Poultry
Westfälische Totleger
B tier
Westfälische Totleger (Westphalian Deathlayer) is a German utility breed celebrated for exceptional longevity of lay—the folk name implies hens that “lay until they die.” Medium-framed with a rose comb and silver or gold pencilled plumage, it produces white eggs and a lean dual-purpose carcass suited to farmstead meat and eggs. Table birds offer firm, clean-flavoured meat typical of active European landrace types. Whole roasting, braising, and traditional Westphalian stews showcase dark meat; breasts benefit from moist heat or careful roasting so the lean muscle stays tender.
Also known as: Westfälische Totleger, Totleger, Deathlayer, Westphalian Totleger, Westfaalse Totleger
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Characteristics
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History
Long-laying farm hens of Westphalia were valued by smallholders for continuous egg production and occasional meat.
Breed standards for Westfälische Totleger formalised colour, rose comb, and utility type in German poultry circles.
Regional clubs promoted Totleger as a hardy dual-purpose alternative to emerging commercial hybrids.
Industrial layers sharply reduced purebred flocks outside fancier and conservation programmes.
German rare-breed initiatives expanded Totleger numbers and public recognition of the “Deathlayer” name abroad.