Wyandotte Chicken Breed Review

When I first saw Wyandotte chickens at my friend Heidi’s small country farm, the first thing that caught my eye was their beauty. The feathers appeared shiny with a very pretty lace design. I remember the patterns were so beautifully unique that I first thought they were hand-drawn. 

But what truly won my heart was how gentle and friendly these birds were. As the rest of the chickens were avoiding us, the Wyandotte hens drew closer to us as though intending to say hi. 

That moment stayed with me. I knew at once that I wanted this personality in my flock. But that wasn’t going to happen very soon. 

I live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures and was already raising other chickens. So, I needed time to find out whether these chickens would fit into my backyard. Glad they did, because they’ve become one of my best additions. 

This article provides a full lowdown on the Wyandotte chicken breed. From their temperament and egg-laying habits to their coop preferences and climate adaptability, there’s so much to learn today, so keep reading.

Let’s begin by taking a quick glance at the breed:

Family Friendliness

Suitability For Families With Kids

Not every chicken breed fits into families with kids. But that’s not the case with Wyandotte chickens. My blue laced red wyandotte hens relish moments spent with the little folks in our family. I haven’t seen them freak out or even flap wildly like some breeds when held by the nervous little hands.

Temperament

One of the discoveries I’ve made in my chicken keeping journey is that temperament has, most of the time, more to do with the individual bird than the breed. It’s possible to find a chicken that’s too calm and another of the same breed that’s too aggressive. Even so, Wyandottes are usually calm, docile, and friendly. 

My Wyandotte hens also exhibit a high degree of curiosity, much like the rest of the flock. They also aren’t noisy, making them ideal for addition for any chicken enthusiasts with close neighbors.

Egg Production & Quality

Egg-Laying Capacity

Egg production wasn’t the primary reason for adding Wyandotte hens to my flock. It came in as a huge bonus. Each of my Wyandotte hen produces about 4 eggs every week and sustains this momentum throughout the year, totalling about 200 eggs. To be honest, that’s much less than what I get from Rhode Island Red hens, but still an impressive amount of yield for a bonus.

Egg Size

The eggs are medium to large and with a brown shell. And as with other hens, they are usually small at the beginning but grows to their standard size as the chicken grows. I’ve seen several sources suggesting that laying starts anywhere between 4 to 6 months, but mine delayed until the girls were 9 months old.

Coop and Housing Requirement

Space Requirements

As medium to large birds, Wyandottes need just as much space as other birds of their size. I target at least 4 square feet of coop space and 8 to 10 square feet in the run per bird. But if you have more room, that’s even better, as it will allow them to move about with greater freedom.

Coop Preferences

Wyandotte chickens don’t need any special features for their coop. Just a dry, well-ventilated, and draft-free coop equipped with roost bars and an adequate number of nestboxes. I’ve, however, noticed that due to their size and weight, my blue laced red wyandotte hens prefer low roosts and larger nesting boxes.

Flightiness and Containment

They aren’t escape artists. I’m yet to see mine fly, but that doesn’t justify impossibility. It just seems like flying isn’t their thing, meaning a 4-foot fence should suffice. If you have a mixed flock, work with a taller fence. I have a 6-foot fence because my breeds aren’t flighty. But if your case is different, it’s better to target a taller fence that’s 8 feet or even more.

Climate Adaptability

Cold And Heat Tolerance

Adaptability was one of the reasons I was hesitant about adding Wyandotte chickens to my flock. But as I came to realize, these chickens have impressive cold and heat tolerance. Their close-fitting rose combs and the thick feathers keep them warm during low temperatures. 

But then, the thick feathers make them more vulnerable to heat stress during the hot days. So, provide them with shade, clean water, and ensure that the coops are well-ventilated. And if you can offer some frozen treats, that’s even better. On super hot days, I toss in some frozen watermelon treats, and they love it!

Compatibility with Other Breeds

Best Breeds for Mixed Flock

These chickens are just as social towards other birds as they are to humans. They don’t mind walking in social groups with other birds. I have calmer breeds and my Wyandotte hens fit in perfectly with less drama. But still, I’ve heard several chicken keepers say that this breed also goes well with more assertive breeds.

When nesting, however, Wyandottes can exhibit territorial behavior, which is quite common in the avian world. But that’s something I solved easily by ensuring that the coop had adequate nesting boxes.

Flock Dynamics

In my mixed flock, Wyandotte chickens sit somewhere in the middle of the pecking order. They’re confident but not bossy. Think of them as the kind that won’t back down when pushed, but they aren’t bullies either. The roosters can be a bit aggressive, but that’s meant to protect the flock from potential threats.

Foraging and Free-Range Ability

Foraging Skills

Wyandotte chickens love foraging. That’s a big plus for me as it helps me immensely cut down on the feeding costs. But if you don’t have the space, this breed can also thrive in confinement. 

Effect On Yard or Garden

These chickens will snack on young plants if you’re not careful enough (RIP to my lettuce bed one summer). But again, they’re not as destructive as, say, Leghorns. A light fence around your favorite flowers should do the trick.

Health and Lifespan

General Health

I haven’t had lots of health issues with my Wyandotte chickens. Actually, the only problem I’ve encountered is lice and mite infestation, which only occurred twice. But still, I always keep a close eye on these chickens for any behavioral change that could suggest sickness.

Lifespan

With good care, expect Wyandottes to live 6 to 12 years. Their egg laying tends to be strongest in the first 3 to 4 years, but they continue laying moderately even after that.

Feed and Nutrition

Dietary Preferences

I provide a quality layer feed, scratch grains as treats, and access to calcium supplements to keep my flock healthy and productive. But I offer the treats and calcium in moderation. Minimum amount of treats ensures that they don’t replace their regular diet, while regulated calcium supplements reduces the chances of kidney damage.

Foods To Avoid

Give a wide berth to avocado skins, chocolate, salty snacks, or anything moldy. Also, keep your compost bins well covered to keep the birds from sneaking in and feasting on the moldy kitchen crumbs. 

Broodiness and Mothering Ability

Frequency of Broodiness

Some Wyandottes go broody, others don’t. Mine, Petals, goes broody once a year like clockwork. And when she does, she’s all in. 

Mothering Ability

Wyandottes make excellent mothers. Usually, moms stay around their chicks to protect them and train them how to forage and scratch the ground. Sometimes they can become overly protective, although the level of aggression depends on the individual hen.