Welsummer Chickens for Sale

Welsummer Chickens For Sale: Dutch Chocolate Egg Layers with Stunning Partridge Plumage

Welsummer chickens bring a touch of Dutch elegance to any flock—with their rich partridge plumage, upright carriage, and the ability to lay eggs that look like they belong in a gourmet catalog. These beautiful birds from the Netherlands have captured the hearts of poultry keepers worldwide, prized for their dark, speckled “chocolate” eggs and their friendly, active dispositions. Perhaps most fascinating of all, Welsummers are autosexing—meaning you can tell males from females at just one day old! At OrderExoticPoultry.com, we offer NPIP-certified, health-guaranteed welsummer chickens for sale from premier Dutch bloodlines. Whether you’re seeking stunning dark eggs for your breakfast table or a beautiful addition to your exhibition flock, our Welsummers represent the finest of this remarkable Dutch breed.

---

What Are Welsummer Chickens?

Welsummer chickens are a Dutch breed developed in the early 20th century near the village of Welsum, Netherlands. They’re medium-sized birds weighing 5–7 pounds, characterized by their rich partridge plumage—hens display warm golden-brown feathers with multiple black penciling, while roosters are even more dramatic with black breasts, orange hackles, and dark tails. They lay 160–200 large, dark brown eggs annually, often heavily speckled. They’re active, alert, and excellent foragers, with the unique trait of being autosexing at hatch.

---

Welsummer Varieties We Offer

Standard Welsummer Chickens

The classic variety, Welsummer chickens display the breed’s signature partridge pattern. Hens have rich, golden-brown feathers with multiple black penciling (stripes) on each feather, creating a warm, intricate appearance. Roosters are striking with black breasts, orange hackles, and dark green-black tails.

Size:

• Roosters: 6–7 pounds

• Hens: 5–6 pounds

• Cockerels: 5–6 pounds at maturity

• Pullets: 4–5 pounds at maturity

Temperament: Active, alert, and friendly. Welsummers are excellent foragers and enjoy free-range life. They’re curious and can become quite tame with regular handling, though they’re more independent than some breeds.

Purpose: Dark egg production; dual-purpose heritage breed; exhibition; foraging specialists.

Egg Production: 160–200 large dark brown eggs annually. Eggs are often speckled, ranging from milk chocolate to deep mahogany.

Care Requirements: Standard poultry care. They thrive with space to forage.

Climate Adaptability: Good cold hardiness; handle heat well with shade and ventilation.

Buyer Suitability: Egg enthusiasts wanting dark, beautiful eggs; free-range setups; exhibition breeders.

---

Silver Duckwing Welsummer Chickens

Silver duckwing welsummer chickens are a stunning color variety where the typical gold tones are replaced with silver. Hens have silver-white feathers with black penciling; roosters display silver hackles and black breasts. This variety is rarer and highly sought-after.

Size: Same as standard—roosters 6–7 lbs, hens 5–6 lbs

Temperament: Same active, friendly nature.

Purpose: Rare color collectors; exhibition; egg production.

Egg Production: 160–200 large dark brown eggs annually.

Care Requirements: Standard care; silver feathers show dirt more easily.

Climate Adaptability: Same as standard.

Buyer Suitability: Color collectors; exhibition breeders; those wanting something unique.

---

Gold Duckwing Welsummer Chickens

Description: Similar to standard but with even richer gold tones, gold duckwing welsummer chickens display the classic partridge pattern in its most vibrant form.

Size: Same as standard.

Temperament: Same active nature.

Purpose: Exhibition; egg production.

Egg Production: 160–200 large dark brown eggs.

Care Requirements: Standard care.

Climate Adaptability: Same.

Buyer Suitability: Exhibition enthusiasts.

---

Partridge Welsummer Chickens

The partridge welsummer chicken is essentially the standard variety—the term “partridge” refers to the intricate penciling pattern. This is the most common and recognizable variety.

Size: Same as standard.

Temperament: Same.

Purpose: Egg production; exhibition.

Egg Production: 160–200 dark eggs.

Buyer Suitability: Those wanting the classic Welsummer look.

---

Welsummer Bantams

Miniature versions of standard Welsummers, weighing 24–30 ounces for hens, 26–32 ounces for roosters. They maintain the beautiful partridge pattern and dark egg color (proportionally).

Temperament: Often more personable than standards; excellent pets.

