All About the Bielefelder Chicken Breed
- Annie
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
I was flipping through the Hoover’s Hatchery catalog the other day when I spotted a breed I’ve had my eye on for years, the Bielefelder chicken. A friend added them to their first flock and absolutely loved them. If I were expanding my own flock of 40 (don’t worry, I’m not… this year!), the Bielefelder would be at the top of my list.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this breed such a standout in the coop.
History of the Bielefelder Chicken
The Bielefelder (pronounced Bee-luh-feld-er) is a relatively new chicken breed, developed in the 1970s by German breeder Gerd Roth. His goal was to create a chicken that excelled in both egg and meat production, while being resilient and easy to manage.
By crossbreeding Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, Malines, Amrocks, and Wyandottes, Roth succeeded in creating a bird that combined the best traits of each, egg-laying ability, hardiness, calm temperament and attractive looks.
While it was developed in Germany, the Bielefelder has become increasingly popular in the U.S. thanks to its dual-purpose qualities and easygoing nature. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, this breed deserves a serious look.
Appearance: Striking Feathers and Bold Colors
One of the reasons people fall in love with Bielefelders is their beautiful feather pattern. Their plumage is a mix of rich browns, golds and soft creams, they are often described as an “autosexing” breed (you can tell male from female chicks based on their markings at hatch).
They also come with a few standout features that make them even more appealing:
Distinctive chick coloring: Even as day-old chicks, Bielefelders are easy to sex. Pullet chicks have bold brown "chipmunk stripes" down their backs, while cockerels are much lighter in color and lack the stripes. See image below!
Classic comb and wattles: Adults sport a traditional single comb paired with vibrant red wattles, which really pop against their rich feather coloring.
Weather-ready feathers: Their tight-fitting plumage not only looks sleek, but also helps protect them from wind, rain and cold temperatures, ideal for all-season backyard flocks.
Impressive size: Bielefelders are a larger breed, with roosters averaging 7–8 pounds and hens around 5–6 pounds, making them well-suited for both egg and meat production.
As you can see from the pictures, it’s easy to see why adult Bielefelders turn heads! Their feathering is similar to the crele pattern, a mix of cuckoo barring and Black-Breasted Red, that blends shades of black, orange, red and cream into something truly eye-catching.
Hens wear a soft brown base with subtle gray and white barring, giving them that cozy, fall-inspired look year-round. Roosters steal the spotlight with bold orange and cream barring across their hackles, backs and saddles, plus deep black tails and breasts marked with crisp white bars. They’ve definitely got some flair!
Temperament: Calm, Friendly and Easy to Handle
Beyond their good looks, Bielefelders are incredibly sweet and sociable. They’re known for their calm disposition and are one of the best breeds for families with kids. They tend to be curious and confident without being flighty or aggressive.
If you spend time around your chickens, these birds will often seek you out and interact with you. They’re not the type to run from your hand, in fact, they may follow you around the yard hoping for snacks!
They do just as well in a free-range setup as they do in more confined coops, though they love having space to explore. Their even temperament also makes them great additions to existing flocks since they’re not overly dominant or combative with other chickens.
Egg Production: Reliable Layers of Brown Eggs
If you’re keeping chickens for eggs, the Bielefelder won’t let you down. Hens typically lay 200 to 250 medium to large brown eggs each year, even through colder months when other breeds tend to slow down.
They often starting around 5–6 months of age, and they remain consistent producers well into their second and third laying seasons. The eggs themselves have strong shells and a rich brown color, which makes them stand out in the carton.
In addition to their eggs, Bielefelders are a solid meat bird. Thanks to their larger size and relatively quick growth, they make a good dual-purpose choice for homesteaders or small farms who want one breed that can do it all.
Cold and Heat Hardy: Built for Tough Climates
Here in Minnesota, we get the full spectrum of weather, subzero winters and hot, humid summers. Not every breed can thrive under those conditions, but Bielefelders are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of climates.
Their tight feathering and robust genetics help them withstand cold snaps without issue, and their laid-back nature prevents them from overheating during summer. Of course, they’ll still appreciate a little extra shade and ventilation in the warmer months, but overall, they’re about as hardy as it gets.
Should You Add Bielefelders to Your Flock?
If you’re looking for a chicken that’s friendly, beautiful and practical, the Bielefelder might just be your next favorite breed. It’s certainly on my list (even if I’m not adding more birds this year… yet).
There’s nothing better than a calm, gorgeous chicken that gives you breakfast with a side of personality!
And if you do add Bielefelders to your flock, don’t forget to give them a boost with one of my favorite go-to products, Chicken E-lixir! It’s a daily vitamin blend that supports digestive health, strong immunity and provides premium calcium to help your hens lay strong, high-quality eggs for you and your family!
Until next time,
– The Wing Lady
Chicken E-lixir - Daily Vitamin for Chickens
Chicken E-lixir is added to drinking water as a daily vitamin for keeping chickens healthy by promoting digestive health. For everyday use, it contains a unique blend of organic oregano essential oil, prebiotics, calcium, vitamins D & E and electrolytes.
