The Welsummer Thread!!!!

[WendyGrama]

Hello, I am new to this forum, but thought I would check it out cause I have a 5 month old Welsummer Roo that has turned aggresive. Unforetunately I don't have the time or inclination to try to teach him whose boss and I have art students I don't need scared off by a Big Roo.

I've never had Welsumer's before so unsure what is expected of the Roo's but thought they were more or less docile. He has been skittish from the start but was eating out of my hand a month ago, now I am the bad guy in the chicken pen. I can't do anything in there in his presence without getting challenged.

So am wondering if this is maybe bad genetics that just needs to be culled or would he be good free range protector? It still remains to be seen what he will be like with his hens and he only has 4 standard size to keep him happy.

I am looking for a free range with more hens situation for him now in Arizona. Please let me know what you have experienced is it worth trying to find him a new home?

 

[NCSprout]

okay, here's a few pics of the wellies from pinkchick that hatched 5/30. No eggs yet, but it wont be long.

 

[faykokoWV]

I had a wellie roo in the past that got aggressive, but it was from hatchery stock. I would never keep a roo that attacks. I immediately rehomed the one I had. I think once they start its a hard thing to break. that being said, More room might help, as may free ranging. There are a couple thread on this site addressing the issue. I think there is something in the learning section too.

 

[stoopid]

Wendy, he looks handsome.
Have you tried to show him who's boss?
At that age, he will be testing everyone to see how far he can go, it is part of what they do.
Don't let him get too far when he gets bad, or it will let him know he IS the boss.
I am sure someone will take him. I would give him a LITTLE time, but if he gets too bad, that's it.
Rehome, or freezer.....
Good luck!

 

[EweSheep]

Roosters supposed to be gentle and non threatening to humans from get go. Surely a few will test you and once you establish that earlier in his life, all is well. If he decides to come after you time and time again, sorry, that is not a good roo to keep nor I would encourage anyone to keep that kind of roo (of any breed of course). If it was mine, I would rehome or eat him for supper.

 

[pinkchick]

Quote:
They are lovely!!!!!!!!

So did you get 2 boys from that hatch too?
The boy in the second to last photo is a keeper!!!!!!! I can tell the other boy is alot like Odin in size and comes complete with some of his tail fluff.

Odin had some fluff at first and then when he went through a molt I think last summer, the fluff disappeared to not return.

Those girls have some AWESOME shafting and should help make some spectacular colored males next generation.
Are you going to breed them to an unrelated male?

I believe those girls with the nice tidy compact combs are from my most beloved hen #18......lucky you!

Can't wait for the eggs!!!!!!


edited because I forgot to ask about the pullet in the 4th photo at the left edge of the picture with the really dark hackles....that's not a Wellie right? And if she is, did she come from my eggs?

 

[EweSheep]

Beautiful birds, Sprout! The hens looks really good! I'm impressed with the combs on the roos because they don't look weird or disorted or out of line. AND the wattles are pretty much what I am looking for, not as pendulous or grossly big. We dont want that trait because it would make them look Leghorn-ish or Andalusian-ish.

Pinkchick are those roosters that Sprout has come from your line? I'm impressed with the boys, what Odin can pass on and the girls are beautiful. Combs are not overly large, I like that! I see improvement on the combs on the pullets, no weird fingerlings or jointed points.

 

[NCSprout]

Pink, those are boys and girls from your eggs. The pullet you questioned is the one from Kummer we talked about earlier this year. Other than that they are all from your line. I had a total of 4 boys, but those are the 2 i have decided to keep. I do plan on breeding eventually and hope to add some stock from Fay this coming year. I will hatch a few from these and see where that goes. I have a Kummer roo, but I'm not sure if I will use him to breed or not. I am completely happy with your line. They are some beautiful birds.

 

[rsquared]

Okay Pinks and NC Sprout, looked really closely at that hen Pinks mentioned (4th photo..bird on far left) and I also have several pullets from same line that look rather leghornish to me. Are you going to use them in breeding at all? Have been rather concerned as the breast seems to be missing that "salmon" color along w/ overly dark hackles. Not trying to belittle, just want to make sure in breeding Wellies am perpetuating SOP. The only stock I have are some nice Hens that are 3 years old and not laying so well these days. Waiting for some nice Wellie hatching eggs when available

Pinks, so sorry to hear about Gnarles

 

[pinkchick]

Quote:

Love the 3rd photo of all the little Wellies lined up in a row!

Beauty! Just Beauty!

Where's the egg photo's ?!?!