Breed Facts
- Poultry Show Class: Continental Class
- Weights: Hen——4 lbs
Rooster——5 lbs
Pullet—-3 1/2 lbs
Cockerel—-4 lbs - Purpose and Type: Egg Laying; Exhibition
- Egg Shell Color: Cream or Tinted
- Egg Production: 150+ eggs per year (estimates only, see FAQ)
- Egg Size: Medium
- Temperament: Active/Flighty
- Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
- Broody: Non Setter
- Mating Ratio: 10 Females to 1 Male
- Roost Height: 4+ feet
- Country of Origin: Germany
- APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1939.
- TLC: Threatened Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
- Breeder Farm Source: Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of pure Lakenvelder chicken since 1979.
Cheryl Willard –
Unfortunately, I am down to 1 Lakenvelder after receiving 6 (ordered 5). These babies were just NOT very intelligent and managed to get themselves in as much trouble as turkey poults are famous for doing. The one I’ve got left seems to be doing ok, one failed to thrive after getting to 2 and a half months. The other 4 found their way into cracks, crevices, and a puddle to die. Yes, they had a safe brooder, but as I was allowing them time to grow outside of it, they very quickly decided they didn’t want to be part of my flock. They seem flighty, are indeed beautiful, but also quite small. I’m sorry to make such a review, I’ve always loved Cackle’s birds as well as their service, but this group of peeps didn’t do so well.
Shannon Barber –
Beautiful birds! One rooster is very calm and lovely. The other one is mean as heck! The hens are calm but skidish. I enjoy watching them run around. Always on the go and super fast! Had a great experience with these birds shipping was perfect.
Barb –
Absolutely Love
I had raised lakenvelders many years ago. They are very hardy little birds. They absolutely love to forage yet they are quick to avoid predators. They aren’t the easiest birds to produce perfect markings but the ones I received from Cackle were almost perfect especially the cockerels. Takes time to get them to show quality but I have decent stock to start with.
Sam –
Love them!!
I’ve had them for about 6 months now, on a homestead out in the middle of nowhere. Haven’t lost any due to predators. They are very self efficient, a falcon swooped down to grab a roo, they seen him coming and ran into the brush. Very flighty, can fly up 7ft and get out of via a small 6 inch hole. Beautiful birds and on the smart side for a chicken..
Stonefield –
Handsome Fowl
Lakenvelders are striking birds that free range successfully. Their active, flighty nature seems vital to this rather small dual purpose breed.
Introducing the Lakenvelder Charcoal gene produces attractive, darker, resilient crossbreds.
Coffeegirl64 –
Great Rooster breed
Love my Lakenvelder roo. He’s a handsome boy who really looks after his flock. He is not at all aggressive, less vocal than some other breeds I’ve had, and a good forager. I’d highly recommend this breed.
William –
Great Birds
I have enjoyed raising the Lakenvelders. They are calm and docile, not aggressive with the other chickens. The roosters are handsome and seem quiet compared to the other breeds I have. The hen is a pretty good layer, the eggs are small and off white in color.
Rhonda –
Great rooster
I had Cowboy, MH Lakenvelder rooster for six years. The best ever, not aggressive to people or hens. Great protector, easy going, easy keeper. I’d take 50 more of him. Miss him.
Joss –
Gorgeous but an a**hole
We had a lakenvelder rooster out of our happy cackle. The good: he was beautiful, the prettiest roo we had. An awesome free ranger.9 The bad: he was a massive jerk. He would chase down my young daughters and spur them. He actually would come across the yard just to hunt them down. It was frightening. Needless to say he became dinner last Saturday. He tasted pretty good atleast.
Paul –
Great Website
Great website, plenty of excellent info,I will be ordering from you soon.
Jake –
Pretty and pretty mean
Got three of these in a hatchery surprise. The hen is pretty and the two idiot roosters are just plain mean. Their favorite pastime is fighting. The black and white feathers on their necks flare out and they mean business. If they take on a Cochin or Brahma they team up and stand shoulder to shoulder and whip all who can’t run fast enough. When they have everybody punked they turn on each other. They are only 2 months old so I’m not sure how they will treat the hens but I’m not gonna find out. I’m gonna put em in a pot and let em fight with the onions and carrots as soon as they are worth plucking.
Travis J in South Texas –
Wonderful and beautiful chickens!
Got 5 from Cackle almost 2 years ago and they were nice, small beautiful chickens in our free-range pasture. Hens sometimes roosted in the trees and our 1 rooster was such a handsome and faithful shepherd of the other hens of various breeds and crowed with a nice clean voice–he recently died protecting our hens from a stray dog–doing his job to the end. Still have a sweet Lacken hen in our flock and she’s a real beauty. They’re not the best egg layers but sure add character and beauty to your flock
Pappaw –
Madison’s Chickens
Got 3 of these strait run with our order we placed back in May. Two are Roosters and one pullet. Roosters are reasonably calm which is why they are still around and the hen is a very active girl. Lays a small to med off white egg,,on the steps to the barn loft. She has at least an 8′ vertical flight so she always gets out of the fenced area. Never any trouble to put up. Got these special for my granddaughter. Don’t want a whole flock of them tho unless you have fencing for a Giraffe.
John, Texas July 2010 –
Thanks!
Our chicks made it yesterday. They all like and act in great shape after a short drink they went right to eating and running around.