Welsummer Chicken; Beautiful Dark Brown Eggs And More-About The Breed

Is the Welsummer chicken the right hen for your flock?

If you’ve ever wanted to keep chickens and experience the joys of backyard farming, then the Welsummer chicken is a breed you need to consider.

Beautiful, friendly birds with a rich and varied history are an ideal breed for those just starting out in the world of poultry keeping. They are excellent for free-range flocks and backyard chickens that need to be kept in confinement (a coop and run).

These Welsummer chickens are cold hardy birds and adapt to warmer climates.

This chicken was bred for great egg production and has successfully transitioned into small hobby farms and backyards worldwide.

After reading this article, you will know if it’s the right hen for your flock. It is a cheerful and productive little hen that deserves a closer look.

The History of The Welsummer Chicken

The Welsummer is a Dutch breed of chicken that originated in Welsum, a small village in the eastern Netherlands. It was bred around 1920 from local poultry, including the Rhode Island Red, Barnevelder, Partridge Leghorn, Cochin, and Wyandotte. (many of these contributing breeds are prolific layers)

The breed was named after the Dutch village of Welsum, where it first originated. In the Netherlands, this breed name is Welsumer (note the slightly different spelling).

Making its formal appearance at the World Poultry Congress in 1921, the Welsummer breed was met with positive feedback and soon became widely known. In fact, by 1928, it had already made its way to poultry enthusiasts in Europe and the United States.

Chickens were exported to the United Kingdom. The breed was added to the British Standard in 1930.

It wasn’t long before the Wesummer was brought to the United States. The American Poultry Association recognized them in 1991. They became popular due to the lovely dark brown hue of their eggs.

Today, these chickens are most popular as backyard birds in Australia and England–The royal family of King Charles is even proud owner of some. Welsummers are still prized for their egg-laying abilities, as well as their beautiful plumage.

What Does A Welsummer Chicken Look Like?

The Welsummer is a majestic bird with a regal presence. These birds are soft-feathered with a broad back, full breasts, upright posture, and large full tail.

While this chicken is not ‘large,’ these beautiful birds cannot be overlooked. Roosters’ average weight is 7 pounds, and hen’s average is 6 pounds. Their feathers give them a much larger ‘appearance.’ The Welsummer reaches full maturity at 20 weeks of age. Feathering colors will become more vibrant and beautiful as they age.

It has a single comb with five points, bright red, medium wattles, red oval-shaped ear lobes, and a short black/horn beak. Its legs are without feathers, bright yellow, fading to pale yellow in summer, and its eyes are reddish bay.

Welsummers have full thick, and incredibly soft feathering all over.

Over the body, its coloring is mostly dark brown – reddish brown with light brown/ and white feathers throughout. The neck feathers are golden brown with darker shading creating a golden mantle effect, which is quite royal.

Roosters, in particular, show off their beauty with chestnut hackles and saddle feathers that flow freely under feathers and chests, displaying a lustrous iridescent green color.

What Do Baby Welsummer Chicks Look Like?

(These are considered auto-sexing breeds, baby chicks are intended to be able to identify at hatch.)

Baby Welsummer chicks are a sight to behold, with their distinctive marks.

Male chicks tend to have a lighter background color with a brown stripe finishing at the neck and a small dot of color on their heads.

Female chicks, in contrast, are darker, with a darker brown stripe running over their heads and more defined eye stripes.

Only some baby chicks are easily identifiable, so even experienced Welsummer chicken owners may need help differentiating genders. Experienced hatcheries won’t even guarantee 100% accuracy (85%-90% accuracy)

Welsummer Hens; Egg Production

The Welsummer hen reaches full maturity at 20 weeks. You can expect your lovely lady to start her egg production journey around that time. Like any other breeds, they may begin laying earlier (18 weeks) or later (22 weeks). This is normal for egg-laying birds. Remember to have those nesting boxes ready for all those fresh eggs.

When Do Welsummer Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?

The Welsummer chicken will provide large brown eggs for about three years before the number of eggs produced starts slowing down. They will eventually stop laying around five years old.

Chicken breeds of any kind will slowly slow down and eventually stop laying over time. Your Welsummer chickens are no different. Find out more about why chickens stop laying eggs in this article.

As non-producing hens, they still have a role to play in the flock; they will nurture and teach your Welsummer chicks the ropes.

What size and color eggs are Welsummer Eggs?

Large and Dark Brown Eggs are a Welsummer chickens hallmark. Some will lay dark brown eggs with ‘speckles,’ and others have that dark orange-reddish brown egg color like terracotta.

How many eggs do Welsummer Hens Lay?

Your hen will gift you with 4-5 eggs each week. The Welsummer hen is especially appreciated for her large dark brown eggs. On average, these birds lay 200-280 eggs per year. Find out how to properly clean and store fresh eggs here.

Learn more about how long chickens will lay eggs for in this article.

Is the Welsummer A Dual Purpose Chicken Breed?

The Welsummer is a dual-purpose chicken breed that can be raised for laying eggs and preparing meat. Compared to traditional meat bird breeds, Welsummers are half the size and take up far less time to raise – making it ideally suited for those looking for efficiency when producing quality poultry products.

