GERMAN ENGINEERED WITH AMERICAN ROOTS
What can we say about the Bielefelder? Much! This breed of chicken, although developed in Germany during the early 1970s, is comprised of various standard American breeds including the New Hampshire Reds and Amrocks (a production version of Plymouth Rocks a.k.a. Barred Rocks). Some websites claim Welsummers were also used as well as Malines and Rhode Island Reds. There needs to be some clarification since Malines are feather-footed and Bielefelders show no sign of feathered feet. The Cuckoo Maran was most likely used instead in order to add the cuckoo pattern — which some websites state as well.
Regardless of the exact recipe for the Bielefelder's pedigree, one thing is for sure — the Bielefelder earns the "über huhn," or "super chicken" title because of the fact that it is an autosexing breed, an excellent utility bird, is very hardy through harsh winters or high heat, it has gorgeous feathers, and it is a more docile breed, behaving more like dogs than chickens. We love how we are so affectionately greeted when it's time to feed treats. Some even fly onto our knees! As a utility bird, roosters can reach 10 to 12 pounds while hens reach 8 to 10 pounds. They are prolific egg layers of darker cream-colored eggs. They also make excellent mothers. Did you know that at the end of World War II, the U.S. sent Amrocks over to Germany? Well now that they made their way to the U.S., Überchic Ranch is dedicated to selectively breeding Bielefelders so that they lay the most eggs throughout the year and that they are consistently bigger birds. Once we are done with our field research, we will post what we're averaging with our breeder birds.
Due to being fairly new to the U.S., if you're looking for a chicken that is rare, makes a great pet, is a great table bird, and / or is easy to raise and maintain, then the Bielefelder is the über huhn for you! It sure helped with our namesake, being that we're über chic with our über chicks!
Hardy Utility Bird
Whether it's the harsh New England winter or a dry Southern California sun, these Bielefelders are made of grit. Literally. They love grit.
Alert and Observant Demeanor
The Bielefelder behaves more like a dog than a chicken. They are excited to see you even when you don't have food, they're very watchful, tame, playful, and they are highly intelligent.
Low Maintenance and People Friendly
Did you ever have an aggressive rooster or a broody hen attack or peck you? Well Bielefelder roosters become your watchdog buddy and hens will let you grab their eggs.
