Welsummer chickens come to us from the village of Welsum in jap Holland. First arriving in america in 1928, this breed is beloved for its good-looking look and its prolific egg laying.
Bodily Attributes
Welsummer chickens are mid-size, upright birds with a broad again, full breast, massive full tail and a single comb. The unique plumage colour is a red-and-black partridge sample. This selection entered the American Commonplace of Perfection in 1991. Though different varieties are actually accessible, partridge stays the preferred.
One purpose for the enduring reputation of the partridge selection is that it’s autosexing. Newly hatched pullets differ from the little cockerels by having darker markings on their heads and backs.
Welsummers are a quick rising breed. Roosters mature to round 7 kilos, hens to six kilos.
Breed Qualities
Though Welsummer chickens make good meat birds, they’re most frequently regarded as layers. The hens begin laying at 5 or 6 months of age and can produce 200 or extra medium to massive eggs per yr.
The eggshells are numerous shades of darkish brown, typically sporting darker brown speckles. As with different breeds that lay eggs with brown shells, the colour will get lighter because the laying cycle progresses. After the autumn molt, the shells shall be darker and the eggs shall be barely bigger than these of the earlier yr.
The trade-off for good egg manufacturing is that Welsummer hens seldom brood. After they do, they don’t seem to be particularly good moms.
Welsummers are an all-climate breed that adapts effectively to each chilly and heat situations. Which is sensible, for the reason that temperatures of their residence city of Welsum can dip beneath freezing in winter, but attain 90°F within the warmth of summer time.
Welsummers are energetic, inquisitive chickens that take pleasure in foraging. They’re among the many finest breeds without spending a dime ranging, and their multi-color plumage sample makes them much less prone to appeal to predators.
This breed is pleasant and docile, and under no circumstances aggressive. Welsummer chickens make a beautiful addition to any yard flock.
Useful Hyperlinks
What’s the Distinction between Intercourse Hyperlink and Autosex Chickens?
How you can Inform Which Hen Has Began Laying
Welsummer Chickens Provided by Cackle Hatchery®
Official Welsummer Membership of North America
And that’s right now’s information from the Cackle Coop.
Gail Damerow has written quite a few books about poultry, together with The Rooster Encyclopedia.
