Chickens form the basis of many farms. Regardless of the size of the farm, meat and egg breeds are in greatest demand due to their versatility. One of the main representatives of such breeds is the Welsumer chickens.

History reference

The breed owes its name to a Dutch village called Welsum. In 1900, the local indigenous hens introduced the genetic material of the Malay chicken - a fighting animal - to increase the weight of the hens and thus increase the amount of meat obtained during their slaughter.

Did you know? Breeders also crossed the newly bred breed with native chickens - this allowed them to further increase their egg productivity.

A little later, the genetic material of Dorking chickens was added so that the hens would give more eggs. Then the chickens were grafted with the genetic material of such breeds as Rhode Island and Barneveld.

General characteristics

Outwardly, the Welsumers are characterized by a cylindrical body with horizontal landing and dense plumage. The chest and back are wide and long, the chest is rounded and bent forward. The tail is located at an obtuse angle and has an average width. The head is small with no plumage on the face.

The scallop is characterized by the regularity of the teeth, the beard is rounded and small in size. Paws are also small with hips protruding from the plumage.

Appearance

Temperament

Despite the presence of fighting breed genes, the Welsumer chickens show calmness and a genuine interest in the world around them. Aggressiveness they are extremely rare, fearless and calmly relate to the fact that people pick them up.

Important! Roosters at a young age are aggressive and in order to avoid fights between them, roosters should be given more space.

Advantages and disadvantages

• pros
• • Welsumer chickens are very easy to care for, do not require special equipment / skills;
  • chickens are practically not susceptible to disease due to good stamina and strong immunity;
  • have high performance;
  • have been eggs since 6 months;
  • egg-laying year-round.

• Minuses
• • due to the lack of instinct of incubation, the use of other chickens or an incubator is necessary;
  • roosters are characterized by pugnacity.

Maintenance and care

Due to its unpretentiousness, the Welsumers can do with the presence of basic amenities - food, food and a roof over your head. Nevertheless, there are still some requirements for the conditions of their detention.

Chicken coop requirements

When planning a chicken coop for Welsumer chickens, it is necessary to calculate the space according to the 1 m² formula for 3-4 chicken. The chicken coop needs good lighting, as it contributes to the fertility of the laying hens. The room should not be damp and good ventilation is needed - otherwise the animals will be sick. The floor is covered with peat or sawdust.There are no special requirements for temperature, since chickens are resistant to cold and can even winter in a chicken coop without heating. It is advisable to equip the chicken coop with poles, nests and perches to increase comfort. Another inalienable condition is cleaning the chicken coop to maintain cleanliness.

Did you know? In Germany, the breed of dwarf Velmusers was bred, inferior to its "full-sized" relatives only in size.

Patio for walks

Since Welsumer belongs to breeds requiring walking, hens must have a yard for walking, and in the absence of such a cage.

The floor is covered with hay - this will prevent freezing of paws in the winter. There should also be no dampness in the courtyard. At temperatures below 10 degrees below zero, walks of chickens should last no longer than 90 minutes.

Feeding troughs, drinking bowls, zone baths

Kuels Welsumer is suitable for the most ordinary feeders and drinking bowls. It is better to arrange them in such a way that they do not fall in direct sunlight or fall to a minimum. Another important element is the presence of zones filled with sand or ash, in which hens can take baths.

Shedding and egg laying break

Like other chickens, Welsumer is characterized by seasonal molting. It occurs in the fall and lasts from 4 to 8 weeks. This period is accompanied by a break in egg production.

Herd replacement planned

After 3 years, Welsumer’s chickens begin to decline in productivity. Together with good health, fast maturation and high endurance, chickens with the onset of this age are slaughtered, making up the herd due to the cultivation of chickens. Thus, the replacement of the herd occurs every 3 years.

What to feed

Another issue often raised by chicken owners is the issue of nutrition.

Adult chickens

Hens Welsumer is quite unpretentious in food, which greatly simplifies the process of feeding them. Nonetheless, feeding with hemp, mixed feed, greens, tops and grass is most preferred — the last three are an important source of vitamins.

Important! When the chicken is 48 weeks old, the number of meals is temporarily increased to 4 times.

Also food leftovers go to food. Feeding is done twice a day - in the morning and in the evening; during the day, during the walking of the chickens, they eat grass and insects in the courtyard, thus arranging for themselves a third meal. In winter, it is not available, so chickens are fed three times. Mandatory is constant unhindered access to water.

Chickens

The first days after birth, chickens need to be fed up to 6 times a day. The most optimal feeding includes boiled eggs, millet, finely chopped corn, nettle, alfalfa and onions, finely chopped grass can also be used. The main sources of protein for young livestock are low-fat cottage cheese and reverse.Today, hens Welsumer is one of the most popular breeds of hens. They are in great demand due to their high productivity and ability to live in almost any environment. Although their instinct for incubation is not developed, the Welsumers can become a real “gold mine” for farming.