Westfalische Totleger
A Silver Pencilled Westfalische Totleger cockerel
Photo courtesy of Ulrich Battige
The Westfalische Totleger is an old German breed which at one time was kept by farmers across Germany, although it is not seen much today. Its name translated literally into English means "Westphalian Deathlayer," which the breed earned as the hens supposedly kept on laying almost until they died. They are good layers of white eggs. They are said to be very nervous and do best on range, tho' they tend to sleep in the trees if they can.
The birds are found in both Silver and Gold Pencilled and sport rose combs. They are related to several northwest European breeds, including the Braekel, which they resemble closely except for their rose combs. Roosters weigh around 2kg (5 pounds) and hens about 1.5kg (3 3/4 pounds).
A Gold Pencilled cockerel and a close-up of his
head.
Photos courtesy of Andrea Fasch
A small group of pullets
Photo courtesy of Ulrich Battige
More pullets
Photos courtesy of Tanja Walter
A Gold Pencilled pullet
Photo courtesy of Nikolai Ahlbrecht
Another shot of the above cockerel
Photo courtesy of Ulrich Battige
Another Gold Pencilled pullet
Photo courtesy of Andrea Fasch
A Totleger chick
Photo courtesy of Tanja Walter
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