Welsummer
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fun Fact
The iconic Kellogg's Cornflakes cockerel — Cornelius — was modelled on a Welsummer cock. The breed's speckled dark-brown eggs are also popular for Easter egg dyeing because they take natural dyes beautifully.
A beautiful Dutch breed from the village of Welsum on the IJssel river, renowned for producing large, dark terracotta-brown eggs often covered in dark speckles. Developed in the early 20th century from Partridge Cochins, Wyandottes, and local farmyard birds, the Welsummer has a rich, autumnal plumage — red-gold in hens with a warm partridge pattern, and a stunning red-orange and black cock. The breed famously inspired the Kellogg's Cornflakes rooster.
🏷️ Breed
Welsummer
💭 Temperament
Calm, friendly, intelligent, good forager, self-sufficient
📏 Size
Large (2.7-3.2 kg)
⏳ Lifespan
6-8 years
🎨 Colors
Hens: golden-red with black pencilling; Cocks: rich red and black
🌍 Origin
Netherlands — Welsum, Gelderland; developed 1900–1920s
🏠 Habitat
Free-range or large garden run; cold-hardy and adaptable
🍽️ Diet
Layer pellets; excellent forager on pasture
🎯 Purpose
Dual Purpose
🥚 Egg Colour
Speckled Brown
👑 Comb Type
Single
🏅 EE Class
Large Fowl