Description and characteristics of Bielefelder chickens, maintenance recommendations

Bielefelder chickens are very popular. They are characterized by good productivity and have an attractive appearance. Through the efforts of German breeders, they managed to obtain large chickens that are distinguished by their calm disposition and resistance to low temperatures. The breed is characterized by good egg production. Therefore, many people choose this breed for breeding.

The history of the creation of the Bielefelder chicken breed

These chickens first appeared in the seventies of the last century. Subsequently, they quickly gained popularity among farmers in different countries, including Russia. This breed is distinguished by its German origin. She was brought out by Herbert Roth.

Chickens first appeared at an exhibition held in Hannover in 1976. At first they were called “German Defined”. After 2 years, the birds were given the name “Bielefelder”. To create them, breeds such as Malin, Welsumer, Amroks, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island were used.

Description and characteristics of the breed

This breed has some characteristics. Because of this, they are popular with many farmers.

Appearance of birds

These are large birds that are distinguished by an unusual shade of feathers. It is often called golden-black-striped. The rooster's head, neck, and back have a tint of ocher. The feathers that cover the body have white spots interspersed with black stripes.

The plumage fits well to the body and is characterized by a dense structure. The feathers are wide but soft. The head and neck of chickens are covered with red feathers. There are light brown spots on the belly and sides. Gradually they turn into white and black shades. The male's body is elongated, and the chest is wide and deep. They are characterized by a long back and medium-sized wings. Birds have a full and wide belly, as well as a slightly raised tail.

The earrings are red in color and oval in shape. The eyes are bulging and red-orange in color. The comb is characterized by a leaf-shaped shape. The beard is oval, the beak is strong.

Laying hens of this breed have wider chests than males.They are characterized by a full and rounded belly. At the same time, the body leans slightly forward.

Productivity and egg production

This breed has meat and egg production. The weight of a 1 year old rooster reaches 4.5 kilograms, and a chicken – 3.5-3.8 kilograms. The birds have juicy white meat. It is quite dense. With proper nutrition, chickens grow quickly. Already at the age of six months they reach 3 kilograms.

1 chicken produces 200 eggs per year. She begins to lay eggs at 5-6 months. The first eggs are small, but after a few months their weight reaches 60-70 grams. They are distinguished by their brown shell.

High egg production parameters persist for up to 2.5-3 years. Then the number of eggs will gradually decrease. This happens at a rate of 30% per year. However, the parameter is considered individual.

Temperament and vitality

The bird of this breed is kind and affectionate. Roosters have a friendly nature and take care of the weaker inhabitants of the house. The bird is not dangerous for children. Bielefelder roosters have outstanding vocal abilities. They are distinguished by a loud and stentorian voice.

Birds are characterized by a very calm temperament, so they behave sedately on walks. Chickens do not rake the beds, so they can be walked in the garden. Thanks to this, it is possible to cope with various pests, including snails.

Advantages and disadvantages

Bielefelder chickens have many advantages. These include the following:

1. Rapid growth and rapid weight gain. This indicates good meat productivity.
2. Excellent egg production parameters. The reproductive period is observed early - it begins at 5.5-6 months.
3. Good dietary characteristics of eggs and meat.
4. Disease resistance.
5. Unpretentiousness in content.
6. No serious dietary requirements.
7. Calm disposition.
8. Resistant to temperature drops down to -15 degrees.

This breed has few disadvantages. These include the need to insulate the poultry house in harsh winters and the high cost.

Recommendations for maintenance and care

To achieve good productivity of chickens, it is recommended to provide them with proper care and adequate nutrition.

Poultry house, yard, drinking bowls and feeders

These chickens do not require special conditions. It is important to keep the coop warm and free. This is due to the sensitivity of birds to drafts. Structures are often made of wooden beams. This material is considered warm.

Each bird needs 0.5 square meters of space. Crowded conditions will stunt the growth and formation of the bird. In addition, there is a risk of rapid spread of infections. High perches are not built for chickens of this breed, as they may get injured.

Ventilation is of great importance. To ensure this, it is worth making windows that allow you to ventilate the room. Clean litter is considered mandatory. It should be dry. It is recommended to change the litter twice a year.

Bielefelder chickens need a large area to roam. They should allocate an open area with plants. In the warm season, birds will be able to forage, which will reduce feed costs. A large area contributes to the proper development of the large bone structure of chickens.

