At Ederington Homestead, we focus on breeding Bielefelders for their strong genetics, calm temperaments, and impressive size. If you’re looking for a hardy, autosexing breed that’s both gentle and productive, Bielefelders are an excellent choice offering reliable brown eggs and a friendly presence in any flock.

The Bielefelder is a dual-purpose, autosexing breed developed in Germany in the 1970s by crossing Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, and Malines. This combination produced a bird with beautiful cuckoo-patterned feathers, calm temperaments, and strong productivity.

Egg Production & Laying Age
Bielefelder hens lay around 200–230 large brown eggs per year and typically begin laying at 5–6 months old. They’re known for being steady, dependable layers, even during cooler months.

Breed Characteristics
Bielefelders are large-framed birds, with hens weighing about 7–8 lbs and roosters reaching 9–10 lbs. Their soft, barred plumage displays warm shades of gold, black, and cream. One of their most appealing traits is autosexing chicks, meaning you can tell males from females at hatch by their distinct down color.