The Wyandotte delights with both its beauty and practicality. It does well as an egg layer and for the table, plus has a good mothering instinct. The Wyandotte is a docile breed with a rose comb. Single combs may be seen, but those are not bred for. It’s classified as a heavy breed.
- ColorBlack, Blue, Buff, Columbian, Golden Laced, Partridge, Silver Laced, Silver Penciled, White
- Skin ColorYellow
- LifespanAbout 6 to 12 years
- Weight6.5 to 8.5 pounds
Origin
The origin of the Wyandotte breed is a little mysterious. It’s believed that breeders around Upstate New York and then other northeastern states developed the various varieties from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
Housing And Care
Housing for the Wyandotte is the same as all chickens need. A chicken coop or shed must provide safety, perches, nest boxes, room to move, be dry, and be ventilated but not drafty. It must contain accessories, such as water and food dispensers. Chickens also require an area for dust bathing, which could be in a run that is part of the coop, attached to the coop, or a fenced area adjacent to the coop.
Food is another basic necessity. Nutritious food is a must. Some chicken breeds also forage when given access to safe, fenced-in areas. Foraging is enjoyable and a fun activity for some breeds, but foraging can never take the place of nutritious chicken food. Supplements also help for different needs. We humbly suggest Booster Berries Enrich for egg laying support, Booster Berries Radiate for feather health, and Booster Berries Senior for older chickens.
Showing And Personality
The first variety of Wyandotte (Silver Laced) was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1883. In 2016, the Livestock Conservancy graduated the Wyandotte off of its Conservation Priority List because its population numbers had improved significantly.
All chickens are individuals. Temperament, noise level, egg production, size, and other characteristics can vary. Chickens typically live 7 to 9 years. The information below is for the large fowl Wyandotte, not the smaller bantam.
Wyandotte Chicken Overview
Purpose: Egg laying and meat
Egg Production: Very Good (about 200 brown eggs per year)
Egg Size & Color: Large, brown
Skin Color: Yellow
Size: Classified as Large Fowl by the American Poultry Association; Listed at 6.5 to 8.5 by Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Temperament: Generally calm and sociable
Noise Level: Moderate
Climate Needs: Could adapt to either, but favors cooler.
Origin: American
Recognized Varieties: Black, Blue, Buff, Columbian, Golden Laced, Partridge, Silver Laced, Silver Penciled, White
