The Barnevelder originates from the Barneveld region of Holland evolved from landrace poultry. The main goal in breeding the Barnevelder was to create a breed that would lay prolific amounts of very dark brown copper-tinged eggs and continue laying well despite the long cold and dark Northern European winter. And the resulting Barnevelder chickens are indeed hardy and vigorous egg layers. The breed was officially recognized right before World War I at the first World Poultry Congress of the World Poultry Science Association in Holland. There are several color variations in Holland; however, the APA currently only recognizes the Double-Laced.

Barnevelders are sturdy looking and compact fowl. They have a straight upright comb with well-defined points. Comb and wattles are bright red. Legs and feet are sturdy and yellow and are known for laying a large dark brown egg and good winter layers.

Barnevelders are good layers of shiny brown eggs with a slight coppery tone. One could expect approximately 150 eggs per year. Hens very rarely go broody. The coffee-brown egg is mainly due to the Langshan genes, although the egg of the present Barnevelder is larger. The breed remains productive throughout the winter. One reason for the rise of popularity of this breed in the USA is due to their desirable brown eggs and they are good exhibition birds due to their double lacing.

This beautiful bird is hardy and quiet, enjoys foraging, but doesn't mind being confined. The laced variety soon established itself as one of the most attractive color patterns. They’re docile and usually friendly with other chickens, and a very attractive breed. The hens have a double lace pattering and both rooster and hens have a great amount of sheen showing a beautiful contrast of bronzes, greens and mahogany colors.

The breed was first recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1991. Usually they will sport a double laced partridge feather pattern. The Barnevelder chicken is rare to find in the USA but becoming more popular each year. For 2019 there is a 10-maximum limit per order due to our small flocks.