Purpose: Ornamental companions; small-scale dark egg production; exhibition.

Egg Production: 120–150 small dark brown eggs annually.

Care Requirements: Same care principles scaled down; more vulnerable to predators.

Climate Adaptability: Need extra winter protection due to size.

Buyer Suitability: Those with limited space; families; collectors.

---

The Magic of Autosexing: Sexing Welsummer Chicks at Hatch

What Is Autosexing?

Autosexing means you can determine the sex of chicks at hatch based on their down color. Welsummers are one of the few breeds with this remarkable trait—no vent sexing needed!

How to Sex Welsummer Chicks at One Day Old

Visual Cues:

• Females: Dark, defined, “chipmunk” stripes; darker heads

• Males: Light, washed-out, blurred stripes; pale head spot

Accuracy

Autosexing in Welsummers is approximately 80–90% accurate—not perfect, but remarkably reliable. This trait makes them favorites among breeders and hatcheries.

Sexing at Older Ages

---

 Welsummer Egg Production: The Chocolate Egg Experts

Annual Production

Egg Color: The “Welsummer Brown”

Welsummer eggs are famous for their rich, dark brown color, often described as:

• Chocolate brown: Deep, warm brown tones

• Terracotta: Earthy, reddish-brown

• Speckled: Often covered in darker speckles

• Mahogany: Deep reddish-brown in some individuals

Factors Affecting Egg Color

• Genetics: Some lines lay darker than others

• Age: Egg color often darkens as the laying season progresses

• Individual variation: Each hen lays a consistent shade

• Stress: Can temporarily lighten egg color

Egg Size

• Large to extra-large (2–2.5 oz)

• Bantam eggs: Small to medium

---

Welsummer Temperament: Active but Affectionate

The Welsummer Personality

Welsummers have a distinctive personality that combines activity with friendliness:

• Active and Alert: They’re excellent foragers, always on the move

• Curious: They’ll investigate their surroundings and keepers

• Independent but Tame: They enjoy human company but aren’t “lap chickens”

• Good with Other Breeds: They integrate well and hold their own

• Confident: They’re not flighty, but they’re also not docile

• Vocal: They’re communicative, with a pleasant range of sounds

Managing Expectations

• Regular handling from chick stage produces tamer birds

• They thrive with space to forage—they’re happiest when active

• Roosters are typically calm but can be protective

• They may be less interactive during molt

Welsummer vs. Other Dark Egg Layers

---

 Welsummer Size & Appearance

Standard Welsummer Weights

Bantam Welsummer Weights

| Mature | 24–30 oz | 26–32 oz |

Physical Characteristics

• Body: Medium-sized, upright, well-rounded

• Feathering: Rich partridge pattern with black penciling

• Comb: Single comb, medium size, bright red

• Earlobes: Red (indicating brown eggs)

• Skin: Yellow

• Legs: Yellow, clean

• Eyes: Reddish bay

Breed Standard Colors

• Partridge (standard)

• Silver Duckwing

• Gold Duckwing

---

Welsummer vs. Other Dark Egg Layers

---

Welsummer History: A Dutch Masterpiece

The Birth of a Breed

Welsummer chickens were developed in the early 20th century near the village of Welsum in the Netherlands. Breeders crossed local Dutch chickens with breeds like Cochin, Wyandotte, and Rhode Island Red to create a dual-purpose bird with exceptional egg color.

Rise to Fame

By the 1920s, Welsummers had gained international attention for their beautiful dark eggs. They were exported to England and America, where they quickly became popular among smallholders and exhibition breeders.

Autosexing Discovery

Breeders noticed that Welsummer chicks showed distinct color differences between males and females—leading to the development of autosexing strains that are now a hallmark of the breed.

Modern Legacy

Today, Welsummers remain popular among backyard keepers and exhibition breeders. They’re recognized by the American Poultry Association and are valued for their beautiful eggs, active foraging, and autosexing trait.

---

Why Choose OrderExoticPoultry.com

Health Guarantees

Every Welsummer chicken ships with our comprehensive 48-hour health guarantee. We personally inspect each bird before shipping and stand behind their condition upon arrival.

NPIP Compliance

Our breeding facilities maintain active National Poultry Improvement Plan certification (NPIP #XX-XXXX), ensuring your birds come from pullorum-typhoid clean stock. We provide official documentation with every shipment—essential for interstate transport.

