The Welbar is a lovely breed, on the rarer side, and checks all the boxes.  This breed is autosexing-- you can tell sex at hatch based on color of the chick.  The girls produce a ton of beautiful dark eggs, they lay in winter, and they are super friendly.  One of the BEST qualities of Welbars (besides being autosexing) is their friendly and docile nature. They are an excellent choice for families for their gentle nature. Welbars enjoy human interaction, and they like to be handled and held. If you are looking for prolific laying hens that double as pets, these are your girls! Welbar hens give PLENTY of eggs. Around 5 months, you can expect your Welbars to start producing. As they mature, their output increases DRAMATICALLY.  A well-cared-for Welbar hen can lay approximately 200 to 250 eggs per year!  Welbars are known for their consistency in egg production, and laying eggs THROUGHOUT the year. Welbars are also known for being curious, & enjoy exploring their surroundings.  They tend to prefer environments that allow for a little roaming. Welbars usually get along well with other chicken breeds, displaying a cooperative attitude, lending to a harmonious flock.   The eggs are very dark, sometimes speckled and add lovely color to a basket. Every flock should have this wonderful and friendly breed!