Introduction
The Gold Laced Wyandotte is often the favorite choice for backyard flock owners who appreciate both the utility and aesthetic of their poultry. This breed embodies a stunning blend of utility and beauty, making it one of the most popular and attractive chicken breeds around. Known for their gold laced feathers that shimmer like a supermodel’s gown under sunlight, these chickens not only walk with a sassy style but also lay dependable amounts of brown eggs. They truly “shine bright like a diamond” in both appearance and performance, appealing to poultry enthusiasts far and wide.
Wyandotte
A stunning breed admired by many backyard chicken enthusiasts, offers much more than just good looks. Renowned for their gold and black feather patterns which resemble those of a show bird, these chickens are a favorite for their striking appearance and hardiness. With a pronounced rose comb that stands out and helps them tolerate cold, they’re perfect for almost any backyard setting.
These birds are not just about beauty, they are dual-purpose, adept in both egg laying and providing meat, making them a practical choice for flock owners. Their easygoing nature also ensures they mesh well with other poultry, embodying the ideal balance of functionality and visual appeal in a heritage chicken breed.
Wyandotte Facts
- Rarity:Commonly found breed.
- Purpose:Dual-purpose, raised for both egg and meat production.
- Laying Ability:Average, with an annual yield of 180-200 eggs.
- Size:Typically medium, weighing between 2 and 3.5 kg.
- Type:Available in both Large Fowl and Bantam varieties.
- Egg Color:Produces cream and tinted eggs.
- Temperament:Known for a friendly and quiet demeanor.
History
In Wisconsin, the Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens are admired for their striking colours. These birds are part of the broader Wyandotte family, renowned for their rich lineage and appearance. Developed in the United States and honed by Joseph McKeen, these chickens serve well as egg layers and hold value in the market. Their varied variations, including birchen, red, and partridge, alongside the rarer lemon blue and Columbian, enhance their allure.
Despite their rarity, these birds contribute significantly not just in beauty but in utility on any farm. As a keeper of these chickens, I can vouch for their indispensable role in our farm’s ecosystem and admin. These chickens were developed for their utility as excellent egg layers and their market value.
The average weight of a male Gold Laced Wyandotte can reach about 3.8 kg, while the females average around 2.7 kg, making them a robust and hardy breed. Despite their fame, there was a time when interest in this breed saw a significant gap, partly due to shifts in agricultural practices and the money dynamics within the poultry market. However, they never completely vanished, thanks to dedicated breeders who maintained the lineage and kept detailed records of their breeding practices.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Light to rich brown |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Egg Production | Good, often lays around 200 eggs per year |
| Begin to Lay | Around 6 months of age |
| Egg Shell | Strong and smooth |
| Nutritional Value | High in protein, essential vitamins and minerals |
| Suitability | Excellent for backyard coops and small farms |
Features
The Wyandotte chicken, especially the Gold Laced Wyandotte, is admired for its stunning appearance. These chickens have a distinctive body shape with a broad breast and a rounded backside, making them quite noticeable in the coop. One striking feature is their comb type, usually a rose comb, which sits neatly atop their head, closely accompanied by bright red ear lobes and alert eyes. The legs of the Wyandottes are clean and strong, supporting their sturdy frame.
This breed is recognized by both the APA (American Poultry Association) and the ABA (American Bantam Association) for their standard of perfection. As layers, these hens are quite reliable, providing a good number of eggs. The skin of the Wyandottes is yellow, which sometimes surprises people who are new to raising these chickens.
Backyard Behavior
Growing up on a small farm, I had the pleasure of caring for a flock of Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens, and their backyard dynamics were always a joy to observe. These birds are not just beautiful with their shimmering gold and black feathers, they also have a robust personality that makes them standout hens in the yard. Known for being quite hardy, they handle different weather conditions well, making them perfect for backyard farming. The Wyandotte chickens, especially the hens, can often become broody. This means they are great mothers and excellent brooders, frequently taking the role of setter, where they sit on their eggs to hatch them. Their nurturing nature and resilience make them a beloved choice for those looking to raise chickens at home.
Wyndotte Chicks
Ready to bring some adorable chicks into your flock? Check out these fantastic websites where you can get your hands on their fluffy little bundles of joy.
