The Welsummer chicken breed is distinguished by its beautiful brown and red plumage. It is also known for its high egg production and superior hardiness in cold climates. Its friendly personality makes it a favorite for small-scale and backyard chicken production.
History of the Welsh Summer Chicken Breed
Welsummer (sometimes spelled Welsumer) is named after the village of Welsum, Holland, and was first imported into this country in 1928. It became famous because of the beautiful dark brown eggs it lays. Bantam Welsummers were established separately in both England and Germany during the 1930s.
My Pet Chicken offers both a standard size Welsummer and a Bantam Welsummer.
Welsomer chicken character
The Welsummer chicken breed is a friendly, intelligent and easily handled bird that loves to be free from its range and forage but can also be quite happily kept. They make great backyard pets for novice chicken keepers or families with children.
Welsomer hen appears
When many people imagine the stereotypical rooster, Welsummer is what they think of – that was the same rooster found in cornflakes! Their whiskers and saddles were a burnt orange and scarlet, with black beetle-tails shining green, like the bars on their wings. Hens are modest, brown in color, with shades that shimmer with sparkles of gold and black. Even their eyes are a beautiful bay red.
The Welsummer chicken breed has single combs, medium-sized rumps, almond-shaped ear lobes, and a short, stout beak. Rooster weighs 7-8 pounds, hen 5-6 pounds.
Egg color and production of Welsomer hens
Hens lay large, medium to deep brown eggs that are often speckled, which makes them very pretty! The color of the eggs is so intense that if you catch them while they’re still damp, you can wipe off some of the browning with a clean cloth! Remember that as with all darker egg layers, the eggs will vary in color, getting lighter as the hens enter their full white and dark again after a break in laying (such as moulting).
Welsomer hens are very good layers! On average, they earn about 4 per week or 150-200 per year. They usually start to give birth around 20-24 weeks (about 5-6 months of age).
Wellsomer poultry care and health
The Welsummer chicken breed is very hardy and can do well in both hot and cold weather. They do not have any specific health concerns and should be cared for like any other hens in your flock. The average lifespan of the Welsummer chicken breed is 6-12 years.
Do you have any Welsomer hens in your backyard flock? Share with us in the comments below.