Every part You Have to Know

Have you ever ever heard in regards to the Deathlayer rooster?

Its sinister title may put some folks off, however opposite to it, this ultra-rare breed with over 400 years of historical past is pure eye sweet.

With its shimmering gold hackle, fairly comb, and strong black eyes, this breed can certainly steal your coronary heart.

Nonetheless, regardless of its hanging coloration and exquisite qualities, this breed is definitely underrated within the poultrydom.

However why?

On this article, we’ll convey you to the Deathlayer rooster’s world and present you their:

• origin and historical past
• distinctive traits
• and egg-laying capabilities

You’ll additionally uncover why it isn’t as common as different breeds and if it’s price including to your flock.

So, if you wish to know extra in regards to the Deathlayer, be part of us as we uncover each element you must find out about this German breed and enable you to make clever buying selections.

Deathlayer Hen Origin and Historical past

The Deathlayer rooster’s roots will be traced again to the land of Germany. Subsequently, it’s a German breed.

They had been named Westfälische Totleger in German, which implies “Westphalian Deathlayer.”

Though not a lot is thought of their historical past as a result of its actual origin remains to be a thriller to this present day, it’s mentioned that this breed has been round for over 400 years.

Why Are They Known as Deathlayer Chickens?

There are two theories in regards to the breed’s title.

The primary concept is that it acquired its title attributable to the truth that they’re prolific egg layers and might lay an egg a day till the day of their demise.

The second and doubtless the extra correct one is that the breed was as soon as known as ‘Daudtleijer’ in Low German, which interprets to ‘Lengthy-term Layer’.

However afterward, attributable to totally different title variations, the title advanced to “Totleger“, which means “Deathlayer”.

It was in all probability misheard attributable to totally different dialects, thus making “long-term layers” turn out to be “demise layers”.

And in keeping with historic paperwork, Totleger rooster got here from the cities of Bielefeld and Herford.

The breed was referred to as “on a regular basis layers” again then.

The Rise and Fall of Deathlayer

Deathlayer chickens are prolific layers.

And that could be the rationale why it grew to become common in Germany.

However its recognition was short-lived as a result of it acquired outshined by extra productive breeds just like the Leghorn rooster within the Eighteen Eighties.

And sadly, rooster keepers and breeders misplaced curiosity on this landrace breed.

The numbers had been nonetheless declining regardless of the efforts of constructing an affiliation that aimed to protect the breed in 1904.

However we will’t blame the folks as a result of there was stiff competitors between rooster breeds on the time.

The breed was thought of an endangered rooster breed by the German Poultry Affiliation in 1994.

And in 2005, there have been solely 343 male and 1492 Deathlayer hens on the planet—and nonetheless endangered as much as this present day.

The Deathlayer rooster discovered its method to the USA by means of Greenfire Farms, the unique importer of the breed to the US.

This breed is so exhausting to search out in the USA, which explains why the American Poultry Affiliation doesn’t acknowledge it regardless of being a longtime breed in Germany.

Enjoyable Truth:

Do you know that Deathlayer is carefully associated to the “Braekel” and the “East Frisian Gull“? That’s why they give the impression of being much like Deathlayer chickens, and the one distinction is that Deathlayer breed boasts a rose comb.

Deathlayer Hen Breed’s Normal and Look

Regardless of Deathlayers’ unusual title, this breed boasts a hanging look and regal aura, making it a pleasing addition to decorative rooster collections.

However how do these birds look?

Normal Look

There’s no particular breed normal for Dying layer rooster as a result of it’s not registered with the American Poultry Affiliation(APA).

That’s why it will probably’t compete at APA poultry reveals and exhibitions.

So how are you going to determine Deathlayer chickens?

Deathlayers characteristic strong black eyes, which creates a phenomenal distinction with the white, brown, or silver feathers on their head.

They’ve medium-sized wattles that completely associate with their flat, rose-colored comb.

Their limbs are both blue-grey or slate, and their legs have 4 toes on every foot.

