This breed was developed in the 1870s in the U.S. and is known for its many colorations and dual purpose (meat and egg production).
Wyandotte hens make good mothers and lay four light to brown eggs per week on average. This large breed is also known for being a quality meat bird, maturing fairly quickly.
Oklahoma State University Extension calls the Wyandotte “a good, medium-weight fowl for small family flocks … Their Rose combs do not freeze as easily as single combs and the hens make good mothers. Their attractive curvy shape, generally good disposition and many attractive color patterns (varieties) make them a good choice for fanciers as well as farmers.”
The Wyandotte was admitted to the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1883.
Other varieties were later developed and admitted to the Standard. Golden Laced were developed in Wisconsin and known regionally as “Winnebagos.” The Columbian pattern was first exhibited at the 1893 at the Columbian Exposition at the Chicago World’s Fair and admitted to the Standard in 1905.
They are in the American Class.
These birds tolerate cold weather well. They are prolific layers of brown eggs and dress well as broilers.
This breed comes in standard and bantam sizes.
The Wyandotte, developed in upstate New York, gets its name from the Wyandotte Nation, a Native American tribe from that region. But the breed doesn’t have any direct historical association with the tribe.
Wyandottes were originally called American Sebrights.
The Wyandotte is a medium-weight breed with yellow skin. The birds have a rounded appearance with a short back and tail as well as loose, fluffy feathering that lends to their round shape.
They are available in Silver Laced , Golden Laced (pictured above), White, Buff, Black, Partridge, Columbian, Silver Penciled and Blue. Blue Laced Red is also an increasingly popular non-standard variety.
Wyandottes are among the most popular breeds for small farm production. Silver Laced and White are the most common varieties.
Mature males weigh as much as 8 1/2 pounds. Hens weigh 6 ½ pounds.
This story originally appeared in the September/October 2018 issue of Chickens magazine.
