I am always surprised when I’m asked this question. I suppose it’s a logical question for those not too familiar with poultry.
Do I need a Rooster for hens to lay eggs?
A rooster does serve a couple of useful purposes to the flock which can be a good thing for the hens and keeper alike. Read Article
by The Happy Chicken Coop
The Welsummer rooster is rustic-red and orange in color and the hen is a light and dark brown partridge pattern with gold around the neck area. This dual-purpose large fowl lays large terracotta dark brown eggs, often with speckles. Expect about 160 eggs per year.
Features & Color Variations
Single comb, medium wattles, broad chest and back, wide full tail, and 4 toes. There are three variations of the standard Welsummer, Partridge, Silver Duckwing, and the Gold Duckwing. Recognized Varieties: Red Partridge
Behavior
Welsummers are friendly and intelligent, but not considered especially docile. They generally confine well but prefer to forage. Setter/broody: yes.
Bantams
The Welsummer Bantam lays light brown eggs, and their production is slightly higher than the standard at about 180 eggs per year. Bantams exist in both Partridge and Silver Duckwing colors but are rare.
Origin: Netherlands
Class: Continental
Type: Large Fowl
Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)
Rarity: Common
Purpose: Dual
The Australorp is a great choice if you’re looking for an excellent layer of large brown eggs. Expect approximately five eggs per week from this *dual-purpose bird. Their color is black, their weight at maturity is 7-8 pounds, and they are docile, friendly, and considered shy.
About the Australorp
Single Comb
4 Toes
Broody/Setter
Confines Well
Average, 260 Eggs Yearly
Cold Hardy
Class: English • Rarity: Common
The Australorp is of Australian origin, developed as a utility breed with a focus on egg laying. It achieved worldwide popularity in the 1920s after the breed broke numerous world records for the number of eggs laid. The most popular color is black, which is the only color recognized in the United States. However, blue and white are also recognized in its home country. South Africa recognizes buff, splash, wheaten laced, and golden as well.
The Australorp is a great starter bird if you’re new to chicken keeping. The chicks are hardy and very easy to raise.
* Dual Purpose: provides 2 kinds of resources, meat & eggs.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 