Wyandotte Chicken Breed: All You Need To Know

March 25, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Wyandotte is a very popular breed of chicken due to its beautiful colors but is also hard to find especially here in the Philippines. If you want to learn more about Wyandottes, continue reading.

From its humble beginnings in the United States in the late 19th century to its modern role as a beloved pet and show bird, the history of Wyandotte chickens is a fascinating one. Throughout the years, Wyandotte chickens have gained notoriety for their beautiful feathers, charming personalities, and versatile egg production.

Whether you’re an experienced chicken keeper or a novice looking to add these birds to your flock, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll explore the history and characteristics of Wyandotte chickens, so you can learn more about this amazing breed. We’ll also discuss their size, colors, temperament, behavior, and more.

History of Wyandotte Chickens

The Wyandotte chicken is an American breed of chicken that dates back to the late 1800s. It was first developed in the town of Wyandotte, Michigan by several local farmers. The breed was made by crossing Breeds such as the Cochin, Brahma, and Langshan. The Wyandotte chicken quickly became popular due to its hardiness and dual-purpose capabilities (good for both eggs and meat). It was also prized for its excellent broodiness, meaning it was great for hatching eggs. The Wyandotte chicken is now a beloved breed around the world and is recognized for its calming presence and beautiful feathers.

Characteristics of Wyandotte Chickens

Wyandotte chickens are medium to large-sized chickens that are known for their gentle and friendly nature. The breed was developed in the United States and is one of the most popular breeds for egg production. Wyandotte chickens are identified by their unique and attractive plumage. The feathers are typically solid black, white, and a blend of both, and they have a very distinct pattern of black and white banding throughout their body. Wyandotte chickens are known for their hardiness, and they are capable of withstanding both hot and cold weather. The breed has a dual purpose in producing both eggs and meat and they are relatively low maintenance. Wyandotte chickens are an excellent choice for both backyard flocks and commercial farms.

Size

Wyandotte chickens are some of the largest breeds of chickens and can range in size from 4.5 pounds to 7.5 pounds for mature hens, and 6 to 8.5 for mature roosters. Because of their larger size, Wyandottes are often raised for meat and egg production. Wyandotte chickens have striking feather coloring, ranging from shades of gold or silver to buff or mahogany. The Wyandotte’s shape and size make them a standout amongst the many chicken breeds.

Color

Wyandotte chickens are known for their diverse color varieties. These chickens come in a wide range of colors, including white, black, blue, buff, Columbian, golden laced, silver laced, partridge, penciled, and red. The most popular color variety is the gold-laced Wyandotte, which had become fashionable in the late 1800s. As they have been selectively bred over time, other colors, such as lavender and barred, have been developed. Though the colors of Wyandotte chickens vary across the world, they remain a stunning addition to any yard or coop.

The most popular Wyandottes colors are:

Gold-laced Wyandottes (gold and black)
Silver Laced Wyandottes (silver, black, and white)
Blue and Red Laced Wyandottes (blue, red, and gray)

Temperament

This breed of chickens are known for their even temperament, which makes them a great choice for backyard chicken keepers who are new to raising poultry. Wyandottes are calm and friendly, and they get along well with both other chickens and humans. They are not usually aggressive but can become so if not properly socialized. Wyandottes are also fairly docile chickens, so they can be handled without fear of being injured. All in all, Wyandotte chickens are an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-manage and gentle bird.

Wyandotte Chicken Behavior

The Wyandotte chicken is known for its docile, friendly demeanor. They are outgoing, inquisitive birds and generally enjoy being handled. They are also excellent egg-layers and do not mind being confined to a small area. They are known to be calm and easygoing, yet ever-vigilant. Wyandotte chickens are also social birds and do well in groups and flocks. When given the opportunity to forage, they will search for their own food and explore new places but will return to the flock when frightened.

Questions Related to Wyandotte Chickens

Are Wyandotte chickens good egg layers?

Wyandottes are decent egg layers. Whilst not laying as many as the Australorp or Rhode Island Red breeds, they are very reliable layers and a great addition to your backyard flock.

What color eggs do Wyandottes lay?

Wyandotte – While some Wyandottes lay eggs that are slightly slanted toward the “brown” side, most lay delightful cream-colored eggs. Moreover, they are fantastic producers and come in some very exciting color patterns such as Silver Laced, Golden Laced, or Blue Laced Red.

How many eggs does a Wyandotte chicken lay?

Wyandottes make a uniform dozen, with each egg being similar in shade, shape, and size. Some eggs may have a few dark speckles, but overall the eggs look very similar. On average, each hen will lay approximately 4-6 eggs each week. That is over 300 eggs a year!

Are Wyandotte hens noisy?

Wyandotte chickens can be very noisy. The majority of breeds will talk softly throughout the day (and sometimes not so softly), but Wyandottes are known to be noisier than average.

Are Wyandotte chickens rare?

Wyandottes are a versatile dual-purpose breed. They are fairly common so they are not difficult to find from a hatchery. This breed is docile and gentle. You can also find them in a cute bantam size, however, this breed of chicken is very rare and expensive in the Philippines.

What colors are rare Wyandottes?

Wyandottes are a favorite amongst backyard flock owners for their dependable egg-laying, easygoing nature, hardiness, and the great variety of beautiful feather patterns available. Silver Penciled, Golden Laced, Blue, Columbian, and White Wyandottes are all rather rare.

Are Wyandotte chickens expensive?

Wyandottes are more expensive compared to other breeds like Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, or Orpington as they are rare and their beauty is what makes them pricier.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wyandotte Chickens have a long and fascinating history. They are known for being friendly and docile, making them an easy choice for backyard flocks. Wyandottes come in a variety of sizes and colors, and they have a calm, gentle temperament. They can be a bit flighty at times but they’re generally considered to be one of the best chicken breeds for beginners. For those looking for a fun, easy-to-care-for backyard bird, the Wyandotte is an excellent option.

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