12/03/2023
Breed Spotlight Sunday!!! 🐔🥚
Today we will be focusing on the Bielefelder.
We don't currently have any of these in our flock, but they are a wonderful breed. The photo I am using for today's post is from Meyer Hatchery!!! ❤️
Here are a few fun facts about the Bielefelder:
🐔They lay a large brown egg and typically reach maturity in 22 weeks.
🐔They are known for being great layers, some even laying through winter. Giving them supplemental light will help them to lay through winter, if egg production is a priority, as well as lift their mood if they are going to be kept inside the coop for long periods of time.
🐔They are a large bird with the hens weighing approximately 9.5 pounds and the roosters weighing approximately 12 pounds. Due to their size, they are considered a dual-purpose breed.
🐔They tend to do good in the heat as long as they are given an area to escape the afternoon sun in hot climates. In the cold, they should be given a draft-free dry coop to take shelter in, just as you should with all other breeds, since they are not as hardy as others like the Brahma.
🐔They are a heritage breed, originally developed in Bielefeld, Germany during the 1970's, which is where they get their name.
🐔They are generally a friendly and social breed. They can be quite vocal when they want to be, but many consider them to be an overall quiet breed, making them a good choice for backyard flocks.
🐔They tend to strongly prefer free-range settings since they are a more active breed. If they are confined in too small of space for too long, they can become aggressive to other members of their flock.