Welsummer

Welsummers are the reason many keepers add a "chocolate" row to their egg carton. These Dutch hens lay large, dark reddish-brown eggs, often speckled, and wear handsome red partridge feathers.

From the village of Welsum

UW–Madison Extension says this Northern European breed "gets its name from the Welsum Village in Holland." The American Poultry Association recognizes it in the Continental class with one large-fowl variety; Oklahoma State calls it the red partridge. Bantams are recognized too.

Eggs: dark and speckled

The eggs are the star. UW–Madison lists the eggshell as dark brown, Ohio State says very dark brown, and Oklahoma State describes reddish-brown, often speckled eggs. UW–Madison and Ohio State rate them large.

None of our extension sources give a yearly count. Oklahoma State mentions about four eggs a week, but that page relies on a hatchery reference, so we treat it as a rough guide. Track your own hens in the Egg Log, and plan first eggs with the Laying Calculator.

Temperament

Ohio State describes the Welsummer's "docile temperament." Oklahoma State calls them "intelligent and friendly birds, although not especially docile."

Broodiness

UW–Madison calls Welsummers a non-sitting fowl, so they rarely go broody. That's good for steady eggs, but you'll need an incubator or a broody hen of another breed to hatch chicks.

Weather and size

Ohio State lists the Welsummer as cold-weather hardy. The standard weight is 7 lb for a rooster and 6 lb for a hen (UW–Madison).

How to recognize a Welsummer

UW–Madison mentions the breed's "very distinctive markings and coloring" and yellow skin; Oklahoma State notes a single comb and the red partridge color pattern.

Is a Welsummer right for you?

Choose Welsummers for dark, speckled eggs from a hardy, good-looking bird. For even darker chocolate eggs, compare the Black Copper Marans; for dark eggs and fancy laced feathers, see the Barnevelder.

Our free Egg Color Chart printable puts every dark egg on one page.