The Welsummer, sometimes spelled Welsumer, is named after the village of
Welsum, Holland, and was first imported into this country in 1928. When many people picture
the stereotypical rooster, a Welsummer is what they have in mind—this
was the same rooster featured on the corn flake boxes! Their hackles and
saddles are fiery burnt orange and scarlet, with beetle black tails
iridescently shining green, like the bars on their wings. The hens are
modest, heathery brown, with their hackles shading to glints of gold and
black. Even their eyes are a lovely red bay.
The birds have
single combs, medium wattles, almond shaped ear lobes and a strong,
short beak. Welsummers
are friendly, intelligent and easily handled birds that love to free
range and forage for food but can also be kept in runs quite happily.
Average
mature weight: Roosters 34 oz., Hens 30 oz.
* The minimum order of day-old chicks shipped to Rhode Island is 12 due to Rhode Island state law.
Baby Chicks: Behind the Scenes