Barnevelder vs. Welsummer

[chickenfever]

I am trying to decide which of these two breeds to order. I want them for the darker eggs. Does anyone have any suggestions on which is a better layer?

 

[Teach97]

get both! Why make decisions! The addiction is calling

 

[Chickndaddy]

If you want dark eggs go with the Welsummers. Barnevelders in the US are not known for their laying abilities or their egg color. However, if you just want so me pretty birds to look at, get some of both. They are gorgeous.

 

[chickenfever]

Thanks, I was kind of leaning toward the Welsummers. I'm also getting some hatchery cuckoo marans, which I'm not sure what to expect as far as the darkness of eggs with hatchery chickens.

 

[Henrietta23]

I got two of each! I have to say the Welsummers lay much more consistently and they're a little more friendly. Not sure but I think the Welsummer eggs are a little darker. But there are definitely more of them! I love them all!

 

[Portia]

I don't have barnevelders, but I love my Welsummers. They are consistent layers of dark brown eggs and have a sweet, if skiddish disposition. Right now one of my Welsummers is being an excellent mama to 6 chicks that hatched out about 6 weeks ago.

 

[EweSheep]

I've had both but Barnvelders were beautiful birds but really did poorly in egg production and they are not ecominical feeders. So Welsummers are my favorites in the dark egg layer breeds.

 

[amazondoc]

I'm with EweSheep --

I've got young barnevelders and I enjoy having them, but for general dark egg laying and nice birds it's hard to beat Wellies, IMNSHO.

 

[Tailfeathers]

Hi,

I would recommend doing a BYC Search on both. Looks at what others have to say. Then do a Google too. And don't forget to look to see if there is an established breeder's club.

So far the comments on here look to be pretty accurate. One thing I'd add is that Barnevelders are very rare. So if you do get them, for the bird's sake don't get them from a hatchery!

As for Welsummers, I breed and show them. I'm working on both APA SOP's and improving the size and color of the egg. I have one hen that is laying a very large, extremely nice, evenly colored dark egg without any speckles.

You can see my birds on my website. Just click on the applicable album. I'll be adding some Barnevelders to my flock in a couple of months. I'm focusing my time and efforts on my Ameraucanas for the next 2-3 years and some time on Welsummers. The Barnie's I add are coming from a fairly local breeder and I'll be working with her to improve SQ and egg color.

Anyways, I hope that helps.

God Bless,

 

[EweSheep]

Tailfeathers, I would LOVE to have a Wellie' egg that is so smooth and no speckles! Now how would that happen?