Please note that each website may have different rules regarding minimum orders, so I encourage you to visit their respective websites, review their policies, and place your order accordingly
what color are wyandotte chickens?
The Wyandotte chicken is not just any bird, it’s a spectacle of colorings and varieties that catch the eyes of breeders and chicken enthusiasts alike. When you look at the charts of different Wyandotte breeds, the Gold Laced Wyandotte stands out as a stunning example. This particular breed showcases a golden hue intertwined with a deep black that appears almost like a meticulously painted artwork, ideal for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. Among the options available, this one is a favorite in our family coop. My girls especially love watching them as they peck around the yard, their feathers shimmering in the sunlight. It’s fascinating to see how this breed, which originated in the U.S., has become one of the 18 recognized varieties of Wyandotte. Each visit to our local farm feels like a tour through a living Dulux color palette, where everything is vibrant and alive.
Why Is the Gold Laced Wyandotte So Popular?
The Gold Laced Wyandotte stands out as one of the most captivating breeds among backyard chicken enthusiasts. As a chicken parent, I’ve found that their striking colorations and robust traits make them a perfect fit for any family looking to add some flair to their flock. Compared to others, like the gentle Polish, or Olive Egger Chicken, the Gold Lace Wyandottes don’t just win hearts with their looks, their egg-laying talents are among the hardest to match. This breed has become a beloved part of many homes, offering both beauty and practicality.
How Big is the Gold Laced Wyandotte Chicken?
When it comes to the Gold Laced Wyandotte, you might picture a bird that’s not just charming but also quite sturdy. Typically, a male weighs about 8 lbs, making it a large breed, while the females are slightly smaller, usually around 6 ½ lbs. Their bodies are rounded and covered in fabulously fluffy feathers that shimmer with a golden luster, making them stand out in any flock. The Wyandotte stands on slim legs, which might seem delicate but are strong enough to carry its robust body with ease.
How Much Space Does a Gold Laced Wyandotte Need?
Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens, often the fav of many backyard poultry enthusiasts, need a well-planned space to thrive. These beautiful gals, known for their golden feathers with a black pazazz, are not a flight risk like some other breeds. A typical coop should provide about 24 square feet for up to four Wyandottes, giving them ample room to roam and exercise. If you’re considering adding roosters, they typically require a bit more space—think 26 to 30 square feet, ensuring everyone has comfortable access to feed and can exhibit natural behaviors without crowding. For those with smaller spaces, bantam Wyandottes are an excellent option. These mini versions, similar to Pekin bantams, or simply Pekins, need just about one square foot per bird in the coop. Ensuring each chicken has enough room is essential for their health and happiness. A good breeze and some pickin’ at the ground, these hens and roosters can live a robust life with the right setup.
Do Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Make Good Pets?
Wyandottes, especially the Gold Laced variety, are charming chickens that often seek human attention, making them delightful companions. These feathered gals can even become lap-chick favorites for those who spend some time with them regularly. Their calm temperament means they are well-suited for various places. The attractive material of their golden and black feathers also adds a visual appeal to their presence.
Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Good with Kids?
Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens are known for their calm and friendly temperament, making them an excellent choice for families with kids. From my own experience raising these birds, I can say they rarely show any aggression towards humans, which minimizes any risk of unpleasant interactions. Even when my three-year-old niece visits, the hens don’t make a fuss. They are so gentle that she can safely roost near them without me worrying about her getting a telling off from a hen.
Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Roosters Aggressive?
Gold Laced Wyandotte roosters can sometimes act like a grumpy, old man around their coop, especially if they feel their space is threatened. Despite this, they are generally non-confrontational with humans. This breed is known more for its striking appearance than for being aggressive.
How Big Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Eggs?
The weight of a Wyandotte chicken egg typically ranges from around 55 to 65 grams (2 to 2.3 ounces). The Gold Laced Wyandotte produces generously large eggs.
When Will a Gold Laced Wyandotte Start to Lay?
The Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens are not just popular for their attractive feather patterns, but they are also known for their reliable laying habits. These chickens, adorned with bright gold and black lacing on their plumage, usually start laying eggs at an age of 18 to 20 weeks or sometime around 6 months. This is quite average for many breeds. While some young hens might rush to get started, others may take a bit longer, often depending on their upbringing. If raised by mother hens or an incubator, they might adjust to laying routines differently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful | Heat-Sensitive |
| Consistent Egg Layer | Independent |
| Not Aggressive |
Chicken Keepers’ Views on Gold Laced Wyandottes
Chicken keepers love Gold Laced Wyandottes! They often rate these chickens highly on sites like Chickenpedia, where they score an average of 92.6%. Owners appreciate their unique breed personalities and how well they fit into a backyard setting. They are sometimes jokingly called the poultry-diva of the coop because they expect the red-carpet treatment but don’t let that fool you—they’re very much part of the family.
These chickens blend beautifully with other breeds too, thanks to compatibility charts that show Gold Laced Wyandottes are rarely the grump one in the bunch. With their prima girlies attitude, they add a ton of character and charm, making them a cherished addition to any flock.
How Well Do Gold Laced Wyandottes Handle the Cold?
Gold Laced Wyandottes are a fantastic choice for colder climates. They are known to handle winter quite well, thanks to their thick winter wardrobe of feathers. This breed benefits from having a small comb, which means less chance of frostbite—a common problem in many other chickens during cold weather. They can keep thriving even when the temperature drops below 10 degrees. Whether there’s a lot or a little daylight, these birds do just fine, making them one of the more resilient breeds for snowy conditions.
FAQ’s
What color eggs do gold laced Wyandottes lay?
If you’re curious about the egg colors of the Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens, you’re in for a treat. These chickens, known for their beautiful, golden and dark black laced feather coloring, are not just pretty, they are also wonderful egg layers. Typically, the eggs they lay are brown. But don’t guess they’ll be just any brown – these eggs often have a lovely, light brown to medium brown shade, sometimes with a hint of red, pale pink or sand color. They’re not overly large but are a good, medium sized which is perfect for breakfast. It’s interesting to compare these to other chickens’ eggs because the shades can really vary from one to another, depending on factors like diet and environment. Remember, though they are friendly, they are not skiddish, making them easy to care for and a joy to watch in your backyard.
Are Golden Laced Wyandottes Friendly?
The Gold Laced Wyandotte Chicken is a dual-purpose breed, known for its egg production and meat. These chickens are very friendly and docile, making them a perfect choice for a backyard chicken. They are hardy in cold weather and can handle various environments well. They thrive in a free-range setting but also adapt easily to confined spaces. People who raise them often love their calm nature and how easy they are to care for. Plus, they lay plenty of eggs, which makes them good for both egg production and as pets.
In my experience, their striking feathers and sociable behavior make them stand out in the coop. They mingle well with other breeds and are gentle with children, ideal for families looking to introduce poultry to their backyard.
What is the personality of a golden laced Wyandotte hen?
Golden laced Wyandotte hens are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them a favorite among chicken keepers. These birds are not only beautiful with their golden and black feather patterns but also quite talkative, often fun to be around. They thrive in various environments, whether in backyard coops or as part of larger flocks. Wyandottes are also popular in show competitions also.
What’s The Lifespan of a Gold Laced Wyandotte?
Gold Laced Wyandottes, known for their robust and adaptable nature, have a typical lifespan of about 6 to 12 years, making them a long-lived breed among poultry. Originating in the 1870s in Michigan and New York, this breed was named after the Native American tribe, the Wyandotte. They are celebrated for their stunning plumage that features gold lacing on black and brown feathers, which is quite eye-catching and makes them standout in any backyard.
These chickens are not only a heritage breed but also very friendly and docile, which makes them perfect pets for families with children. They are good-natured and social, easily mingling in flocks. As productive egg layers, they provide a lot of eggs annually, proving their reliability. Their medium-size and stout build make them well-suited to various environments, whether it’s a small backyard or a larger farm setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a poultry enthusiast and keeper, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens. Their stunning gold-laced feathers and robust nature make them not only a joy to behold but also incredibly resilient in various weather conditions. These birds are phenomenal egg layers with calm temperaments, enhancing both the productivity and harmony of any flock. Their adaptability and friendly nature mean they integrate effortlessly into backyard coops, quickly becoming favorites among poultry communities. Whether you’re interested in showing, egg production, or just want a charming pet, the Gold Laced Wyandotte truly stands out as a breed that combines beauty with practicality, making them a top choice for chicken keepers everywhere.