Dutch Bloodlines

We maintain separate breeding programs for standard Welsummers and silver duckwing varieties, with documented lineage tracing back to Dutch foundation stock.

Autosexing Stock

Our breeding program maintains the autosexing trait—you’ll be able to sex your chicks at hatch!

Ethical Breeding Standards

We limit breeding pairs to preserve genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding. Our Welsummers receive spacious housing, premium nutrition, and individual attention throughout development.

Live Arrival Guarantee

We guarantee live delivery of all poultry shipments to all 50 states. Our shipping team coordinates with USPS, UPS, and specialized carriers to minimize transit time and maximize comfort.

U.S. Shipping Expertise

With thousands of successful shipments across all climates, we understand the logistics of safe poultry transport. We monitor weather patterns nationwide and delay shipments when conditions threaten bird safety.

Transparency & Trust Signals

• Open farm visits by appointment

• Verified customer reviews from Welsummer buyers

• Third-party health certifications available

• Detailed breeding records and lineage documentation

• Member of American Poultry Association

• Active participant in heritage breed conservation

---

Shipping & Delivery Across the U.S.

Safe Transport Methods

All Welsummer chicks ship in USDA-approved ventilated containers designed specifically for live poultry transport. Day-old chicks receive hydrated gel packs for moisture during transit; started birds ship in divided compartments preventing injury. We include heat packs in cold weather and cooling elements in summer.

What Customers Receive

• Healthy, inspected Welsummers matching your exact color order

• NPIP certification documentation with flock ID

• Detailed feeding and care transition instructions

• Autosexing guide (so you can sex your own chicks!)

• Breed information card with characteristics

• Contact information for post-arrival support

• Discount code for future orders

Timeline Expectations

• Day-old chicks: Ship Monday–Wednesday via priority mail; arrive within 2–3 days

• Started pullets (8–16 weeks): Scheduled shipments based on weather; typically 1–3 day transit

• Adult birds and breeding pairs: Custom shipping; 1–2 day express delivery

• Hatching eggs: Weekly shipments with tracking and insurance

Buyer Reassurance

We monitor weather conditions nationwide and delay shipments when temperatures threaten bird safety. Our shipping team contacts every buyer with tracking information and arrival preparation instructions.

---

 Welsummer Care Guide

Housing Requirements

Space Needs:

• Standard Welsummers: 4 square feet per bird inside coop, 10 square feet per bird in runs

• Bantam Welsummers: 2–3 square feet per bird inside, 6–8 square feet per bird in runs

• For 6 standard Welsummers: 24 sq ft coop, 60 sq ft run minimum

Coop Specifications:

• Roosting bars: 8–10 inches per bird; 2×2 inch or wider flat bars

• Nest boxes: One per 4–5 hens; 12×12×12 inches minimum

• Ventilation: Good airflow prevents respiratory issues

• Bedding: Pine shavings, hemp, or straw

Run Requirements:

• Fencing: 4–5 foot minimum; they’re moderate fliers

• Predator protection: Hardware cloth (not chicken wire)

• Shade: Essential in summer

• Foraging area: They thrive with space to scratch and explore

---

Feeding Protocol

Age-Appropriate Nutrition:

Supplemental Foods:

• Greens: Kale, lettuce, spinach, chopped forage

• Vegetables: Pumpkin, squash, carrots

• Protein: Black soldier fly larvae, mealworms (treats only)

• Scratch grains: Limited (10% of diet)

Water Requirements:

• Fresh, clean water daily

• Heated waterers in freezing conditions

• Clean waterers weekly

• Multiple stations in summer

---

Health Management

Common Health Issues:

• External parasites: Mites, lice—check under wings regularly

• Internal parasites: Worms—regular deworming program

• Respiratory infections: Ensure good ventilation

• Egg binding: Rare but possible in production hens

Preventive Care:

• Weekly health inspections

• Clean coop monthly with deep clean quarterly

• Dust bath areas (diatomaceous earth mixed with sand/soil)

• Quarantine new birds 30 days

Signs of Healthy Welsummers:

• Bright, alert eyes

• Clean, glossy partridge feathers

• Active foraging behavior

• Regular dark egg production

• Clear nostrils

• Good appetite

---

Breeding Management

Selecting Breeding Stock:

• Choose birds with correct partridge pattern

• Select for dark egg color

• Maintain autosexing trait by selecting from lines with clear chick color differences

• Prioritize health and vigor

Breeding Ratios:

• Standard: 1 rooster per 8–10 hens

Incubation Guidelines:

• Fertility check: 7–10 days after introducing rooster

• Incubation period: 21 days

• Temperature: 99.5°F (forced air)

• Humidity: 45–50% days 1–18, 65–70% days 19–21

• Turn eggs 3–5 times daily

Autosexing Genetics:

• The autosexing trait is maintained through careful selection

• Chicks from quality breeding stock will show clear sex-linked color differences

• Not all Welsummer lines retain this trait—ours do!

