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Welsummer

The Welsummer is the Dutch breed famous for dark, speckled chocolate-brown eggs. Beautiful partridge-pattern hens (the Cornflakes rooster), friendly disposition, calm temperament, and one of the best heritage egg layers for backyard flocks.

About this breed

Quick facts: Welsummer

OriginWelsum, Netherlands - 1900s
APA recognized1991
Conservation statusWatch
Adult weightRoosters 7 lb, Hens 6 lb
Size classStandard
Eggs per year~180
Egg colorSpeckled Chocolate Brown
Egg sizeLarge
BroodinessLow
Cold hardinessGood
Heat toleranceGood
Noise levelQuiet
Flight tendencyLight flight
Beginner friendlyYes

History & origin

Developed in the village of Welsum, Netherlands, in the early 1900s by crossing Partridge Leghorn, Barnevelder, Rhode Island Red, Cochin, and Welsum farm fowls. The goal: a hardy Dutch farmstead bird that laid distinctive dark eggs. The roosters appear on Kellogg's Cornflakes packaging (the iconic 'Cornelius the Rooster' is a Welsummer). APA recognized 1991. Available only in Partridge color in the US.

Personality & temperament

friendlycalmforagingcurious

Best for: premium eggs, dual-purpose, foraging

Eggs & laying

Dark brown egg with darker speckles - second only to Marans for darkness.

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space4 sq ft per bird
Run space12 sq ft per bird
Roost bar10 in per bird

Space: Excellent foragers - convert grass and bugs to eggs efficiently.

Feeding: Layer feed 16%. Free-ranged Welsummers produce visibly richer yolks.

Health: Sturdy heritage breed. Watch for ovarian issues in old hens (5+ yrs).

Climate: Zones 3-9. Hardy Dutch climate origin.

Buying tips

  • Welsummer eggs are speckled - if the egg is smooth dark brown, it's likely Marans.
  • The first 3-4 eggs from a pullet are pale; she'll develop her dark-egg color by week 22-24.
  • Roosters are spectacular - if you can have one, it's a stunning yard bird.
  • Look for clean partridge pattern (no white feathers) in hens for show-quality breeding stock.

Did you know?

  • Cornelius the Cornflakes Rooster is a Welsummer.
  • Welsummer chicks are auto-sexable at hatch by their head/back pattern markings.
  • Egg color contains protoporphyrin (the same red-brown pigment in blood).
  • Lay best in years 1-3; production drops 30-40% by year 5.

Related species

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