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Wyandotte

The Wyandotte is American-made elegance: a rose-comb (frost-proof), beautifully laced feathering, calm temperament, and a reliable brown egg layer. The 'show bird that also pays for itself' choice.

About this breed

Quick facts: Wyandotte

OriginNew York State, USA - 1880s
APA recognized1883
Conservation statusRecovering
Adult weightRoosters 8.5 lb, Hens 6.5 lb
Size classStandard
Eggs per year~220
Egg colorBrown
Egg sizeLarge
BroodinessMedium
Cold hardinessExcellent
Heat toleranceGood
Noise levelAverage
Flight tendencyLight flight
Beginner friendlyYes

History & origin

Developed in upstate New York during the 1870s-1880s as a multi-color heritage breed, originally with Silver Laced as the founding variety. The rose comb gene was deliberately selected from Sebrights and Hamburgs to give the breed superior cold hardiness. APA recognized 8 color varieties: Silver Laced (original), Gold Laced, White, Black, Buff, Partridge, Silver Penciled, and Columbian. The breed's name honors the Wyandot Native American tribe of upstate New York.

Personality & temperament

confidenthardycuriousfriendly

Best for: eggs, meat, show, cold climates

Eggs & laying

Tinted slightly pinker than typical brown. Steady year-round production.

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space4 sq ft per bird
Run space12 sq ft per bird
Roost bar10 in per bird

Space: Active foragers and good ranging birds.

Feeding: Standard 16% layer. Show birds benefit from added oyster shell + sunflower seeds for feather quality.

Health: Rose comb = excellent winter performance, no frostbite worries.

Climate: Zones 3-8. Bred for upstate New York winters - performs above 0F without supplemental heat.

Buying tips

  • Silver Laced is most common, Gold Laced is striking, Blue Laced Red is a rising favorite (not yet APA).
  • Lacing pattern should be sharp and consistent - muddy lacing is a hallmark of hatchery strains.
  • Yellow shanks and skin are correct.
  • Show-quality stock costs 5-10x hatchery birds but lasts 2-3x as long in production.

Did you know?

  • First American breed developed primarily for the show ring.
  • Named after the Wyandot tribe - one of the few breed names with Native American origin.
  • Eight APA color varieties; over 18 unrecognized but bred globally.
  • Rose comb provides better insulation than single comb in extreme cold.

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