Welsummer chickens are intelligent, low-maintenance birds that produce beautiful, deep brown, terracotta-colored eggs. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about raising these curious and friendly chickens!
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As a proud chicken owner for many years, I have learned a thing or two about raising healthy and happy chickens. Welsummer chickens are easy going, friendly, and low-maintenance birds, and I love how easily they mix in with my other breeds. Learn everything you need to know about these beautiful birds, as well as some personal tips and tricks I've picked up along the way!
What is a Welsummer Chick?
These European chickens originate from a small village in the Netherlands called Welsum. They come in bantam and large fowl sizes, with the larger birds being my personal choice for our small farm. They usually have dark reddish-brown feathers, hackles with gold-black shading, red almond-shaped ear lobes, and a bright red comb. I love how their gold-colored feathers gleam in the sunlight - they truly are eye-catching birds.
The breed was created by crossing different chicken breeds, including Rhode Island Reds, Partridge Leghorns, and Cochins, post-World War I. You can see the influence of these breeds in the Welsummers' beautiful coloring, sturdy build, and friendly nature!
What are Welsummer Chickens known for?
Welsummers are known for a few things, including their beautiful, terracotta-dark brown (often speckled) eggs and striking feather patterns. They're also great foragers and very hardy! But, in particular, the Welsummer rooster is probably one of the most well-known and recognized rooster breeds - thanks to the famous Kellogg's cereal mascot, Cornelius Rooster. The rooster we see on the cereal boxes is actually a Welsummer!
Welsummer Rooster Temperament
When it comes to roosters, their temperament can be a big concern for anyone considering adding one to their flock. However, I've found that Welsummer roosters are usually quite gentle and friendly. They aren't easily agitated and tend to get along well with other chickens. This can vary from bird to bird, as I have heard of some aggressive Welsummer roosters, but it doesn't seem as common as with other breeds.
As for noise levels, Welsummer roosters can definitely be vocal. They can crow quite loudly when they're excited, stressed, or if they want something, but quiet down once their needs are met.
Personality of Welsummers
The Welsummer chick breed is known for their friendly and curious nature. They can be shy around other breeds, but once they warm up, they can be very outgoing! They love to explore their surroundings and are easily handled by their caregivers. Welsummers are also very intelligent, meaning they can learn routines, recognize their owners, and forage for food on their own! It's really fun to see how they interact with each other and with their environment. However, they can be flighty at times and startle easily.
Welsummers are also very adaptable birds. While they thrive in a free-range environment, they also do well in a confined space. They can easily adjust to different living conditions and still remain content.
Pros and cons to having Welsummer Chicks
With the good always comes the bad. I think it's important to weigh out the pros and cons of Welsummer chicks before deciding if they're the right fit for your flock. Here are some things to consider:
Pros:
- Friendly and gentle personality
- Terracotta/dark brown eggs, sometimes speckled
- Curious and intelligent
- Good foragers
- Great layers
- Striking feather patterns
- Adaptable to different living conditions
- Rarely broody (good for egg production, could be a con for those looking to breed)
Cons:
- Can be noisy at times
- May wander to forage or explore if not confined
- Can be flighty
- May be picked on by other breeds due to their shy nature
- Poor mothers
- Don't lay much in the winter months
Welsummer Chicken Eggs Production
You can expect around 150-200 eggs a year from young Welsummer chickens, which is around 4-5 eggs a week. The prime age for egg production in Welsummers is between 6 months and 3 years. This breed rarely goes broody, so there's no need to worry about them taking a break from laying eggs, but they can slow down or stop production during the colder winter months.
At what age do Welsummers start laying eggs?
Welsummer chicks usually start laying between 20 and 24 weeks of age. From then on, they'll continue to lay consistently for the next 2-3 years. After that, their egg production may decrease or become more sporadic, but they can live up to 9 years if cared for properly.
Welsummer Egg Color
The dark brown terracotta color of Welsummer eggs is one of their most desirable traits! Their eggs are also often speckled or spotted. The color can become lighter over time but usually returns to its original shade after a break in egg production (like during the winter).
Are Welsummer Eggs always speckled?
No, not all Welsummer eggs are speckled. I've found that some hens produce more speckled eggs than others. The reason for this comes down to the pigment (protoporphyrin) deposits in the chicken's oviduct, which can vary from hen to hen.
How to care for Welsummer Chickens
The same rules apply for caring for Welsummers as with any other chicken breed. They don't have any special requirements and can thrive in various environments! Here are a few tips to keep your Welsummers happy and healthy:
- Provide a balanced diet with plenty of fresh water
- Free-range is ideal, but a closed run will also work
- Provide a safe and secure coop for roosting
- Keep their coop clean and ventilated, and provide adequate bedding for nesting
- Access to plenty of natural light during the day
- Watch out for common chicken health issues like mites and respiratory infections
Welsummer Chick FAQ
Yes, Welsummers can be auto-sexed based on their feather color patterns. Females are darker and have a bold stripe across their back. Males are usually lighter, with a fuzzier, less defined stripe, and their neck feathers have a more coppery hue.
Both the Welsummer and Maran chickens' eggs are large, but it's the color that sets them apart. Welsummer eggs are deep reddish-brown and can be speckled, while Maran eggs are rich chocolate brown. Both are delicious and highly sought after by egg lovers!
The most popular Welsummer chicken has the red partridge feather pattern (reddish-brown with yellow legs). However, there are also gold and silver duckwing varieties, which are more commonly found in Europe.
Welsummers typically start laying eggs between 20 and 24 weeks old, although this can vary depending on the individual chicken and its living conditions.
Tatyana Mattoon
Do you sell Welsummer chicks?
Melissa Griffiths
No just write articles about them and keep them personally!
Barbara
I have a Welsummer roo, and a mixed flock. I'm getting some Welsummer chicks in June. At what age does our roo stop breeding? He's 2 1/2, and seems to be less frisky this spring. Although I'm still getting fertilized eggs at this point.
Stephanie
Hello,
I am NPIP certified and breeder myself. I am looking for quality welsummers both roosters and hens. Perhaps even hatching eggs! Would you have any to sell/ship?
Thank you!
Anonymous
Thank you for the review on this breed. It has now convinced me that I need to have it in my new flock!