The Bielefelder Kennhuhn or Bielefelder is a German breed of domestic chicken. It was developed in the area of Bielefeld in the 1970s by Gerd Roth, who cross-bred birds of Malines and Welsumer stock with American Barred Rocks to create the breed. Like other breeds with Barred Rock parentage, it is auto-sexing – chicks of different sexes can be distinguished by their colour. There is a bantam version, the Bielefelder Zwerg-Kennhuhn.
Bielefelders are adaptable to various environments but thrive best in well-ventilated coops with ample space for foraging. They are hardy birds suitable for colder climates, thanks to their robust build and dense plumage. While they can be kept in confinement, they enjoy free-range conditions where they can exhibit natural behaviors.
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
The Bielefelder is renowned for its auto-sexing feature, allowing easy distinction between male and female chicks at birth. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing to breeders and small-scale farmers. The breed was developed relatively recently in the 1970s, showcasing a blend of both European and American chicken breeds.