Their rich and flavorful meat that balances white and dark cuts makes Welsummers a delightful choice for a homestead dual-purpose bird.

Are the Welsummer Chickens Friendly Birds?

Welsummers have a friendly nature making them the ideal chicken in a mixed flock. Welsummer hens are gentle and affectionate, often referred to as docile behavior. Their intelligence allows them to adapt quickly to their environment.

They’re known to be busy chickens, so they’ll keep themselves entertained for hours when out in a free-range setting.

Welsummer chickens have a great disposition, making them the perfect pet bird for any chicken owner looking for a pleasant and tranquil backyard coop experience. These are well-suited for family-friendly pet chickens, beginner chicken owners, and experienced flock owners.

Are Welsummer Roosters Aggressive?

Welsummer roosters typically exhibit a calm nature, but they will become assertive if they must protect their flock. Although they are not usually the first to start a fight, they will undoubtedly take their fair turn in defending their territory if called upon.

Aggression is not characteristically connected to the Welsummer breed; generally, the Welsummer rooster is neither tyrant nor a doormats within the pecking order of a chicken yard.

Are Welsummer Chickens Noisy?

Welsummer Chickens may not be the best option for those with close neighbors due to their willingness to make noise at times. There are plenty of other urban-friendly breeds to consider in this article here.

Welsummer chickens have a reputation for being quite the chatterboxes! With their cheerful and bubbly personalities, a well-raised Welsummer can ensure her voice is heard.

But don’t let that scare you away: Welsummers can keep a backyard farm lively and entertaining with their spirited conversations!

Breed Variations of the Welsummer Chickens

There is only one accepted breed standard by the British and American Poultry Association: the Red Partridge. However, other varieties noted in the Poultry club are the Gold and Silver duckwing.

Welsummer Bantam Variety

The Welsummer Bantam Variety is a small bird created in the 1930s. These birds are active and friendly.

The American Bantam Association recognizes the Welsummer plumage and the Silver Duckwing.

These Welsummer Bantams are similar in appearance to the large fowl, except for their smaller size. The smaller birds lay very light brown eggs, unlike the distinctive deep large brown egg of the larger Welsummer.

Bantam Welsummer chickens lay 150 – 200 small light brown eggs a year.

The Bantam variety was created by enthusiasts from Germany and England. These birds were developed in the 1930s, shortly after the formal introduction of the large fowl Welsummer.

The Chicken Coop Size for Welsummer Chickens

Although Welsummer chickens will do well in confinement, they still need enough room to wander and explore. A good chicken coop and run are essential for any backyard flock.

A secure coop and run are necessary to ensure your Welsummer chicken is happy and safe.

By attaching a run to your coop, you provide your chickens with the security they crave and the ability to explore their surroundings without fear of predators. Additionally, this offers them protection from harsh weather conditions.

Space

Welsummers need between 4 and 6 square feet of space in their hen house. If you have other chicken breeds, make sure to size up the house to accommodate your larger chicken breed.

Roost 

Ensure your chickens have a comfortable place to sleep by providing roosts 10-12 inches per chicken. Look for materials with rounded edges to avoid injury, and create enough space so your Welsummer chicken can settle in without being crowded.

Nesting boxes – Prepare For Your Welsummer Chicken Eggs

You need to have one nesting box for every four hens. Set these up early so your ladies can get used to them. A Welsummer chicken can start as early as 18 weeks, so you’ll want to prepare these before. This will give your hen a place to lay its beautiful Welsummer eggs.

Nesting boxes need to be 12″ square and deep enough to have extra bedding for your hen to rest and lay comfortably. This will also keep eggs from breaking.

Occasionally this breed will have a broody hen in its bunch. The nesting box is where they will ‘set’ their eggs and prepare for the arrival of their Welsummer chicks.

Read about broody hens here.

Feeders and Waterers

Any chicken requires both fresh water and food to stay alive. Dirty water or feeders will result in unhealthy chickens. To avoid this, place the feeders on a chain 4 inches from the ground; if necessary, put it on a cement block.

Waterers should also be placed on a cement block, so they are not near potential contaminants. Remember to routinely clean these areas.

The Chicken Run

Space 

A chicken coop that’s too small will result in bored poultry and more likely to bully one another. Additionally, confined conditions lead to unsanitary living areas, which then cause health problems. So when it comes to a chicken run, size does matter–the bigger, the better.

Fencing height

Fencing keeps chickens in and predators out. The best way to accomplish this is to install a 6′ high fence, which should be tall enough to prevent hawks, owls, and other motivated predators from getting in.

Perches – Give Your Welsummer Chicken Flock A View

There are many benefits to adding perches to your chicken coop, such as giving your flock different views and increasing lateral space. You can build perches by using large fallen branches or nailing in shelving structures to the side of the coop. Other ways to add height include adding an upside-down bucket or two.

Dust Bath

Chickens need dust baths just as much as they need food and water. Dust bathing is an essential part of their primary care needs. Setting aside a space in the outdoor area filled with contractor sand mixed with diatomaceous earth is easy.

