The Wyandotte chicken breed is a favorite among owners of backyard flocks because of its dependable, egg-laying, easy-going nature and cold hardiness. They are a great bird for a novice chicken owner, families with children, or even an experienced chicken flock owner looking for a dependable egg layer.
History of the Wyandotte Chicken Breed
The Wyandotte chicken breed is an American chicken breed developed in the 1870s and named after the original Wyandotte people. They were originally called American Seabrights but were changed to Wyandottes when they were accepted into the American Poultry Association in 1883. The first type of Wyandotte chicken was the silver-banded variety, followed by the gold-banded variety.
Chicken Wyandot figure
The Wyandotte chicken breed is calm and friendly and would make a great addition as a backyard family pet. They don’t tend often, but they make great moms when they do. Wyandottes are generally a quiet breed and are a good choice if you have neighbors nearby.
While Wyandottes are a calm and friendly breed, in a mixed herd they tend to be a dominant breed that naturally sits at the head of the clicking order.
The appearance of the Wyandotte chicken
Wyandottes have a heavy body, which makes them a great dual-purpose choice, and the small rose comb makes them ideal for colder climates because they are not prone to frostbite. They have clean, feathered yellow legs and four toes. The rooster weighs 8-9 pounds and the hen 6-7 pounds.
Feather facts about Wyandotte chickens
Many plumage patterns are found in the Wyandotte chicken breed. The American Poultry Association recognizes Colombian, golden, silver, partridge, silver, black, blue, buff, and white. Other colors that are bred but not recognized by the APA are a variety of red, chocolate, and lavender.
Egg color and production of wyandot chickens
Wyandot chickens are well layered from large cream to brown eggs. They usually start laying eggs around 4-5 months of age. You can expect them to lay about 150-200 small creamy eggs per year or 3-4 per week. They tend to lay well in the winter compared to other chicken breeds.
Care and health of Wyandotte chickens
The Wyandotte chicken breed is very hardy and can do well in both hot and cold weather. They do not have any specific health concerns and should be cared for like any other hens in your flock.
Do you have any wyandot chickens in your backyard flock? Share with us in the comments below.