed actually comes in several color varieties. These include Double Laced (brown), Blue Double Laced, Silver Double Laced, Partridge, & others in some countries. Double Laced is the most common in backyard flocks and photography, but Blue Double Laced Barnevelders are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their smoky blue & charcoal patterning.

All varieties share the same deep-bodied, steady Barnevelder type—what changes is the color and crispness of the lacing. Show lines emphasize very sharp, even lacing, while utility lines may have softer patterning but better egg performance.

 

Chapter 2: History of Barnevelder Chickens

Barnevelders were developed in the Barneveld region of the Netherlands in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Farmers in this area wanted birds that laid well through long, damp winters & produced dark brown eggs that fetched higher prices. They crossed local Dutch chickens with imported breeds like Asian brown egg layers & possibly Langshans to deepen egg color & improve hardiness.

Over time, the breed stabilized into the Barnevelder, named after its home region. Double laced plumage became the most iconic pattern. As trade expanded, Barnevelder eggs—darker than many contemporary breeds—were in demand, & the birds slowly spread beyond the Netherlands into the UK, Europe, and eventually the U.S. Today, conservation and breed clubs continue to promote both egg quality and correct laced plumage.

 

Chapter 3: Barnevelder Chickens for Sale

Barnevelders are not as common as Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds, but they are widely available through specialty hatcheries and dedicated breeders. Many hatcheries list “Barnevelder” or “Double Laced Barnevelder” specifically, and some offer Blue Double Laced or other varieties in smaller numbers. Chick availability is strongest in spring and early summer.

If crisp double lacing and darker egg shades are important to you, consider seeking out a reputable Barnevelder breeder. Hatchery stock is usually hardy and friendly but may show softer patterns and lighter eggs. Breeders focused on show or utility lines often select more heavily for either lacing precision or egg color and consistency.

 

Chapter 4: Barnevelder Egg Laying

Barnevelder hens are known as steady, moderate to good layers of large brown eggs. Most produce around 180–220 eggs per year, with some lines selected to lay near the upper end of that range. Historically, Barnevelders were valued for darker brown eggs; modern lines can range from medium brown to nicely dark brown, depending on the breeding program.

They tend to lay reliably through cooler, wetter months, which reflects their Dutch origins. Compared with high-output hybrids like Golden Comets or ISA Browns, Barnevelders lay fewer eggs per year but remain productive across more years and bring greater variety in egg color and flock aesthetics.

Broodiness in Barnevelders ranges from low to moderate. Some hens will go broody and make calm, competent mothers, while others rarely show interest in sitting. Breeders who prioritize egg production often select for lower broodiness; breeders who emphasize traditional farm style behavior may tolerate or even encourage broody hens in their lines.

Egg color can vary between Double Laced, Blue Double Laced, and other varieties, but the biggest factor is line selection rather than color alone. If rich brown eggs are your top priority, ask breeders about egg color in their flock, not just which variety they raise.

 

Chapter 5: Barnevelder Health Issues & Care

Barnevelders are generally hardy, especially in cool, damp climates similar to their Dutch homeland. They have no major breed specific health issues but can be prone to weight gain if heavily treated and kept in small runs. Their feather density means they benefit from a clean, dry coop to avoid damp-related issues in rainy climates.

Because many Barnevelders are kept for both beauty and eggs, it’s worth sourcing from lines that value vigor and overall health, not just plumage pattern. Good management—clean water, balanced feed, and regular flock checks—will keep Barnevelders thriving for years.

Health Issues

Dense feathering can hide lice and mites, particularly around the vent and under the wings. Providing dust bath areas and keeping bedding dry helps control external parasites. Regular hands-on checks, especially during peak parasite seasons, are a good habit with any heavily feathered breed, including Barnevelders, Marans, and Orpingtons.

Climate Needs

Barnevelders excel in moderate to cool climates and handle damp weather better than many Mediterranean breeds. Their single combs should still be monitored for frostbite in very cold regions, but overall they cope well with winter if the coop is dry and ventilated. In hot climates, they need shade, airflow, and plenty of water. Their darker plumage (especially in Double Laced birds) can absorb more heat, so avoid overcrowded, stuffy runs in summer.

