The Welsummer Thread!!!!

[michiganlarry]

Thanks. I think he is stunning. In my mind just exactly what a farm chicken should look like. My wife and I want to add a few more pullets to the flock this summer but not get too carried away. We have 9 chickens including the rooster now and our coop is about 5 x 10 so I am thinking 6 or 7 more hens. Anyone have any experience with Estes welsummer stock?

 

[Goose and Fig]

Quote:
I have some pullets coming from Meyer in Ohio. I've heard they are pretty good.- but don't know about Estes. With Meyer you can order in small quantities too. I have a habit of hatching lots of roosters, so if that happens again, maybe I can sell off the extras in pairs.

 

[michiganlarry]

That is exactly why I want to steer clear of hatching again. It doesn't bother me to kill them but my wife gets attached.

 

[Goose and Fig]

The breed is so gentle, I haven't had any problems keeping 2 roos in with the few girls I have. The "lesser roo" seems to not only not crow, but is developing physically much more slowly. I've seen it happen with other breeds too- when the dominant roo is removed from the pen, the lesser roo seems to instantly mature

It's like a built in defense mechanism.

 

[IggiMom]

Quote:
Yes--my Wellies are from Estes.

They are supposed to have gotten their flock from a breeder who sold out.

They appear to me (I do not have a lot of experience) to be very nice.

Catherine

 

[EweSheep]

Yep Estes Hatchery bought out ALL of Harry Shaw's Welsummer when he passed away suddenly a few years back. Such a nice gentleman.

Estes just had a sale going on and not sure if it would hold over for it. It was listed in the sales about a week ago.

 

[michiganlarry]

I was on their website yesterday and didn't see anything about a sale. Dang it. Just my luck!

 

[IggiMom]

Quote:
Oh, heck, call and ask if you can get the sale price!

Catherine

 

[michiganlarry]

Good idea. Thanks

 

[EweSheep]

Or when they will offer it again!