WELSUMMER

History: From Holland, named after the village of Welsum. It is made up of breeds such as the partridge Cochin, partridge Wyandotte and partridge Leghorn and later still the Barnevelder and the Rhode Island Red. It was imported to Britain in 1928 for its large brown eggs, which are still a special feature today. It falls into the category of light-breed, although it has a good size body.

Characteristics: An upright and alert breed. A well built body with a full and well rounded breast. The wings are long and the tail is fairly large and full, carried high. The head is symmetrical and fine with a single comb and the face is smooth. The neck is long with abundant hackle. The legs are medium length and are free from feathers. This breed makes an excellent back garden layer and they are good with children.

Plumage: Tight, silky and waxy, free from excess or coarseness, silky at abdomen and free from bagginess at thighs. The hen has a head of golden-brown and hackles of golden brown or copper, the lower feathers with black striping and golden shaft. The breast is of a rich chestnut red and the back and wing bow is reddish brown, each feather stippled with black specks. The tail is black with the outer feathers pencilled with brown.

Why do we keep Welsummers at The Garden Hen? They lay exceptionally dark brown eggs.

Cockerel Hen

Eggs: Brown to deep brown, 160 per annum

Classification: Light/soft feather

Weight: Male 3.20 kg (7 lb), Female 2.70 kg (6 lb)