Information on the Westphalian dead layer chicken breed

German permanent layers

General information about the Westphalian dead layer

Westphalian dead layers have been around for more than 400 years and belong to the speckled hens. The name has nothing to do with the belief that the hens lay themselves to death. It comes from the fact that they used to be called permanent layers because of their good laying performance and this became Doutleijer in Westphalian Low German. If you translate this back into High German, you can hear the similarity to Totleger.
This breed is rare and has been added to the Red List of endangered livestock breeds.

Appearance of Westphalian deadlegs

A red rose crest, red wattles and white ear discs adorn the head of the dead layer. Their legs are blue-grey and their beaks are bluish horn-colored. Dead layers usually have dark brown eyes. The hens are slightly lighter in feather coloration than the cocks, which can weigh around 2.5 kg.

Existing dwarf form

No

Colors of Westphalian deadlegs

gold speckled
silver speckled

Keeping of Westphalian deadlegs

Very active, happy-growing and weatherproof animals that have few demands. Nevertheless, they should not be kept in enclosures or runs that are too small, as they are still very primitive and like to scratch and forage – they love a large run. Like all lighter chickens, they are quite good fliers. Dead layers are a very fertile breed and the eggs are suitable for artificial breeding. When breeding, care should be taken not to leave the pullets together for too long as they like to start fights.

Character of Westphalian deadlegs

These chickens are very lively and curious, they will never be cuddly chickens but eating out of your hand is no problem if you make an effort. Totleger hens very rarely get into the breeding mood but when they do they are great leaders of their young.

Eggs from Westphalian dead layer hens

Dead laying hens lay approx. 200 pure white eggs weighing approx. 55g.