If this guy looks familiar, you might be a Cornflakes fan. That’s right; this chicken is the model for the cornflakes box many of us grew up with. Let’s look at the background of this iconic chicken.
The Welsummer chicken, a breed synonymous with rustic charm and idyllic countryside living, emerged from the small village of Welsum in the Netherlands in the early 20th century.
It was not an accident but a deliberate attempt to create a superior breed that would serve the dual purpose of providing both meat and eggs.
The local Dutch fowl, revered for their hardiness and laying capabilities, were crossbred with various other breeds, including the partridge Cochin, partridge Wyandotte, and the dark brown Barnevelder.
This was done with the intent of harnessing the best traits from each to get a bird that excelled in productivity and had an attractive appearance.
During the early 1900s, there was a growing interest across Europe to develop breeds that could meet the increasing demand for eggs and poultry meat, a demand fueled by a growing population and advances in farming techniques.
With its long-standing tradition of agricultural innovation, the Netherlands became a hotspot for chicken breeding.
In 1921, the first official standard for the Welsummer was drafted, providing breeders with clear guidelines for selectively breeding these chickens.
The description was detailed, stipulating the desired reddish bay color and even the number and distribution of speckles on the eggs. Breed experts were passionate about achieving a bird that was not only productive but aesthetically pleasing.
The breed’s fame spread beyond Dutch borders in the 1930s, most notably when the Welsummer chicken was chosen to represent the iconic Kellogg’s Corn Flakes brand.
The rooster, with its radiant plumage, became an advertising sensation, emblazoned on cereal boxes around the world, and forever linking the image of the Welsummer with the hearty, wholesome breakfasts of generations.
This association catapulted the breed to celebrity status and contributed to its desirability among poultry enthusiasts globally.
Welsummers first arrived on American shores in 1928, where they were met with enthusiasm by farmers and breeders alike. However, it was not until 1991 that the breed received official recognition from the American Poultry Association (APA), a testament to its perseverance in maintaining standards and popularity among fanciers.
It seems that its creators’ vision – a hardy, productive, and beautiful bird – which continues to thrive in flocks around the world came to fruition.
Not bad for the small Dutch village of Welsum. Let’s move on to the breed’s good looks…
Appearance and Breed Standards
The Welsummer chicken exudes a natural beauty that is both striking and classic, making it a standout in any flock.
This breed presents a unique aesthetic appeal, defined by distinctive physical characteristics and coloration.
Roosters of this breed are particularly impressive, with their richly colored plumage drawing immediate attention. The male standard includes:
- A deep red to orange hackle.
- Saddle feathers that may shimmer with an iridescent quality in sunlight.
- The back and shoulders are also reddish.
- Fiery colors of the neck and rump.
- The breast and tail are an iridescent black with a beetle-green sheen.
Welsummer hens, though less flamboyant than their male counterparts, have their own beauty. They are cloaked in an alluring, heathery brown plumage that is harmoniously blended with gold, red, and orange.
Their feathers are penciled with dark, even lines that enhance their contour and add depth to their overall appearance. This penciling is particularly noticeable around the neck, where it forms a cape-like effect, and on the main body feathers, contributing to the bird’s partridge patterning.
Both roosters and hens have single combs, which are straight and upright with five to seven points that should be evenly serrated and stand firmly without drooping.
The combs, wattles, and earlobes are a vivid red, serving as striking highlights against the backdrop of their feathering.
The eyes of the Welsummer are alert and expressive, typically ranging in color from bay to reddish-brown, reflecting the breed’s keen intelligence and awareness.
Size is another defining trait of the Welsummer. Males typically weigh in at 7-8 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, usually falling between 5-6 pounds.
Welsummer has a strong and broad body, which is well-rounded and supported by sturdy yellow legs. The legs are free from feathers and end in four well-spread toes, indicating the breed’s firm standing and constitution.
When considering the breed standards for conformation, the Welsummer chicken should possess a full breast, a back of medium length that slopes to a well-rounded tail, and wings that are carried neatly against the body.
The silhouette of the Welsummer is one of balance and vigor, with no part appearing exaggerated or disproportionate. This balanced conformation is vital for aesthetic purposes and the bird’s physical health and capability to fulfill its role as a productive member of the flock.
Judges at poultry shows scrutinize birds for these attributes, and deviations from the standard can impact a Welsummer’s success in competitive settings. Breeders aim to produce birds that meet these criteria and embody the vigor and functionality that were hallmarks of the breed’s creation.
Temperament and Behavior
Welsummer chickens are renowned for their even temperament, making them a great fit for mixed flocks and owners alike.
As a breed, they exhibit a convivial mix of curiosity and calmness, making them interesting and easy to manage. Their behavioral traits contribute significantly to their suitability for backyard flocks, where their demeanor can directly impact the flock dynamics and the owner’s happiness.
