The Welsummer is a [[Chickens|chicken]] breed originating in the Netherlands, developed in the village of Welsum near the IJssel River. The breed is best known for its large, dark brown eggs with distinctive speckles that are among the most richly colored of any chicken breed. Welsumers are kept primarily for egg production on small farms and homesteads, where their eggs command attention from customers and their striking plumage makes them an attractive addition to the flock. The breed was standardized in the Netherlands in 1912.
The Welsummer was developed around the turn of the 20th century by Dutch breeders who crossed local farm chickens with Cochin, Wyandotte, and Rhode Island Red blood. The goal was to create a bird with reliable egg production and a beautifully colored egg. The breed was named after the village of Welsum in Overijssel province, where the development work was concentrated. The Welsummer was admitted to the Dutch Poultry Breeders Association standard in 1912.
The breed was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1920s and to the United States in the 1930s. The American Poultry Association admitted the Welsummer to the Standard of Perfection in 1991, making it a relatively recent addition to the standard compared to the older established breeds. The breed gained a following among homesteaders and small flock keepers who valued the aesthetic appeal of the dark speckled eggs.
Welsumers are medium-sized birds with a robust, upright build. Hens weigh 2 to 2.5 kilograms (5 to 6 pounds) and roosters weigh 2.5 to 3 kilograms (6 to 7 pounds). The plumage is a rich red-brown with black tail feathers and black hackle feathers and each feather has a dark pencil stripe down its center, creating a distinct partridge pattern. The comb is single, medium-sized, and upright. The legs and beak are yellow. The breed has a full, well-rounded breast and a moderately long back.
Welsummers are active, alert birds that forage well. They are not as flighty as Leghorns but are more active than the heavier dual-purpose breeds. Roosters are known for their confident and protective temperament but are not typically aggressive toward humans.
The defining trait of the Welsummer is the egg. The eggs are large, rich dark brown, and often covered with dark spots or speckles. The intense brown color is deposited in the bloom, the protective outer layer of the eggshell, and can range from terra cotta to deep chocolate depending on the individual hen and her diet. The eggs are often described as terra cotta in color.
Welsummers are kept primarily as layers of specialty eggs. A hen lays 160 to 200 large brown eggs per year. The eggs are a major selling point at farmers markets and for direct-to-consumer egg sales, where the dark brown color stands out from the standard brown eggs of other breeds. The breed's attractive plumage and active foraging behavior also make them a good choice for free-range systems where both eggs and the appearance of the flock matter.
Welsummers are cold-hardy and adapt well to moderate climates. They produce well during winter months with adequate light and nutrition. The breed's foraging ability reduces feed costs when allowed access to range or pasture.