Vaccination, care and cleaning

Birds of this breed are characterized by good health. However, they still require proper care. The chicken coop and chicken run areas should be kept clean. Representatives of this breed are susceptible to dirt. In unsanitary conditions there is a risk of mass death of chickens.

General cleaning of the chicken coop is carried out with the arrival of spring.In this case, it is worth removing droppings and treating the feeders with hot water and caustic soda. At this time, it is recommended to transfer the birds to another room.

It is recommended to systematically remove droppings from the chicken coop.

The floor in the room should be treated with disinfectants. They can be easily found in specialized stores.

You should consult your veterinarian about the advisability of vaccination. The specialist will explain which medications are recommended to use and determine the need for their use.

Maintenance in winter

In regions with a temperate climate in winter, Bielefelder birds do not need additional insulation of the chicken coop. If the air temperature drops below -15 degrees, the birds should be transferred to a protected place. If the temperature is maintained, chickens will be able to produce eggs even in winter.

What to feed the birds

It is worth choosing food depending on age. In general, birds are considered to be picky. Therefore, they are fed the same as representatives of other breeds.

Chickens

It is important that the chickens' diet is varied and balanced. For full development, they must receive all the necessary substances. Therefore, the menu should include the following:

1. Various vegetables - pumpkin, beets, cabbage. Chickens are also allowed to feed soybeans, peas, and corn.
2. Greenery.
3. Crushed egg shells, chalk, shell rock.
4. Oats, bran, grain.
5. Meat and bone meal and fish meal.

If chickens are not raised for meat, there is no need to use special additives to gain weight. It is important that young animals receive a sufficient amount of protein. Therefore, it is worth including chopped eggs, greens, and cottage cheese in your diet. Starting from 1.5 months of age, it is recommended to use boiled fish, crushed barley and wheat.

Adult hens and roosters

Adult birds should receive food three times a day. They are fed dry food in the morning and evening. During the day you should use greens and mash. Chickens need young grass. They also eat the inhabitants of the upper layers of the soil - beetles, worms and other insects.

In summer you can eliminate most of the feed. The main part of the food is located in the local area.

Breeding rules

Breeding chickens of this breed is easy. With an incubator and appropriate experience, farmers are able to hatch young offspring from their own or purchased eggs. Bielefelder chickens are characterized by good fertility and high survival rates.

By autosex staining of chickens, it is possible to determine the sex of the bird from the first days of life. Roosters are characterized by yellow down and a large light spot on the head. Light brown spots can be seen on the back. Chickens are characterized by a darker shade. Black stripes can be seen on the back and around the eyes.

If you don’t want to bother with breeding chickens, you can buy individuals several months old. It is much easier to raise adult offspring from purchased chickens. They cause less trouble and take root well in a new place.

Possible diseases and prevention

Representatives of this breed are characterized by strong immunity. The decision on the need for vaccination is made by the owner, after consultation with a veterinarian. The specialist must determine the vaccination schedule.

When creating suitable conditions for chickens, they do not have health problems. Birds should live in a spacious chicken coop, receive adequate food and clean water.To strengthen the immune system, it is worth using vitamins and adding enough greens to your diet.

Timely treatment of the chicken coop floor with antiseptic compounds is of no small importance. This is done before each litter change. Thanks to this, it is possible to prevent the development of infectious pathologies. If possible, it is worth making a small additional room in advance. Sick birds can be quarantined there.

It is important to ensure that Bielefelder chickens do not have contact with wild birds. To avoid infection, it is recommended to install a canopy over the bird walking area..

Where to buy and what to look for?

To raise chickens of this breed, you can buy hatched chicks or eggs. It is worth considering that in the second case there are much more risks, since it is impossible to be sure that the eggs belong to this breed. It is important to consider that they must have a certain size, shape and shade.

Before laying eggs for incubation, their shelf life should be no more than 5 days. It is important to maintain the temperature at 8-12 degrees.

When purchasing chicks, there is a greater chance of getting representatives of the Bielefelder breed. To do this, it is recommended to carefully examine the chickens, paying attention to their color. Cockerels should have pale yellow plumage and a light colored head. Chickens have slightly darker feathers. In addition, they have black stripes near their eyes.

Bielefelder chickens are deservedly very popular among farmers. Birds are distinguished by strong immunity, high productivity, and resistance to frost. To raise healthy birds, it is recommended to provide them with proper care.