A defining characteristic of the Welsummer chicken is its sociability. These birds are known to be friendly and approachable, rarely exhibiting aggression toward humans, making them particularly good choices for families with children or individuals who enjoy interacting with their birds.
This sociable nature extends to their interactions with other chickens as well. Welsummers are generally amiable when integrated into a mixed flock, showing little inclination to bully or be bullied.
This compatibility is crucial where birds of various breeds may be housed together. Their ability to integrate smoothly reduces the stress and feather-pecking that can arise from flock incompatibility.
The activity level of the Welsummer chicken is another aspect of its behavior worthy of note.
These birds are active foragers, scouring their environment for insects, seeds, and greenery, which keeps them occupied and contributes to their overall health.
A chicken that forages actively is less likely to suffer from obesity and the host of issues that can come with it, such as fatty liver disease or egg binding.
For the backyard flock owner, this foraging tendency has the added benefit of helping to control pests and aiding in the maintenance of the yard as the birds naturally till the soil in search of food.
Like most friendly breeds, the Welsummers exhibit a level of intelligence that is evident in their ability to learn routines and respond to their owners.
They can become accustomed to the presence of people, especially their caretakers, and may even show signs of recognizing individuals and responding positively to those who feed and tend to them.
This can make managing the flock more straightforward, as well-tended Welsummers are more likely to cooperate during handling, such as when being moved or examined for health checks.
The breed’s adaptable temperament shines through in different housing conditions. Whether in a spacious free-range setting or a more confined coop with a run, Welsummers tend to maintain a contented demeanor as long as their basic needs are met.
They can be flighty so that you may find them in odd places after a hawk or fox attack. They are adaptable, however, and this adaptability is advantageous for owners with limited space or need to confine their chickens to protect them from predators.
Welsummer hens may occasionally go broody (emphasis on occasionally) and become attentive and successful mothers. For the backyard breeder or hobbyist, a broody Welsummer can be an asset, hatching and raising chicks without the need for artificial incubation and brooding equipment.
It is important to note, however, that not every hen will exhibit broodiness, and for those seeking consistent egg production, this intermittent broodiness is ideal as it minimizes disruptions to the laying cycle.
Welsummers, due to their balanced nature, are less prone to stress behaviors that can lead to reduced egg production or health issues. Their calm demeanor keeps them from the pecking order skirmishes that can lead to injury and stress in more aggressive or timid breeds.
This breed’s disposition allows for a peaceful coexistence within the flock, contributing to a tranquil environment conducive to consistent laying and the group’s overall well-being.
In summary, the typical behavioral traits of the Welsummer—its friendliness, active foraging, intelligence, adaptability, and moderate broodiness—present a multitude of benefits for the backyard flock owner. These chickens offer the visual appeal of a heritage breed, coupled with a temperament that makes daily interactions a pleasure and flock management a smooth endeavor. The Welsummer’s behavior aligns well with the needs and desires of those seeking a breed that brings both beauty and tranquility to their poultry pursuits.
Egg Laying and Broodiness
The Welsummer chicken is a good egg layer. They lay large, dark, rich terra cotta brown eggs, sometimes with dark speckles.
Welsummer hens typically commence egg production at around 20 to 24 weeks of age, which is considered the standard point of lay for many chicken breeds. Once they begin, keepers can expect a steady supply of eggs, with a hen laying around four eggs per week.
This amounts to approximately 150 to 200 eggs annually, though this can vary slightly depending on factors such as diet, environment, and individual hen health.
The eggs of the Welsummer are famed for their beautiful appearance. Each is medium to large in size and boasts a distinctive color palette ranging from terracotta to deep chocolate brown.
However, the true hallmark of a Welsummer egg lies in the speckles that often adorn the shell. These speckles can vary from faint to heavy, and no two eggs are precisely the same, adding to the breed’s charm and the aesthetic diversity of the eggs they produce.
Interestingly, the eggs tend to be darker when the hens first start laying and after any breaks in production, such as molting periods. As they reach the peak of their laying cycle, the egg color may lighten, but they typically return to a darker hue after a short break.
For those interested in natural chick rearing, the occasionally broody Welsummer can be seen as an advantage. It allows the keeper to have some hens continue laying while others raise the next generation, providing a balance between egg production and flock sustainability.
This intermittent broodiness is particularly beneficial for backyard poultry enthusiasts who might want to experience the hatching process without relying on artificial incubators.
The Welsummer hen’s maternal instincts are strong when they are activated. She will diligently warm her eggs, turn them regularly, and rarely leave the nest aside from quick trips to eat and drink.
After the chicks hatch, a broody Welsummer hen is a protective mother, teaching her brood to forage and avoid dangers within the safety of the backyard coop.
Due to their consistent laying patterns, Welsummer hens can still be a valuable addition for those not interested in breeding. They are not so frequently broody that it becomes a hindrance to egg production.
