Eggs by breed

How many eggs does a Welsummer lay?

160 to 200 a year in her first year, about 3 to 4 a week in season. The hen on the cereal box. Lays well into autumn.

Quick answer

Per dayPer weekPer monthPer year (first year)
0–13–413–17160–200

Breed facts

Eggdark terracotta, speckled, large
Starts laying20–24 weeks
Temperamentfriendly, good forager
Climatehardy
Goes broodyrarely
Typeheritage breed

Year one, year two and after

The first full year of laying is the best. Year two runs 10 to 20 percent lower, and each year after drops again. A four-year-old Welsummer still lays in spring, just less.

How many Welsummers do I need?

Take the eggs your household eats in a week and divide by 4. For a dozen a week, about 4. Round up; you will thank yourself in January.

What those eggs cost. With 4 Welsummers and a bag of feed a month, the calculator tells you the cost per dozen and when the coop pays for itself. Cost-per-egg calculator.

Common questions

How many eggs does a Welsummer lay a day?

At most one. A Welsummer in full lay gives about 3 to 4 eggs a week, so some days she skips. No hen lays more than one egg a day.

When does a Welsummer start laying?

Between 20 and 24 weeks old. The first eggs are small and sometimes oddly shaped; that is normal.

Does a Welsummer lay in winter?

Less. Below about 12 hours of daylight most hens slow sharply or stop, then come back in spring.

How many Welsummers do I need for a dozen eggs a week?

About 4. Divide the eggs your household eats in a week by 4 and round up.