Welsummer eggs

[SemperFiChicken]

I got a Welsummer hen yesterday and expected her eggs to be brown with dark brown speckles. Today she laid an egg and is a darkish brown with white speckles. Is this a normal type?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It is not abnormal - is the bird reported to be of production (hatchery) stock, or from exhibition lines? This will play into the expected quality of egg color she might produce . Many of her breed will produce eggs that are not speckled - and in this case that is what has happened, the white "speckles" are not actually speckles as the speckles on a brown egg are caused by extra deposit of pigment, in the case of white speckles you are looking at gaps in the application of pigment, lack of settling into pores, excess bloom, etc. Production bred welsummers frequently produce eggs that are unremarkable in comparison to those produced by other brown laying breeds.

 

[SemperFiChicken]

That egg with white speckles was only that first time. Everyone since had had dark speckles. Thank you for the explanation!

 

[oldhen2345]

When do Welsummers begin to lay? Mine is 8 months old next week and her wattle and comb are red- no squat, no eggs so far. I am beginning to think I will have to wait til spring to see these marvelous eggs. I do like the breed. Alice is adventuresome and curious. She is also brave. I have a Chiweenie dog that likes to visit the chickens. He never bothers them, just follows along like one of the flock. The other day, he faced Alice and barked at her like he wanted to play- she postured and took two little jumps toward him- he ran off like a shot- now she chases him around the yard. So I have a dog who is terrified of chickens. LOL.

 

[SemperFiChicken]

Ours started a little late, around 7-8 months. Our copper Maran is late too and we’re going into winter. We may not get eggs until later on. Don’t fret, the Welsummer is a great chicken. Just be patient with her.