Health and Lifespan
Welsummer chickens, recognized for their robust constitution, are generally hardy birds that exhibit good health throughout their lifespan.
They can live up to 6-12 years with proper care, giving keepers many years of enjoyment and productivity. Their hardiness extends to an ability to adapt to a range of climatic conditions, from the brisk winters to the warmth of the summer months.
On the other hand, you will need to keep an eye on the rooster’s comb since large combs are susceptible to frostbite.
This adaptability is a testament to the breed’s origins in the diverse Dutch climate and subsequent generations of selective breeding focusing on resilience.
Regarding health concerns, Welsummers do not have breed-specific ailments; however, like all poultry, they are susceptible to common chicken diseases.
To safeguard the health of these chickens, it is important for keepers to implement a routine of preventive care and be vigilant for signs of illness.
Preventive measures include:
- Proper husbandry practices include providing a clean, dry, and well-ventilated living environment to mitigate the risk of respiratory illnesses, which can plague chickens when moisture and ammonia build up.
- Parasitic infestations can also be a problem if not properly managed. Regular checks for external parasites like lice and mites are crucial, as these pests can cause discomfort and can lead to anemia or the spread of disease.
- Internal parasites, such as worms, should be controlled through routine fecal examinations and the use of anthelmintics as prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of Welsummer chickens.
- Growers should receive a starter ration rich in protein to ensure proper growth.
- Layers require a diet high in calcium to maintain eggshell quality.
- Access to fresh water, grit for digestion, and occasional treats will support overall well-being.
- Adding a vitamin supplement can help boost their immune system, particularly during periods of stress, such as molting or extreme weather conditions.
- Vaccination is another vital part of a preventive health care plan.
Beyond these measures, a keen eye for behavior is a tool for maintaining a healthy flock. Daily observation helps detect any changes that might indicate illness early.
Autosexing Feature
One of the most advantageous traits of the Welsummer chicken is its autosexing capability, which is particularly fascinating. This is not the same as sex linkage.
Autosexing, a genetic feature of certain chicken breeds, allows one to distinguish between male and female chicks at the time of hatch based on distinct visual differences.
This is an invaluable attribute that simplifies the process of sexing chickens, which is typically a challenging task requiring experienced personnel or vent sexing – a method that has a risk of harming the chick if performed incorrectly.
For Welsummer chickens, the autosexing feature is evident in the chick’s down color and patterning. This method of sex identification is reliable, non-intrusive, and can be conducted without special equipment or extensive training, making it an accessible technique for poultry keepers at all levels of expertise.
Immediately after hatching, male Welsummer chicks exhibit a lighter color down with a lighter patterning on their heads and lighter-colored backs. Their head spots are often more irregularly shaped than those of female chicks.
On the other hand, female chicks have darker down, typically more of a reddish-brown or dark brown shade, with less pronounced head spots, which are usually a more uniform and round shape. Their backs are darker, and the wing markings display two distinct dark lines, which are absent in the male chicks.
The genetic basis for this autosexing trait in Welsummers stems from the barring gene, which, in heterozygous form (having two different alleles for a gene), causes the light-colored feathers with dark bars in males and the absence of such a pattern in females. As such, the barring gene operates alongside other color and pattern genes to create visible differences in sex identification in chicks.
The autosexing feature serves several advantages for those maintaining poultry flocks.
- Firstly, it allows poultry keepers to plan for the composition of their flock from day one, facilitating decisions on the rearing of layers or meat chickens or when balancing the number of hens to roosters in a flock.
- For those looking to sell chicks, it enables the accurate marketing of sexed birds without the need for further verification, thereby adding value to the sale and reducing the risk of customer dissatisfaction due to sexing errors.
- Furthermore, autosexing helps avoid the time, labor, and stress associated with vent sexing or waiting for secondary sex characteristics to manifest, which can take weeks or even months.
It also reduces the need to cull unwanted roosters, a common and difficult aspect of poultry keeping, particularly for those who keep chickens as pets or with limited space where a high number of males would be problematic.
It offers a fast-track method for breeders to maintain or improve their breeding programs. As autosexing traits are inheritable, breeders can select for these characteristics, ensuring future generations of Welsummer chickens will continue to exhibit this useful feature.
In essence, autosexing in Welsummer chickens streamlines flock management, simplifies early sex identification, and enhances the efficiency of breeding practices, all of which contribute to the breed’s popularity and the satisfaction of those who keep them.
These facets of the breed, combined with their robust health, dual-purpose functionality, and temperament, render the Welsummer an exemplary choice for backyard flocks.
Suitability For Your Flock
Phew! We’ve gone through a lot of information in this article. You know a great deal about the Welsummer chicken now. Do you think it is a good fit for your backyard flock? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Maybe you can enjoy a bowl of cornflakes while you are thinking about it:)
Thanks for reading. Take good care of yourself.
Dave
Chickenmethod.com