Poultry
Lakenvelder
B tier
Lakenvelder is a striking Dutch–German chicken named for its belted “sheeted” colour pattern: white body with black neck hackle and black tail. Traditionally a light dual-purpose and exhibition breed, it is an active forager with relatively lean carcasses and white to cream eggs rather than heavy broiler meat yield. Culinary use focuses on free-range table birds and older stewing fowl, where activity builds flavour in the dark meat. Breasts are leaner than modern commercial hybrids, so roasting whole with basting, or braising jointed portions, preserves moisture better than high-heat dry cooking alone.
Also known as: Lakenvelder, Lakenfelder, Lakenvelder, Lakenvelder, Lakenvelder
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Grading systems
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History
Belted farm fowl known as Lakenvelders were kept in the Netherlands and adjacent German regions for eggs and meat.
German breeders refined the black-and-white belted pattern and type for show and utility standards.
Dutch poultry societies recorded Lakenvelder as a national colour pattern linked to sheeted cattle naming.
Imports to Britain and North America established Lakenvelder as an ornamental dual-purpose breed.
Conservation breeding sustained pure colour and type after commercial layers displaced farmstead dual-purpose stock.