Bielefelder Kennhuhn
The Bielefelder Kennhuhn is a rare German breed known for its colorful plumage and good egg-laying capabilities.
Is the Bielefelder Kennhuhn right for you? Take the Breed Matcher →About the Bielefelder Kennhuhn
Bielefelder Kennhühns are notable for their striking plumage, often displaying a mix of colors including brown, black, and grey. They have a calm and friendly temperament, making them suitable for families and backyard settings. This breed is also recognized for its good egg production, averaging around 200 medium-sized brown eggs per year. Their distinctive feather pattern and overall hardiness add to their appeal among poultry keepers.
History
The Bielefelder Kennhuhn was developed in the 1970s in Bielefeld, Germany, with the intention of creating a hardy and productive dual-purpose bird. Bred from various breeds including the Araucana and Wyandotte, they were recognized for their unique plumage and temperament. They have since gained popularity as both a backyard breed and in small-scale farming.
Care tips
Bielefelder Kennhühns are relatively hardy and can adapt to different climates, although proper shelter is recommended. They are generally friendly and sociable, thriving well in free-range environments. Regular health checks and a balanced diet will keep them healthy and productive. They may exhibit some broodiness, but are not excessively so.
Color varieties
Fun facts
- Bielefelder Kennhühns have a unique feather pattern resembling a spangled appearance.
- This breed can lay eggs in colder temperatures due to its hardiness.
- They are known for their excellent foraging abilities in free-range settings.
- Bielefelders are less common outside Germany, making them a unique addition.
What Kennhuhn means
Bielefelder Kennhuhn is the full German name of the Bielefelder. Kennhuhn roughly means a chicken you can recognize or identify, which points to the breed's main selling point. It is autosexing. You can tell male chicks from female chicks by their down color at hatch, without crossing two breeds.
It is the same breed, not a separate strain. Some sellers use the long name, some the short one.
How autosexing works here
The breed carries a barred, crele-type pattern. Day-old females generally show darker down with clear chipmunk-like stripes down the back. Males are generally lighter, with blurrier markings and often a light spot on the head. Sexing takes a little practice, and comparing chicks side by side helps a lot.
Unlike sex link hybrids such as the Black Sex Link, a Bielefelder bred to a Bielefelder keeps producing autosexing chicks. That makes it useful if you hatch your own.
What adult birds are like
- Large, heavy and usually calm.
- Good layers of large brown eggs.
- Cold-hardy thanks to size and dense feathers.
- Roosters are big and showy, with orange, red and barred tones.
They need standard large fowl space and low, sturdy roosts. Single combs can frostbite in very cold weather, so keep the coop dry and well ventilated.
Where to get them
Bielefelders are still uncommon in the US but easier to find than they used to be. Breeders and a few hatcheries sell them, often under either name.
Common questions about Bielefelder Kennhuhn
Is Bielefelder Kennhuhn different from Bielefelder?
No. Kennhuhn is part of the full German name for the same breed.
Can I sex Bielefelder chicks at hatch?
Yes, by down color and markings, though it takes some practice.
Are Bielefelders good layers?
Yes, they are known as solid layers of large brown eggs.
