Reviews by EweSheep

The Spitzhaubens are one of my favorite breeds! Very flashy, they are not afraid to "show off" their beauty. Roosters are very gentle toward kids. Very good white egg layers, and known to be a non broody breed however rare incidents do happen that they will brood and raise chicks successfully while others would brood but not want to raise chicks. I find the hens to be very gentle, not nervous in temperment or flighty. Very hardy in winter, rarely I have problems with frostbitten combs and wattles but it is to be expected. They don't mind the heat in the summer as long water (with electrolites) and shade is provided. Good range birds, forage for themselves quite well, and when free ranging, they would roost in trees if allowed.

There is much work to be done for the Spitzhaubens in the United States to correct the spangling, the "mohawk", it should NEVER be Polish top hat and feathers pointing forward. Legs should be slate, not blue or pale pinkish blue like I have seen in some Spitzes. Other colors are being developed.

Would I recommend this breed for a beginner? Yes I definately would!

Welsummers are one of my favorite breeds. All of mine are breeder/exhibition stock. No hatcheries. Dual purpose birds, excellent layers of terra cotta eggs, gentle disposition and temperment, beautiful plumage. Very hardy in winter despite of the roosters' wattles and combs being frostbitten but glad breeders are working on them to get them smaller, less chances of getting frostbitten. Tolerates summer heat well with high humidity when extra care is noted. Non broody breed but rare cases, they would brood and successfully raise chicks or will set eggs but will NOT raise chicks.

My Welsummers are very excellent layers, laying from end of January/beginning of Feb, all the way thru October before they molt. Fertility on these birds are pretty high, ranging from 95 to 100 percent in three batches of eggs to be incubated. Shipped eggs are a bit low but neverthanless, it is a risk that we all take. I've had successful hatches when the USPS are not playing football with them.

Would I recommend Welsummers to a beginner? I definately would!