Chick Management:

• Use the autosexing guide to separate males/females at hatch

• Brooder temperature: 95°F first week, decrease 5°F weekly

• Game bird starter (20–22% protein)

• Fresh water with chick waterer

---

Seasonal Management

Spring:

• Breeding season begins

• Increase protein slightly

• Prepare for chick season

• Deep clean coops after winter

Summer:

• Provide shade and ventilation

• Frozen treats, multiple water stations

• Watch for heat stress

• Their active nature means they need cooling options

Fall:

• Annual molt (feather loss and regrowth)

• Increase protein during molt (20–22%)

• Prepare coops for winter

• Deep clean before winter

Winter:

• Good cold hardiness

• Heated waterers essential

• Deep litter method for warmth

• They continue laying through winter, though production may slow

---

 FAQ Section: Welsummer Chickens

General Questions

Q: What color eggs do welsummer chickens lay?
A: Welsummer chickens lay large, dark brown eggs that are often heavily speckled. The color ranges from milk chocolate to deep mahogany, with each hen laying a consistent shade. They’re among the most beautiful eggs in the poultry world.

Q: How many eggs do welsummer chickens lay per year?
A: Welsummer hens lay approximately 160–200 large dark brown eggs annually. They’re reliable layers for a heritage breed, with good winter production. Bantam Welsummers lay 120–150 small dark eggs per year.

Q: Are welsummer chickens friendly?
A: Yes, Welsummers are friendly and active birds. They’re curious, enjoy human company, and can become quite tame with regular handling. They’re more independent than some breeds but are excellent backyard companions.

Q: Are welsummer chickens autosexing?
A: Yes, Welsummers are autosexing—you can tell males from females at one day old by their down color. Females have dark, well-defined stripes; males are lighter with blurred stripes and often a pale head spot. This trait is about 80–90% accurate.

Q: How long do welsummer chickens live?
A: With proper care, Welsummer chickens live 8–10 years on average. Egg production peaks in years 1–3, then gradually declines. They remain active, beautiful flock members for many years.

Q: When do welsummer chickens start laying?
A: Welsummer pullets typically begin laying at 5–6 months of age (20–24 weeks). Factors affecting onset include hatch season, nutrition, and individual genetics.

Q: Are welsummer chickens cold hardy?
A: Yes, Welsummers are moderately cold hardy. Their dense feathering helps them handle cold weather, and they’re good winter layers. Provide draft-free housing and they’ll thrive in northern climates.

Q: How to sex welsummer chickens?
A: At hatch, use autosexing: females are dark with defined stripes; males are light with blurred stripes. By 8–12 weeks, males develop larger combs and pointed hackle feathers. Adults are easily distinguished by size and plumage.

Q: What do welsummer chickens look like?
A: Welsummer hens have rich golden-brown partridge plumage with multiple black penciling (stripes) on each feather. Roosters are striking with black breasts, orange hackles, and dark green-black tails. They’re medium-sized birds with upright carriage.

Q: Are welsummer chickens good layers?
A: Yes, Welsummers are excellent layers of dark brown eggs. At 160–200 eggs per year, they’re productive for a heritage breed. Their eggs are prized for their beautiful color and speckling.

Q: Do welsummer chickens go broody?
A: Welsummers have low broodiness compared to some heritage breeds. They’re selected more for egg production than maternal instincts, though individual hens may occasionally go broody.

Q: What is the difference between welsummer and barnevelder chickens?
A: Welsummers have partridge plumage and are autosexing; Barnevelders have double-laced plumage and are not autosexing. Both lay dark brown eggs, though Barnevelders may lay slightly more (180–200 vs. 160–200). Both are Dutch breeds.

Q: Are welsummer chickens good for beginners?
A: Yes, Welsummers are excellent for beginners. They’re hardy, friendly, and their autosexing trait is a fun bonus. They need space to forage but adapt well to confinement. Their beautiful eggs are a rewarding bonus.

