Wyandotte Chicken: Characteristics & Best 23 Facts

Wyandotte chicken breed is one of the prettiest and good looking breeds of the poultry world. They were originated in the U.S. in the 1870’s. Wyandotte chickens are not a pure breed.

They were made of mostly Sebrights and Cochins, experts agree that Brahmas and Spangled Hamburgs were used in making the breed. Wyandottes are dual purpose chicken breed and are good layers.

They are very hardy, productive birds and lay right through the winter. They can tolerate low temperature and survive in the winter. Their striking and contrasting plumage make them a particular standout in the flock.

Wyandotte chickens come with different color variety. But the Silver Laced variety is the most common and very popular variety. And Silver Laced Wyandottes are the original variety of the breed. Wyandottes usually have a white ring of feathers around their neck. This chicken breed is docile and hens are devoted mothers.

Wyandotte Chicken

Currently, Wyandotte is a very popular can common breed of chicken in the United States. They are dual-purpose birds and kept for both eggs and meat. However, here we are describing more information about this chicken breed.

Physical Appearance

Wyandotte chickens are medium sized birds with quite long clean legs and a rose comb. Their legs are yellow. The feathers of this chicken breed are broad and loosely fitting. The area around the vent is very fluffy. Their feathering is often laced and always glamorous.

There are a total of 17 known colors, including the most common silver laced, golden laced, buff, black, partridge, silver pencilled, lavender, blue laced, pure white etc. Their comb and wattles are deep and glorious red. On an average, a Wyandotte male weights around 8.5 lbs and a female weights around 6 lbs.

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Behavior/Temperament

Wyandotte chicken is a very easygoing and gentle bird. But they have a tendency toward dominating other birds in the flock and have strong personalities.

They prefer to free range and are good foragers. Wyandotte chickens are little bit noisy. Hens incubate eggs and are good mothers. They are very energetic and it’s really fun to have some Wyandottes around.

Breed Profile

See details of Wyandotte chicken breed below.

Breed NameWyandotte
Breed PurposeDual Purpose
Breed TemperamentBears Confinement Well, Calm, Docile, Easily Handled, Friendly, Quiet
Breed SizeMedium/Heavy (6-8 lbs)
BroodinessYes (Frequent)
CombRose Comb
Climate ToleranceCold (Hardy in Winter)
Egg ColorBrown
Egg SizeLarge
Egg ProductivityMedium (around 200 eggs per year)
Feathered LegsNo (Clean Yellow Colored Legs)
RarityCommon
VarietiesSilver laced, golden laced, buff, black, partridge, silver pencilled, lavender, blue laced, pure white etc.

The Good

  • Good egg layer
  • Friendly
  • Cold hardy
  • Easy to care
  • Great mother
  • Very beautiful
  • Amazing colorful feathers
  • Like to play around
  • Gentle
  • Good for dual purpose

The Bad

Wyandotte chickens are a bit noisy. Not everyone likes the sound of chickens. So, it can be a problem if you live in urban areas.

Is Wyandotte Good for You?

Yes, Wyandotte chickens are good for you if you…….

  • Want to raise dual purpose chicken breed.
  • Like birds with colorful and beautiful feathers.
  • Have some land and time to raise some chickens.
  • Want to produce some fresh eggs by your own.
  • Want to have fresh chicken meat.
  • Want to incubate eggs and take care of the chicks by your own chickens.
  • Love to have some chickens as pets.

Wyandotte Chicken Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Wyandotte chickens:

  1. Wyandotte chickens are an American breed that was developed in the late 19th century in New York State.
  2. The breed was developed by crossing several different breeds of chicken, including the Brahma, Cochins, and Hamburgs.
  3. Wyandotte chickens are named after the Wyandot people, a Native American tribe that once inhabited the New York area where the breed was developed.
  4. Wyandotte chickens are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are valued for both their meat and their eggs.
  5. The breed is known for its distinctive coloration, which includes a laced pattern on the feathers that gives the birds a striking appearance.
  6. Wyandotte chickens come in a variety of color varieties, including silver laced, gold laced, blue laced red, and black.
  7. The breed is known for its friendly and docile temperament, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks and pet chickens.
  8. Wyandotte chickens are a cold-hardy breed that can tolerate cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
  9. The breed is also known for its ability to forage and find food on its own, making them a good choice for free-range environments.
  10. Wyandotte chickens are a medium-sized breed, with hens weighing around 6 pounds (2.7 kg) and roosters weighing around 8 pounds (3.6 kg).
  11. Wyandotte chickens have a good feed-to-egg conversion ratio, meaning they are efficient at converting feed into eggs.
  12. The breed is known for its high egg production, with hens laying an average of 200-220 eggs per year.
  13. Wyandotte chickens have a calm and gentle disposition, making them easy to handle and work with.
  14. The breed is a good choice for families with children, as they are known to be gentle and friendly with people.
  15. Wyandotte chickens have a unique rose comb, which is a small, circular comb that sits close to the bird’s head.
  16. The rose comb is an advantage for the breed, as it makes them less susceptible to frostbite during cold weather.
  17. Wyandotte chickens are a hardy breed that is resistant to many common chicken diseases.
  18. The breed is also known for its longevity, with some birds living up to 10 years or more.
  19. Wyandotte chickens are an easy breed to care for, requiring only basic care and maintenance.
  20. The breed is adaptable to a wide range of environments, including both urban and rural settings.
  21. Wyandotte chickens are a good choice for both beginner and experienced chicken keepers, as they are easy to care for and have a friendly temperament.
  22. The breed is also known for its show qualities, with many breeders showing their birds in poultry shows and competitions.
  23. Wyandotte chickens are a valuable addition to any backyard flock, providing both eggs and meat while also serving as a friendly and engaging companion.