Shade and Plumage Patterns

On this part, we’ll talk about the similarities and variations between silver and golden Deathlayer’s plumage patterns and the distinguishing traits of every hen.

Silver Deathlayer Chickens

The Silver Deathlayer rooster encompasses a cape of white plumage and a black tail with an iridescent sheen in a greeny-blue shade.

What makes this breed much more eye-catching is the irregular black penciling which fades to darkish grey on the stomach.

The silver Deathlayer hen, however, has a silvery-white feathering with extra refined penciling than its male counterparts, which makes her appear like she’s coated with black dots.

The silver Deathlayer rooster selection is extra widespread, however the golden ones stole the center of many poultry fans.

Why?

Golden Deathlayer Hen

This selection is roofed with orange and gold plumage however with an analogous hanging sample to the silver Deathlayers.

They’re additionally adorned with inexperienced and purple sheen, which creates a phenomenal distinction with their gold feathering.

However how massive are these penciled chickens?

Deathlayer Hen Measurement

Deathlayer chickens are medium-sized landrace birds.

The hens are round 4 to 4.5 kilos or 2 kg, whereas the Deathlayer roosters weigh round 5 to five.5 kilos or 2.5 kg.

There’s no bantam model of this breed, however they’re lovely nonetheless.

Deathlayer Hen Temperament and Persona

Should you’re contemplating including Deathlayer chickens to your flock, their persona is an element price contemplating as a result of no one desires an aggressive rooster.

Temperament

Deathlayer chickens are energetic foragers that get pleasure from being out and about greater than being confined in a coop all day.

They are often skittish towards strangers, however they’re not aggressive.

Socialization

These birds are typically nervous round strangers however pleasant to their people, particularly their fellow feathery companions.

However they’re not lap chickens as a result of they don’t like being held or petted.

So in the event you’re searching for a candy and cuddly rooster, this isn’t for you.

Hardiness

Deathlayer chickens are each chilly and heat-hardy. Subsequently, they will thrive in any climate or local weather when given correct care.

They’re extremely resistant but low-maintenance, and so they’re not vulnerable to frostbite, due to their comb’s construction.

Broodiness

Most Deathlayer chickens are good moms, however some are broody whereas others aren’t.

All of it is determined by the hen’s pressure, persona, and setting.

Some breeders reported that Deathlayers raised in hatcheries are much less broody than others.

Makes use of of Deathlayer Chickens

Deathlayer chickens are mainly bred for egg manufacturing, however additionally they supply tasty meat.

Nonetheless, since they’re medium-sized, they don’t produce a lot meat, so that they’re not preferrred for meat manufacturing.

How Many Eggs Do Deathlayer Chickens Lay?

Deathlayers can produce a mean of 200 eggs yearly, and so they can lay eggs till they die, which is a big feat contemplating that the majority chickens can lay for less than 3 to 4 years.

Nonetheless, some hens can lay as many as 250 eggs per 12 months, however others can solely produce 150 eggs.

It’s price noting that this breed doesn’t lay properly after they’re in a nerve-racking scenario till they’re comfy sufficient.

What Shade Eggs Do Deathlayers Lay?

This breed produces white medium-sized.

Yep, nothing fancy.

The Deathlayer rooster egg shade is solely white, however it’s simply as nutritious and protein-rich as different rooster eggs.

German Deathlayer chickens are usually good moms.

However their broodiness is determined by their persona, pressure, and setting as a result of most of these coming from hatcheries don’t lay properly.

Frequent Well being Problems with Deathlayer Hen Breed

German Deathlayers are low-maintenance birds, however apparently, they’re not resistant to illness and demise.

They’ll nonetheless expertise a number of well being points which might be widespread amongst egg-laying hens, which embrace:

• Egg drop syndrome
• Egg yolk peritonitis
• Fatty liver syndrome
• Caged layer fatigue
• Rickets

These illnesses have an effect on the rooster’s potential to provide eggs and their general well being and well-being.

These birds are additionally vulnerable to creating bacterial infections comparable to:

• Mycoplasma
• Salmonella
• E. coli

Moreover, they’re additionally vulnerable to mites, lice, and infestation of different poultry parasites.

