A bag Full of Bielefelder questions!

[AZHomesteadPoultry]

Of the 10 eggs I purchased on Ebay, only 2 hatched (1 rooster and 1 hen). While I was hoping for a higher hatch rate, at least i got one of each. I also set 14 of my own eggs, which resulted in one more rooster.
Interestingly, the Skywalker chicks (from the Ebay eggs) are the same size as my own hatchlings, despite being 5 days older. Based on their current growth rate and size, I'd give them a c+.
Unfortunately, my rooster isn't very interested in breeding my Bielefelder hens; they just aren't receptive to him. On the other hand, my Delaware and Starlight Green Egger hens are hatching at an impressive 95% success rate.
To address the Bielefelder breeding issue, I recently ordered two more Bielefelder roosters from McMurray Hatchery. They appear to be healthier and more robust than my current rooster. I've been tracking the weights of all my birds, and the new McMurray roosters are already 2.5 ounces heavier than the Skywalker chicks at the same age. So far, things are looking good.

 

[snacks_on_snacks]

Keep us posted on how it goes with your Murray McMurray rooster. I have considered ordering from him a few times since it is within driving distance from our house. I have heard mixed things that that line runs smaller then the ones directly from greenfire. But I am SUPER new to this and this is just anecdotal, nothing I’ve personal vetted out myself

 

[snacks_on_snacks]

@BlueBaby where did you get yours from again?

 

[AZHomesteadPoultry]

Keep us posted on how it goes with your Murray McMurray rooster. I have considered ordering from him a few times since it is within driving distance from our house. I have heard mixed things that that line runs smaller then the ones directly from greenfire. But I am SUPER new to this and this is just anecdotal, nothing I’ve personal vetted out myself

Will do, I had an order of Delaware Broilers coming so I put em on the order to get my minimum. Their website is the only one that say the proper weights (12lb for rooster, 8lb for a hen). So i figured why not hahah.

 

[BlueBaby]

Of the 10 eggs I purchased on Ebay, only 2 hatched (1 rooster and 1 hen). While I was hoping for a higher hatch rate, at least i got one of each. I also set 14 of my own eggs, which resulted in one more rooster.
Interestingly, the Skywalker chicks (from the Ebay eggs) are the same size as my own hatchlings, despite being 5 days older. Based on their current growth rate and size, I'd give them a c+.
Unfortunately, my rooster isn't very interested in breeding my Bielefelder hens; they just aren't receptive to him. On the other hand, my Delaware and Starlight Green Egger hens are hatching at an impressive 95% success rate.
To address the Bielefelder breeding issue, I recently ordered two more Bielefelder roosters from McMurray Hatchery. They appear to be healthier and more robust than my current rooster. I've been tracking the weights of all my birds, and the new McMurray roosters are already 2.5 ounces heavier than the Skywalker chicks at the same age. So far, things are looking good.

I have 4 Bielefelder rooster's, and 2 of them need homes. I don't have enough hens for all 4 of them now that all of them are wanting to breed the girls.

 

[BlueBaby]

@BlueBaby where did you get yours from again?

Several places as hatching egg's so that I could get better gene diversity in my flock. I kept some, and sold some as chicks after they hatched.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I have three from a hatchery in my flock. My other chickens started laying at 4-5 months. One or two Bielefelders started around 8 months, which is apparently typical for the breed.

I got an egg or two a week throughout the winter from the Bielefelders, while my other chickens laid consistently.

This week it warmed up and all my chickens are laying. The Bielefelders are keeping up now. But we're going into another cold streak so I'll give you an update in a week.

I love their larger bodies, thick feathers, and small combs in the winter, but they failed the winter laying test. I'll probably sell some of them next fall.

 

[Sally PB]

I have 4 Bielefelder hens that I bought as chicks from Mt. Healthy in May 2023. I haven't done any weighing, so I can't comment on how quickly they grew or even what they weigh now. They definitely are the biggest hens I have, and there is some difference among them.

They are not my best layers as far as number of eggs goes, but they do lay the biggest eggs. Their "small" eggs are extra large, (64-70 grams), and I have gotten several Jumbos (71+ grams). They started laying at around age 7 months, and that was December 2023.

The rest of my flock (Australorps and one Orpington) lay in the low to mid 60s generally. Except Little, who lives up to her name and lays 52-58 gram eggs.

Bielefelders are my friendliest birds, usually very quiet. They do eat more than the others, but I accepted that as one of their traits.

I wish Arizona weren't so far away, because I would take a Bielefelder rooster in a heartbeat. Too far to drive, and shipping is probably out of the question.

 

[BlueBaby]

I have 4 Bielefelder hens that I bought as chicks from Mt. Healthy in May 2023. I haven't done any weighing, so I can't comment on how quickly they grew or even what they weigh now. They definitely are the biggest hens I have, and there is some difference among them.

They are not my best layers as far as number of eggs goes, but they do lay the biggest eggs. Their "small" eggs are extra large, (64-70 grams), and I have gotten several Jumbos (71+ grams). They started laying at around age 7 months, and that was December 2023.

The rest of my flock (Australorps and one Orpington) lay in the low to mid 60s generally. Except Little, who lives up to her name and lays 52-58 gram eggs.

Bielefelders are my friendliest birds, usually very quiet. They do eat more than the others, but I accepted that as one of their traits.

I wish Arizona weren't so far away, because I would take a Bielefelder rooster in a heartbeat. Too far to drive, and shipping is probably out of the question.

I wish you were here too to get one of my 2 extra big boys. They never try to peck me but those male hormones are starting to kick in with spring around the corner. They are free.

 

[snacks_on_snacks]

I took some pictures today of the 3 roosters from skywalker on eBay. They are 11 weeks old. The green one is the boss of the others but not aggressive. He’s the friendliest as well with people, will fall asleep in your lap. So hoping he’s the best looker? What do you all think? You won’t offend me at all I am still learning and want to keep the best of my options here