Barnveld is a town in Holland.   In the early C20th it was at the centre of an important egg producing area, where they spent a long time developing a heavy utility breed that was vigorous, hardy and laid brown eggs which would sell in the UK.   The first birds arrived here in 1921.   They remained excellent layers until the Second World War, but today they are not as prolific and they egg is slightly lighter.

The birds came from the Langshan, Brahma & Cochin, together with local Dutch fowl.   At first, markings were mixed as the Dutch were not concerned about standardization; eggs were more important.   The Double Laced was the first to be standardized and recognized by the Dutch, and although the British developed other varieties, such as black, partridge and silver, the double laced remains the most popular.

Barnvelders are bright, compact birds with a hollow back.   The breast is well rounded & broad shouldered; the wings rather short and high.   Its head is neat with a short beak and single comb.   They may lay up to 180 light brown eggs a year.   They are inclined to be lazy, so need space so that they can range & keep fit.

There are four varieties and we have one, the Double Laced.  

Double Laced:   The hen & cock have body feathers with a red-brown ground colour edged with black that has a shiny green sheen and an inner lacing of the same colour, hence the double lacing.   Neck hackles are black with the green sheen and in the cock with a red-brown edging and centre quill.   The cock's tail is black; the hen's has the laced feathers well up with only the end black.   The beak is yellow with a dark point, the eyes orange and legs and feet yellow.   The hens go broody fairly easily, but make good, easy & friendly mothers.

Bantam forms do exist though we do not have any.