Deathlayers: Westfalische Totleger ~ Weekend Homesteader

Deathlayers: Westfalische Totleger

The Deathlayer Chicken

The Deathlayer chicken, known formally as the Westfalische Totleger, is a breed with a name as intriguing as its history.

At C&C Homestead, we are excited to have this unique breed in our flock. Our goal is to not only create a healthy line of Silver Deathlayers and beautiful Deathlayer hybrids, but educate others on the breed and provide local access to healthy hatching eggs and chicks.

Origin and History

Deathlayers are an old German landrace breed that goes back about 400 years.

The history of their name is not known but many have concluded that the Deathlayer name Westfälischer Totleger was a mistranslation.

The breed used to be called ‘Daudtleijer’ in Low German, which translates into ‘Long-term Layer’ in English. The name ‘Daudtleijer’ deviates from ‘Dauerleger’, meaning ‘lays every day’. But when adopting ‘Daudtleijer’ in German, the term developed to ‘Totleger’, meaning ‘Deathlayer’.

Although some will claim Deathlayer hens lay until they die, this is not true. They are good layers (about 200 eggs a year) but will slow down as they age, like all hens.

This breed was very popular in Germany until the 1880s when they were replaced with more productive breeds like the Leghorn. And soon after, chicken keepers lost interest in this landrace breed.

In 1994 Deathlayers were proclaimed an ‘Endangered breed of the year’ by a German poultry association.

One unsexed Deathlayer chick will cost you between $60 and $100, while common breeds are sold for just $5 to $10 per (sexed) chick. Deathlayer hatching eggs cost around $10-$15 per fertilized egg.

Appearance

Color Varieties: Deathlayers come in two main color varieties: Silver and Gold. The Silver Deathlayer has white feathers with black lacing, while the Gold variety boasts a golden plumage with black lacing.

Physical Characteristics: They are a medium-sized breed, characterized by a full breast, and upright tail.

There’s no specific breed standard for Death layer chicken because it’s not registered with the American Poultry Association(APA).

Deathlayers have solid black baby doll eyes, which creates a beautiful contrast with the white, gold or silver feathers on their head.

They have medium-sized wattles that perfectly go together with their flat, rose-colored comb.

Their limbs are either blue-grey or slate, and their legs have four toes on each foot.

Egg Production

Egg Color and Size: Deathlayers are known for laying small to medium-sized white eggs.

Size

Weight: Hens typically weigh around 4-5 pounds, while roosters are slightly heavier, usually weighing around 5-6 pounds.

Temperament

Behavioral Traits: Deathlayers are known for being alert, active, and quite friendly. They are considered good foragers, making them suitable for free-ranging environments.

Rarity and Conservation

Current Status: This breed is considered rare and is part of conservation efforts by poultry enthusiasts and heritage breed conservators. Due to their rarity, they are more commonly found among breeders and enthusiasts rather than in commercial poultry operations.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance: In Germany, the Deathlayer is not just admired for its egg-laying abilities but also for its striking appearance, making it a regular feature in poultry shows.

Unique Comb: The V-shaped comb, coupled with their feather patterning, makes them one of the more visually distinctive breeds.

Care and Considerations

Housing Needs: They adapt well to a range of environments but thrive best with space to forage.

Diet and Nutrition: Like all chicken breeds, they require a balanced diet to maintain their health and egg-laying capacity.

Health Considerations: Regular health checks and a clean, safe living environment are essential for their well-being.

In summary, the Deathlayer chicken is not just a breed with a captivating name but one with a rich history and remarkable qualities. Its longevity in egg production, coupled with its striking appearance and friendly demeanor, make it a fascinating addition to any homestead, particularly for those interested in preserving rare breeds.