Pure Breed Laced Wyandottes are absolutely beautiful hens, they have gorgeous laced feather markings and clean featherless legs. They are a large breed and fairly robust. Although gentle in nature they are no shrinking violet and have bags of character. Well suited to free ranging and foraging set ups, would be OK in small numbers in a smaller setting but would need lots of enrichment. They lay a lovely light brown egg, they are good winter layers and can lay up to 200 eggs a year.
Wyandotte Chickens at a Glance
Suitable with most (see the guide)
Up to 200 Brown Eggs
1
2
3
4
5
1
Single Combe and Wattle
2
Large Breed up to 2kg
3
Stunning Laced Plumage
4
Featherless Legs
5
4 Toes
Wyandottes are generally a docile hen, they are not known for being aggressive or for bullying, however, if they are in a great number compared to another breed they can dominate. They do like to forage and free roam and would not do very well in long term confinement if there was not enough space or they did not have enrichment. They can be mixed with most other breeds, perhaps be cautious with very delicate bantams such as Polands, they are friendly and can be hand tamed but might never be a lap chicken, they like people and are naturally inquisitive but don’t really like to be handled too much. They lay well for a pure breed and are not known for being broody, they can lay up to 200 light brown eggs a year, they are also known for being good winter layers.
These lovely large sized birds are fantastic hens if you’re looking for a rangy pure reed laying hen, not only are they absolutely stunning but their docile nature means they can ix with most other breeds. They would not do great in a small setting with no enrichment, they would thrive in a free ranging or foraging environment, with lots of outdoor grass time. They are clever and cheeky birds and are naturally inquisitive, they can be mixed in flocks of hybrids and smaller bantams. They like to perch and roost and would need some run enrichment if left in for long periods.
The Wyandotte is an American breed, originally named after a native American tribe called the “Wendat”. The name was changed by settlers in the 19th Century. The Wyandotte chicken was accepted as a breed in the USA in 1883. It was not introduced into Europe until the 1890s. Originally a utility bird used for meat and egg production, the beautiful plumage and gentle nature of this reed has now made it a firm back garden and small holder’s favourite, they are predominantly now an ornamental hen.