A dust bath will allow your chickens to spread their wings and lay in the dry mixture, removing any mites or lice. The best part is that they’ll have shiny, vibrant feathers as if they just returned from the spa.

There is nothing more uncomfortable than a chicken with mites and lice. These bugs are miserable creatures that carry diseases.

Free-Range and Foraging

You may be wondering if Welsummer chickens are good for free-range chickens. The answer is yes! This chicken breed is considered one of the top free-range foragers of all the layer breeds.

However, it is important to note that Welsummer chickens could be better flyers. While they’re great little foragers, the fact that they cannot fly to safety needs to be considered while they’re out and about on their free-ranging jaunt.

While they are excellent foragers and do very well free-range, a guard dog or a watchful owner’s eye should be nearby in case a predator tries to sneak in for a closer look or worse.

Is the Welsummer Cold Hardy? Heat Tolerant?

The Welsummer chickens are very hardy birds, perfect for cold climates! Learn more about helping chickens lay eggs in the winter here.

Welsummer’s solid weight, thick, soft feathers, and European ancestry make them very cold-hardy. This Welsummer chicken breed can also tolerate heat if they have a place to take refuge from the hot weather. These chickens are very adaptable and offer an excellent option for growers living in climates that can experience cold winters and hot summers.

If you provide enough love and appropriate care, these very hardy birds can thrive in many climates.

Read About Cold Hardy Chicken Breeds Here.

Read About Heat Tolerant Chicken Breeds Here.

The Chicken Coop (Hen House)

Coop Winter and Summer Prep – Although Welsummer chickens are good at handling cold weather, you must ensure their coop is secure and provides safe conditions. The preparation for winter and summer is quite similar.

To ensure your coop is draft-free, look for cracks or small openings and seal them. This will help keep out cold winds, bugs, and predators. Winter insulation can easily be bought and installed with items like tarps, tar paper, or plastic sheeting wrapped around the outside, as well as placing straw bales around the foundation of the coop.

By ensuring your chicken coop is adequately ventilated, you can avoid respiratory problems for your birds, reducing the amount of heat in their enclosure during summer months and making it easier to keep them warm in winter. Some ways to improve ventilation in hot weather include adding screen doors or windows.

Waterers and Feeders – If you’re a chicken owner, you know how difficult it is to give them fresh water in the winter. Be sure to frequently change out their waterers as they tend to freeze over quickly. If possible, and there’s a safe electrical source, purchase a heated waterer for your chickens.

Place ice cubes in waterers during the summer to keep them cool and fresh. Be sure to keep waterers in a cooler, shady place during the hot summer months.

Shelter From The Elements – To avoid your flock from overheating in the summer and keep them safe from rain, a good tarp overhead will allow that shaded area to remain several degrees cooler. Remember, the Welsummer chicken breed has thick feathers, which can be ‘hot’ in the summer. You can also hose the ground area down to keep the earth cool and help in the outdoor run. Shade cloth is an excellent choice for summer also.

For winter, have a sturdy cover for outdoor time to protect your flock from cold, wet snow. Also, shovel an area to keep your chickens from getting too wet or slipping when snow melts and re-freezes (it can be icy).

Frostbite – Though proper ventilation in your coop will help keep it moisture-free and reduce the risk of frostbite for your chickens, the best way to prevent this is by regularly daubing a petroleum jelly product on the combs and wattles of your Welsummer Hen and Welsummer Rooster.

Read more about preparing your chicken coop and run and chicken care in the winter in this article.

Are The Welsummer Chickens Good For Urban (City) Life?

Well, the Welsummer chicken is known for being loud and chatty. While there are exceptions, as a rule, you can’t count on the breed for their ‘discreet’ conversations. They’ll make sure everyone around knows there’s something to talk about.

If you’re close to neighbors, choose a quieter chicken breed (like the Bielfelder), as Welsummers can’t resist carrying on a conversation even at the most inopportune times!

Life Expectancy of the Welsummer Chicken

The average life expectancy of a Welsummer chicken is nine years. Egg production will cease sooner, but you will still have the pleasure and visual delight of enjoying this breed for years past their egg days.

Is The Welsummer Chicken Right For Backyard Chicken Keepers and Hobby Farmers?

Welsummer chickens are a Dutch breed that makes an attractive addition to any backyard chicken keeper or hobby farmer.

This bird stands out from other chicken breeds with its iconic farmyard looks with gold, chestnut, and bright reddish brown coloring, making it a favorite of British royalty. The Welsummer rooster is a show stopper and will have your fellow chicken keeper friends wanting their Welsummer chicken.

They are renowned for their beautiful eggs. Not only do they have attractive eggs, but Welsummer chickens are known for their gentle nature and hardy temperament, making them ideal for confined spaces where other chickens are.

Many free-range keepers love the active foraging ways of the Welsummerchicken breed. If you’re looking for a beautiful traditional dutch breed of birds with stunning colored eggs and calming personalities, then Welsummer chicken may be the right choice for your backyard flock.