Tips for Raising Wyandotte Chickens

Here are some tips for raising these wonderful chickens:

Choose high-quality breeding stock

When selecting breeding stock, it is important to choose birds with good conformation, strong genetics, and a track record of good egg production. Look for birds with good size and weight, a healthy appearance, and a friendly temperament.

Provide plenty of space

Wyandotte chickens require plenty of space to move around and exercise. The recommended space per bird is around 4 square feet (0.4 square meters) in a coop and 10 square feet (1 square meter) in an outdoor run.

Provide a balanced diet

Wyandotte chickens require a balanced diet that includes high-quality feed and access to fresh water. Ensure that the feed is properly mixed and delivered at regular intervals throughout the day.

Provide clean water

Wyandotte chickens require access to clean, fresh water at all times. Ensure that the water sources are kept clean and free from contamination, and provide enough waterers for all of the birds in your flock.

Keep the coop clean

Wyandotte chickens produce a lot of manure, so it is important to keep the coop clean and well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of ammonia and other harmful gases. Use a regular cleaning schedule and provide plenty of clean bedding.

Monitor flock health

Wyandotte chickens are susceptible to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, parasites, and reproductive problems. Monitor the health of your flock closely, and work with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination and treatment plan.

Practice good biosecurity

Wyandotte chickens can be vulnerable to a range of diseases, so it is important to practice good biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of disease. This includes quarantining new birds, limiting visitors to your farm, and regularly disinfecting equipment and facilities.

Provide shade and shelter

Wyandotte chickens can be sensitive to heat and cold, so it is important to provide shade and shelter to protect them from the elements. This can include shade structures, coops, and windbreaks.

Use proper lighting

Wyandotte chickens require proper lighting to maintain their egg production. Use artificial lighting to provide around 14-16 hours of light per day during the winter months.

Implement a breeding program

Implementing a breeding program is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive flock. This includes selecting breeding stock based on genetics, tracking the performance of individual birds, and using artificial insemination to improve genetics.

Keep records

Keeping records is essential for tracking the performance of individual birds and identifying areas for improvement. This includes tracking egg production, reproductive performance, and flock health.

Monitor egg production

Wyandotte chickens are known for their high egg production, but it is important to monitor egg production closely to ensure that the birds are healthy and productive.

Use an egg recording system to track individual bird production, and work with a nutritionist to adjust the diet as needed.

Provide proper flock management

Proper flock management is critical to the success of any poultry operation. This includes regular flock health checks, proper feeding and watering procedures, and a well-designed breeding program.

Use technology

Technology can help improve the efficiency and productivity of your poultry operation. This includes using automated feeding and watering systems, tracking software, and other tools to monitor flock health and productivity.

Network with other poultry farmers

Networking with other poultry farmers can provide valuable insights and support. This includes attending industry events, joining poultry farmer associations, and participating in online forums.

Train employees

Training employees is critical to the success of any poultry operation. Proper training can help ensure that employees understand proper flock management, handling procedures, and safety protocols.

Use proper handling procedures

Proper handling procedures are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your birds. This includes using proper sanitation procedures, ensuring that equipment is properly maintained, and using a consistent handling routine.

Keep predators at bay

Predators, such as foxes and raccoons, can be a threat to your flock. Use proper fencing and predator-proofing measures to keep your birds safe.

Implement a biosecurity plan

Implementing a biosecurity plan is essential for maintaining the health of your flock. This includes limiting access to your farm, using proper sanitation procedures, and regularly disinfecting equipment and facilities.

Provide enrichment activities

Enrichment activities, such as perches and toys, can help keep your birds active and engaged. This can improve their overall health and well-being, as well as their egg production.

Be patient

Raising Wyandotte chickens requires patience and a long-term perspective. It can take several years to build a healthy and productive flock, so be prepared to invest time and effort into your operation.

Be prepared for the cost

Raising Wyandotte chickens can be expensive, due to the cost of feed, equipment, and veterinary care. Be prepared to invest in your flock, and develop a realistic budget that takes into account all of the costs associated with raising poultry.

Enjoy the process

It is important to enjoy the process of raising Wyandotte chickens. These birds are a valuable addition to any backyard flock, providing both eggs and meat while also serving as friendly and engaging companions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Wyandotte chicken is a very common and popular breed of domestic chicken which is found in many countries around the world, but originated from the United States. It is a pretty old breed which was originated in the 1870’s. People are asking some questions about this American chicken breed, especially the beginners who are new in raising chickens. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Are Wyandotte chickens good for beginners?

