Welsummer

Welsummer Chicken

The Welsummer chicken is known for its beautiful brown and red feathers, high egg production, and resilience in cold climates. With a friendly and easygoing nature, it’s a favorite for backyard flocks.

Originating from Welsum, Holland, the Welsummer was first brought to the U.S. in 1928 and gained popularity for its dark brown eggs. Officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1991, it has become a beloved breed among small-scale farmers.

Welsummers are intelligent and adaptable, thriving in both free-range environments and runs. The breed features single combs, medium wattles, almond-shaped ear lobes, and a strong, short beak. Roosters weigh 7-8 lbs, and hens 5-6 lbs.

Are Welsummer hens reliable egg layers?
Yes, Welsummer hens are excellent layers, typically producing around 4 eggs per week, amounting to about 150-200 eggs annually. It's important to note that the color of their eggs can vary, with the eggs becoming lighter as the hens lay more frequently and darkening again after they take a break, such as during a molt.

Do Welsummer chickens tend to be noisy?
Welsummer chickens can indeed be quite vocal! They generally hold a middle rank in the pecking order and aren’t overly dominant. However, they enjoy chatting and can sometimes be loud, whether they're just being talkative, celebrating after laying an egg, or sounding an alarm about potential threats. Their lively chatter can occasionally be a bit much for close neighbors.

Is the Welsummer breed considered rare?
Yes, Welsummer chickens are considered a rare breed, originally hailing from Holland. They are a robust and versatile breed that thrives in various environments. Welsummers are also superb foragers, laying 3-5 eggs per week, with eggs that vary from reddish-brown to a rich mahogany, often speckled with brown spots.

How many eggs do Welsummers typically produce?
Welsummer hens are decent layers, averaging around 160 eggs per year. The color of their eggs is particularly striking, with a deep brown hue that’s quite distinctive. Interestingly, the pigment on the eggs can even be rubbed off by hand.

Are Welsummer hens good mothers?
Welsummer hens do tend to go broody, especially in the spring, making it a good time to have them hatch eggs. However, they aren’t known for being the most attentive mothers, as they can sometimes be a bit careless with their chicks.

What’s the temperament of Welsummer roosters?
Welsummer roosters are generally friendly and calm, especially if they are handled regularly as they grow. They make excellent flock guardians due to their natural alertness and awareness of their surroundings. Additionally, they are good foragers and maintain a docile demeanor.

• Poultry Show Class: Continental Class
  
• Weights: Hen —-6 lbs
  
• Rooster—-7 lb
  
• Pullet—-5 lbs
  
• Cockerel—6 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Dark Egg Laying; Production
  
• Egg Shell Color: Dark Brown Egg
  
• Egg Production: 200-280 eggs per year (estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
  
• Temperament: Active
  
• Gender Accuracy: 85-90%
  
• Fertility Percentage: 60-75%
  
• Broody: Variable
  
• Mating Ratio: 9 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Country of Origin: Holland
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the Standard of Perfection in 1991.
  
• TLC: Not Listed
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline/strain of pure Welsummer since 1998.