The Welsummer chicken is a fascinating breed originating from Welsum, Holland, known for its striking appearance and valuable egg production.
Appearance:
Plumage: Welsummers are best known for their beautiful Red Partridge feathering, with a mosaic of brown, red, and golden hues.
Hens: Display a reddish-brown base with black stippling on each feather and lighter shafts, creating a distinct partridge pattern. They may also have hints of gold around the neck.
Roosters: Feature a richer palette, with golden brown hackle and saddle feathers, contrasting with a reddish-brown back and bright, iridescent beetle green on the breast and tail. They have the classic rooster appearance, even resembling the Kellogg's Corn Flakes rooster.
Body: They are medium to large-sized birds with an upright stance, a broad back, and a full breast. Welsummers have strong legs and a somewhat short, compact tail in hens, while the rooster's tail is full and flowing. They also have yellow skin and shanks.
Head: Characterized by a single, medium-sized comb with five points, medium-sized wattles, and almond-shaped ear lobes, all red in color. Their beak is short and strong, with a horn-black coloring on the upper beak.
Temperament and behavior:
Friendly & Calm: Welsummers are generally known for their docile, friendly, and calm nature, making them suitable for backyard flocks or families with children. They are also easily handled.
Active Foragers: They are intelligent and active chickens, known for their excellent foraging abilities, enjoying free-ranging and scratching for food. They can also be content in runs, adapting well to confinement.
Communicative: Welsummers can be quite vocal, described as talkers or communicative.
Not Overly Docile: While friendly, they aren't overly docile and may not enjoy being handled frequently, though they can be trained to eat from the hand.
Adaptable: They are adaptable to various climates, hardy in both cold and moderately warm weather, though roosters' combs can be susceptible to frostbite in very cold temperatures.
Egg Production:
Excellent Layers: Welsummer hens are renowned for their egg-laying capabilities, averaging around four eggs per week.
Distinctive Eggs: They lay large, beautiful dark brown eggs, often with speckles, which are highly prized and sought after. These unique "chocolate eggs" add an interesting element to the egg basket.