YES, the Wyandotte chickens are very calm in temperament and are very friendly. So, they are very good for the beginners.

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Are Wyandotte chickens good egg layers?

YES, the Wyandottes are decent egg layers. Although, they can’t lay as many eggs as Australorp or Rhode Island Red chickens. On an average, a Wyandotte hen can lay around 200 eggs per annually.

What color eggs do Wyandottes lay?

Mostly brown.

How many eggs does a Wyandotte hen lay?

On an average, a Wyandotte hen can lay around or up to 200 eggs annually.

Are Wyandottes noisy?

YES, the Wyandottes are known to be noisier than average.

Are Wyandottes heat hardy?

NO! Wyandottes are not heat hardy chickens.

Are Wyandottes cold hardy?

YES, they are very cold/winter hardy. They can even the North American winters.

Are Wyandottes cuddly?

These curvaceous ladies are built to cuddle!

How many years do Wyandottes lay for?

Wyandotte hens can lay good amount of eggs until they are 3 years of old. And after their 3 years of age, they lay eggs less frequently.

Are Wyandottes quiet chickens?

YES, it is one of the quietest chicken breed. But some can noisy sometimes.

Do Wyandottes get along with other breeds?

YES, the Wyandottes have an easy-going nature. And they sure do well with other chicken breeds.

Do Wyandotte chickens lay in the winter?

YES, the Wyandotte hens generally lay through the winter months as well as summer.

Are Wyandottes dual-purpose chickens?

YES, the Wyandotte is a dual-purpose breed of chicken which is kept for both meat and eggs production.

Are Wyandottes good with kids?

YES, Wyandottes are friendly and docile with their keepers, making them good around kids.

At what age do Wyandotte hens start laying eggs?

Wyandotte is among the heavier chicken breeds. And they will start laying eggs anywhere from 6 to 8 months.

Do Wyandotte Roosters crow?

Sure! The Wyandotte roosters crow just like the roosters of other chicken breeds.

How much does a Wyandotte chicken cost?

Price can range from $2 to $5. Although, exact price can vary from place to place.

Are Wyandottes good eating?

YES! The meat quality of Wyandotte is good, and the roosters can produce a decent sized carcass.

What are Wyandotte chickens used for?

Wyandottes are dual-purpose chickens. They are used for both meat and eggs production purpose.

What kind of comb do Wyandottes have?

The Wyandotte chickens have rose comb.

What age do you butcher Wyandotte chickens?

The Wyandottes kept for meat production purpose become ready for slaughtering at around 4 months of age.

Are Wyandotte chickens rare?

NO! Wyandottes are not rare, and they are actually a favorite breed of domestic chicken among the backyard chicken keepers.

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Are Silver Laced Wyandottes bullies?

Wyandottes don’t appear to bully other birds but are assertive and are seldom bullied.

Do all Wyandottes have rose combs?

YES, all the Wyandotte varieties have rose comb.

How long do Wyandottes live for?

Average lifespan of a Wyandotte chicken is between 6 and 12 years.

Can Wyandottes fly well?

The Wyandotte chickens are moderate fliers.

Are Wyandotte broody?

YES, they are broody and the hens tend to be great moms.

Do Wyandotte hens lay eggs every day?

NO! Wyandotte hens generally lay 4 eggs each week.

How can you tell if a Wyandotte is male or female?

The male Wyandotte chickens have larger, redder wattles and combs, they are more robust than hens and have large feet on lanky legs.

What color eggs do Silver Wyandottes lay?

All color varieties of Wyandotte chicken lay brown colored eggs.

How long do Wyandotte eggs take to hatch?

21 days.

How long does it take for a Wyandotte chicken to mature?

The Wyandottes generally reach maturity at their 20 weeks of age.

What are the pros and cons of Wyandotte chickens.

Pros: Beautiful, bold, friendly, good egg layers.

Cons: Don’t necessarily blend in with their environment very well.

2 thoughts on “Wyandotte Chicken: Characteristics & Best 23 Facts”

  1. Hello, I have 3 golden laced Wyandotte’s raised with 4 lavender Orrington’s and 4 Rhode Island Blues. It’s so strange that I hear so many different things about them. Mine are pretty quiet and calm. One of my favorites loves to sit on my lap and cuddle her head in my arm. They are 14 weeks and have not started laying yet. They are very friendly and beautiful birds. I was very close to all of them while they were chicks. We raised them in the house because it was too cold to put them out. We spent a lot of time with them, petting, holding them and letting them walk around a small area lined with a waterproof cloth. They perched on me since little, so now they clammer for lap attention. The Wyandotte’s do not isolate themselves from the others at all. They sit or lay, sunbathe together always. I have not seen any picking on others by them or even showing hostility. One of the RIB hens does the most bossing around so far. It seems I only have one cockerel and it’s the biggest Wyandotte. He’s very sweet so far, so hopefully he will be good with the ladies. I go out and sit with them daily. It’s a beautiful and calming part of my day. Thank you for your article, I love reading about them.

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