Nonetheless, you’ll be able to shield your birds from these parasites and illnesses and enhance their lifespan by making certain their clear setting and offering high-quality rooster feed.

Methods to Look after Deathlayer Hen

Should you’re planning to buy German Deathlayer chickens, how must you increase them to assist them thrive and be productive?

Nicely, we acquired your again!

Listed below are some recommendations on increase Deathlayer chickens the fitting manner.

Present Excessive High quality Hen Feed

Feeding your chickens with high-quality feed may help your birds to optimize their egg manufacturing and maximize their lifespan.

However in the event you’re on a decent funds, you can too allow them to free-range to allow them to forage for their very own meals.

You will need to know, although, that their urge for food will increase in the course of the chilly season to keep up their physique temperature.

And when the hens begin laying eggs, it’d assist in the event you may give them protein-rich and calcium-fortified layer feed to assist them have thicker and stronger egg shells.

You can even give your Deathlayer chickens some pleasant morsels to spice up their egg manufacturing capabilities, comparable to:

• Watermelons
• Japanese beetles
• Cracked corn
• Mealworms
• Scrambled eggs
• Scratch grains
• Sunflower seeds

Apart from these rooster treats, your chickens will certainly feast and rejoice in the event you may give them cucumber, apples, carrots, and blueberries.

However you could remove the apple pits as a result of they include toxins which might be unhealthy for birds.

Give Them A Comfy House

For the reason that setting impacts Deathlayer chickens’ productiveness, you could construct a spacious, clear, and cozy rooster coop for them.

However how a lot area does Deathlayer Hen want?

The minimal coop flooring space is 4 sq. ft per rooster to really feel comfy and protected.

However you have to set up boundaries to guard your birds from predators.

It’d additionally assist in the event you may add a roosting place for these chickens as a result of that’s what they’re used to within the wild.

You’ll be able to make the most of a brush or ladder as a roosting place however be sure they’re reliable and safe.

You additionally want to make sure there’s sufficient air flow of their coop to allow them to relaxation comfortably and keep away from creating respiratory illnesses.

Vaccinate and Complement Them

Regardless of being a hardy breed, Deathlayers nonetheless want safety in opposition to varied illnesses, comparable to:

That’s why you could go to your vet to get your birds vaccinated and supply dietary supplements to strengthen their immune system.

The place to Purchase Deathlayer Chickens?

Since it is a uncommon landrace rooster breed, it’s difficult to search out Deathlayer rooster on the market within the US, and the value is kind of costly.

In accordance with Greeenfire Farms, which was credited as the primary to import this breed from Germany to the US, the present inhabitants of Deathlayer in Germany is simply round 1,500 birds.

So, the best manner of discovering silver and gold Deathlayer rooster on the market is thru a hatchery that imports inventory from Germany.

However the most effective supply of Deathlayer chickens is by going to respected breeders comparable to:

How A lot Are Deathlayer Chickens?

There’s an enormous discrepancy in Deathlayer rooster price from totally different poultry farms.

For instance, a single, unsexed day-old Deathlayer chick, whether or not silver or golden, prices round $59, whereas every silver Deathlayer chick from Star Hill Farm prices $30.00.

Are Deathlayer Chickens Uncommon?

Sure, this breed is ultra-rare, particularly within the US. Even in its nation of origin, its quantity is extremely low.

In reality, there are solely 1,500 registered Deathlayers in Europe.

Though it’s starting to achieve some consideration from poultry fans, extra efforts are wanted to protect and promote this centuries-old breed.

How lengthy do Deathlayer Chickens dwell?

Deathlayer rooster breed’s lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.

When given correct care, a protected and clear setting, and high quality vitamin, you’ll be able to maximize their lifespan, and so they can accompany you for 12 lengthy years.

Professionals and Cons of Elevating Deathlayer Hen Breed

That will help you weigh in if this breed is for you, we summarized the professionals and cons of this breed beneath.