Bielefelder chickens: description of the breed and rules of keeping, diseases, breeding

Bielefelder chickens are very popular. They perform well and have an attractive appearance. Through the efforts of German breeders, it was possible to obtain large chickens that are distinguished by a 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 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 of 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 Designated". After 2 years, the birds were given the name "Bielefelder". Breeds such as Malin, Welzumer, Amroks, New Hampshire, Rhode Island were used to create them.

Description and characteristics of the breed

This breed is characterized by some features. This makes them popular with many farmers.

Appearance of birds

These are overall birds that are distinguished by an unusual shade of feathers. It is often referred to as golden-black-striped. In a rooster, the head, neck, and back have a hint 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 broad 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 body of the male 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.

Earrings have a red tint and an oval shape. The eyes are bulging and are distinguished by a red-orange color. The comb is characterized by a leaf-shaped form. The beard is oval, the beak is strong.

Laying hens of this breed have a wider chest than males. They are characterized by a full and rounded belly. In this case, the body leans forward slightly.

Productivity and egg production

This breed has a meat and egg direction. The weight of a rooster at the age of 1 year reaches 4.5 kilograms, and that of a chicken - 3.5-3.8 kilograms. Birds have juicy white meat.It has sufficient density. With proper nutrition, chickens grow quickly. Already at the age of six months, they reach 3 kilograms.

1 hen produces 200 eggs a year. She begins to rush already 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-laying parameters remain up to 2.5-3 years. Then the number of eggs will gradually decrease. This happens at 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 either. Bielefelder roosters have outstanding vocal abilities. They have a loud and resonant voice.

Birds are characterized by a very calm temperament, therefore 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.

Pros and cons

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. Unpretentious content.
6. No serious dietary requirements.
7. Calm disposition.
8. Resistant to temperatures down to -15 degrees.

This breed has few cons. These include the need to insulate the house during harsh winters and the high cost.

Recommendations for maintenance and care

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

Poultry, patio, drinkers and feeders

These chickens do not require special conditions. It is important that the chicken coop is 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. Crowding will lead to a suspension of the growth and formation of the bird. In addition, there is a risk of rapid spread of infections. High perches are not built for this breed of chickens, as they can get injured.

Ventilation is important. To ensure it, it is worth making vents that allow you to ventilate the room. Clean bedding is required. It must be dry. It is recommended to change the bedding twice a year.

Bielefelder chickens need a large area to walk around. 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 skeleton of chickens.

Vaccination, care and cleaning

For birds of this breed is characterized by good he alth. However, they still require proper care. The chicken coop and chicken run areas should be kept clean. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by susceptibility 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 advent of spring. At the same time, it is worth removing the litter and treating the feeders with hot water using caustic soda. At this time, the birds are recommended to be transferred to another room.

It is recommended to systematically clean the litter in 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 drugs are recommended to use and determine the need for their use.

Winter maintenance

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

What to feed the birds

It is worth choosing food depending on age. In general, birds are considered picky. Because they are fed the same way as other breeds.

Chickens

It is important that the diet of chickens 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. Also, chickens are allowed to give soy, peas, corn.
2. Green.
3. Crushed eggshell, chalk, shell rock.
4. Oats, bran, grains.
5. Meat and bone and fish meal.

If chickens are not raised for meat, no weight gain supplements are required. It is important that the young get enough protein. Therefore, the diet should include chopped eggs, greens, cottage cheese. From 1.5 months of age, it is recommended to use boiled fish, crushed barley and wheat.

Adult hens and roosters

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

In the summer you can exclude 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 the availability of an incubator and relevant experience, farmers manage 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 a bird from the first days of life. Roosters are characterized by yellow fluff and a large light spot on the head. Light brown spots can be seen on the back. Chickens tend to be darker in color. Black stripes can be seen on the back and around the eyes.

If you do not want to bother with breeding chickens, you can buy individuals a few months old. It is much easier to raise adult offspring from purchased chickens. They are less of a hassle and take root well in a new place.

Possible diseases and prevention

For representatives of this breed is characterized by strong immunity. The decision on the need for vaccination is made by the owner, after consultation with the veterinarian. The specialist should determine the vaccination schedule.

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

Equally important is the timely treatment of the chicken coop floor with antiseptic compounds. This is done before each bedding 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 make a canopy over the walking area for birds.

Where to buy and what to look for?

To breed chickens of this breed, you can buy hatched chickens or eggs. It should be borne in mind 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 certain sizes, shapes and shades.

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

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

Bielefelder chickens are deservedly very popular with farmers. Birds are distinguished by strong immunity, high productivity, resistance to frost. In order to raise he althy birds, they are advised to provide proper care.

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