I can tell you only of one experience with one Welsummer hen from Ideal. She was a doll. Followed us around, let my son carry her anywhere. She was super super sweet. When she was eaten by a coon he cried so much (he isn't one to cry either.) However, all that said, she laid a light brown egg. It did have some speckles on it, but basicaly wasn't much darker than my BR or RIR. I have no clue about how close she matched the standard, but her temperment was outstanding.