Q: Do welsummer chickens need a rooster to lay eggs?
A: No, hens lay eggs independently of roosters. A rooster is only needed for fertilized eggs for hatching.

---

Care & Management

Q: What do welsummer chickens eat?
A: Feed age-appropriate complete poultry feeds: chick starter (0–8 weeks, 20–22% protein), grower (8–20 weeks, 16–18%), layer feed (20+ weeks, 16% with calcium). Supplement with greens, vegetables, and limited treats. Provide free-choice grit and oyster shell.

Q: How much space do welsummer chickens need?
A: Standard Welsummers need 4 square feet per bird inside coop, 10 square feet per bird in run. For 6 birds: 24 sq ft coop, 60 sq ft run minimum. They appreciate space to forage.

Q: Are welsummer chickens noisy?
A: Welsummers are moderately quiet—about average for chicken breeds. They’re communicative but not excessive vocalizers. Roosters crow but aren’t exceptionally loud.

Q: Can welsummer chickens fly?
A: Welsummers are moderate fliers—they can clear 4–5 foot fences if motivated. For containment, 5-foot fencing usually suffices. Clip one wing if needed.

---

Purchasing & Breeding

Q: Where can I buy welsummer chickens?
A: OrderExoticPoultry.com offers NPIP-certified Welsummer chickens in standard and silver duckwing varieties, plus bantam versions. We ship nationwide with live arrival guarantees. Our stock maintains the autosexing trait.

Q: How much do welsummer chickens cost?
A: Welsummer prices vary by variety and age. Standard chicks: $8–15 each. Silver duckwing: $12–20 each. Started pullets: $20–40. Laying hens: $30–60. Breeding pairs: $75–200+ depending on quality and variety. Show-quality birds: $150–400+.

Q: Are welsummer chickens rare?
A: Standard Welsummers are moderately available in the US. Silver duckwing varieties are less common. Quality birds that maintain the autosexing trait are valued by breeders.

Q: What is the rarest welsummer color?
A: Silver duckwing Welsummers are the rarest color variety. They’re highly sought-after by collectors and exhibition breeders.

Q: Can I breed welsummer chickens?
A: Yes, Welsummers breed readily. To maintain the autosexing trait, select breeding stock from lines with clear chick color differences. Maintain 1 rooster per 8–10 hens for fertility.

Q: Where do welsummer chickens come from?
A: Welsummer chickens originated near the village of Welsum in the Netherlands in the early 20th century. They were developed from local Dutch chickens crossed with Cochin, Wyandotte, and Rhode Island Red.

Q: Are welsummer chickens a heritage breed?
A: Yes, Welsummers are a recognized heritage breed, meeting American Poultry Association standards with natural mating capability, long productive lifespan, and slow growth rate.

Add Dutch Chocolate Egg Layers to Your Flock

Autosexing Stock: Our Welsummers maintain the autosexing trait—you’ll be able to tell males from females at hatch!

Current Availability:

---

Secure Your Welsummers Today:

1. Browse available varieties and select your birds

2. Choose quantity and age (day-old chicks, started pullets, breeding pairs)

3. Place your deposit to secure your place in our hatching schedule

4. Receive confirmation and estimated shipment date

5. Prepare for autosexing fun—you’ll be able to sex your own chicks!

Breeder Programs:

Developing a breeding program? We offer:

• Wholesale pricing on breeding trios and flocks

• Autosexing line maintenance guidance

• Color genetics consultation

• Lineage documentation and breeding records

• Ongoing breeder support

Early Reservations Recommended

Silver duckwing varieties are produced in limited numbers each season. Contact us to reserve your birds today.

---

ORDER WELSUMMER CHICKENS NOW

NPIP Certified • Live Arrival Guaranteed • Autosexing Stock • Dark Chocolate Eggs • Nationwide Shipping

---

Why Choose Us for Your Welsummers?

• Autosexing stock—sex chicks at hatch!

• Standard and silver duckwing varieties

• Bantam versions available

• Dutch bloodlines with documented lineage

• Health-guaranteed, NPIP-certified birds

• Expert shipping with live arrival guarantee

• Ongoing support from Welsummer specialists

Questions? Our poultry specialists are standing by to help you select the perfect Welsummers for your flock. Call, email, or chat for personalized recommendations.