 

Chapter 6: Barnevelder Temperament

Barnevelders are calm, steady birds with easygoing personalities. Hens are usually friendly but not overly clingy—they will come over to see what you’re doing, especially if treats are involved, then wander off to scratch and forage. They’re a great choice for families wanting birds that are approachable but not constantly underfoot.

In mixed flocks, Barnevelders typically sit middle of the pecking order. They are confident enough to get to the feeder and waterer but rarely the flock bullies. Their calm nature makes them good companions for other gentle breeds like Sussex, Australorps, and Orpingtons.

Temperament

When Barnevelder hens do go broody, they tend to be quiet, patient sitters. They’re not as intense as some broody heavy breeds but still very capable mothers. Roosters, as in any breed, vary individually; well-bred Barnevelder roosters should be watchful and protective without being human aggressive. Good breeding selection and handling from a young age go a long way toward steady flock behavior.

 

Chapter 7: Feeding Barnevelder

Feed Barnevelder chicks a 20–21% chick starter for the first 6–8 weeks, then transition to a grower feed until they near laying age. Once hens begin laying, move them to a 16% layer ration to support consistent egg production and shell quality. Because they’re medium heavy birds, they appreciate consistent nutrition more than constant treats.

Barnevelders are good foragers and will happily supplement their diet with insects and greens if given access to a yard or pasture. Provide oyster shell free choice for shell strength and grit if they are not on natural ground.

 

Chapter 8: Coop & Run Size for Barnevelder

Plan for at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10–15+ square feet per bird in the run. Barnevelders are not hyperactive but they do enjoy space to roam, forage, and dust bathe. Their medium heavy build makes them well suited to standard backyard coops with modest run space, but like all chickens, they benefit from more room when possible.

Provide roosts around 18–24 inches high and standard 12x12 inch nest boxes. They hop up to perches easily and are not as prone to leg injuries as very heavy or heavily feather-footed breeds.

 

Chapter 9: Pros & Cons of Barnevelder Chickens

Barnevelders are beloved for their combination of beauty, calm temperaments, and steady brown egg production. They’re not extreme in any single category: not the heaviest meat birds, not the most prolific layers, not the most ornamental—but they strike a very appealing balance. Their main drawbacks are their relative rarity compared to common hatchery breeds and some variability in egg color and lacing quality between lines.

Pros	Cons
Beautiful double laced plumage	Less common; may be harder to find locally
Steady layers of large brown eggs	Egg color can vary by line
Calm, friendly, family friendly temperament	Not as high production as hybrid layers
Good in cool, damp climates	Dark plumage can heat up in very hot climates
Heritage breed with multiple color varieties	Show-quality lacing requires careful breeder selection

 

Chapter 10: Barnevelder FAQs

Are Barnevelder chickens good layers?
Yes. They are steady layers, typically producing around 180–220 large brown eggs per year, with some lines selected for darker brown shells.

Do all Barnevelders lay dark chocolate eggs?
Not always. Some lines lay medium brown eggs, while others lay darker, richer browns. Egg color depends heavily on breeding, not just the breed name.

Are Barnevelders friendly?
They are generally calm, gentle, and easy to work with. They may not be as clingy as some breeds, but they are very suitable for families and beginners.

What varieties of Barnevelder are most common?
The classic Double Laced Barnevelder is the most common, followed by Blue Double Laced and some Silver or Partridge varieties in breeder circles.

Are Barnevelders good for small backyard flocks?
Yes. Their calm nature, moderate size, attractive eggs, and moderate noise levels make them an excellent choice for backyard setups.

Sources

Dutch and UK Barnevelder breed club information.
Historical notes on Barnevelder development in Barneveld.
APA and European standard descriptions of Barnevelder varieties.
Poultry extension & small farm observations on Barnevelder laying & temperament.