Bielefelder

About this breed

Quick facts: Bielefelder

Origin	Bielefeld, Germany - 1970s
Conservation status	Watch (US)
Adult weight	Roosters 10 lb, Hens 8 lb
Size class	Standard
Eggs per year	~200
Egg color	Brown
Egg size	Large
Broodiness	Medium
Cold hardiness	Excellent
Heat tolerance	Good
Noise level	Quiet
Flight tendency	Calm/won't fly
Beginner friendly	Yes

History & origin

Developed by Gerd Roth in Bielefeld, Germany, starting in 1973. He combined Cuckoo Malines, Welsumer, Amrock, and New Hampshire to create an auto-sexing dual-purpose breed. Recognized in Germany 1976. Arrived in the US in the 2010s and rapidly gained popularity among small-flock owners for its size + auto-sexing + calm personality combination. Not yet APA-recognized.

Personality & temperament

Best for: family flock, cold climates, auto-sex, meat

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space	5 sq ft per bird
Run space	14 sq ft per bird
Roost bar	12 in per bird

Space: Large heavy birds - 4-foot fencing easily contains them.

Feeding: Standard 16% layer. Convert grain to meat efficiently.

Health: Sturdy heritage breed. Single comb is mildly cold-vulnerable in extreme winters.

Climate: Zones 3-7. Bred for cold German winters.

Buying tips

• Day-old chicks are sex-linked by head markings: females have a clear dot on head, males don't.
• Often confused with Cream Legbar; Bielefelders are larger and lay brown eggs.
• Confirm true Bielefelder genetics with breeder - 'Bielefelder-cross' is sometimes sold.
• Look for the kennsperber pattern - distinctive partridge-like markings.

Did you know?

• One of the largest auto-sexing breeds.
• Originally bred from Cuckoo Malines x Welsumer x Amrock x NH Red - 4-way heritage cross.
• Sex-linked colors visible from day 1.
• 'Kennsperber' is German for the auto-sex marking pattern.

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Real photos from breeders and backyard flock owners. Each photo credits the submitter.