Wyandotte Chickens: Complete Breed Guide

Wyandottes are some of the most beautiful chickens you can raise. Each feather is edged in a crisp contrasting color, giving the bird a lacy, scalloped look. They're also practical: steady layers of brown eggs, calm in the yard and so cold hardy that winter barely slows them down.

This guide covers the Wyandotte varieties we offer, what to expect from their eggs and personality, and how to raise them in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Quick facts

Egg color	Brown to light brown
Egg size	Medium to large
Eggs per year	About 200–240
First eggs	About 18–20 weeks
Adult hen weight	About 6 lbs
Temperament	Calm, steady, independent
Cold hardy	Yes, very
Heat tolerance	Moderate, needs shade
Broodiness	Sometimes
Purpose	Dual purpose: eggs and meat
Comb	Rose comb

History of the Wyandotte

Wyandottes were developed in New York and the northern United States in the 1870s, making them one of America's original breeds. The Silver Laced Wyandotte came first and was accepted into the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1883. The breed is named for the Wyandot people of North America. The Golden Laced variety followed soon after, and breeders have since developed many more colors.

Wyandotte varieties

• Silver Laced Wyandotte: silver-white feathers edged in bold black. The original variety and a strong layer, at about 200–240 large brown eggs a year.
• Golden Laced Wyandotte: rich gold feathers edged in black, laying about 200 medium to large brown eggs a year.
• Blue Laced Red Wyandotte: mahogany red feathers edged in soft blue, one of the most eye-catching birds in any flock. Lacing and color deepen as they mature.
• Columbian Wyandotte: a white body with a black-striped neck and black tail, similar in pattern to a Light Brahma.

Chicks don't show their adult lacing right away. The full pattern develops over the first several months as they grow adult feathers.

Eggs and laying

Wyandottes are dependable layers, usually starting at about 18–20 weeks. Expect about 200–240 brown eggs a year from a Silver Laced hen and about 200 from most other varieties. Like other heritage breeds, they slow down in late fall and winter and during molt, but their hardiness helps them keep laying better than many breeds in cold weather. See our chicken egg color chart to plan a colorful basket.

Temperament and personality

Wyandottes are calm and steady. Most aren't lap chickens, but they're easy to handle and rarely flighty. They're confident, independent foragers that hold their own in a mixed flock without being bullies. Some hens go broody and make good mothers.

Raising Wyandottes in the Mid-Atlantic

The Wyandotte's low, tight rose comb is a big advantage in winter. It has little to freeze, so frostbite is rare even on damp, cold Eastern Shore nights. Their full, fluffy feathering adds warmth. Give them a dry, draft-free coop with good ventilation and keep water from freezing.

That same thick feathering means summer heat needs planning. Provide deep shade, good airflow and plenty of cool water. For more, read the best chicken breeds for Maryland, Virginia and Delaware weather.

Space, feed and care

• Brooder: keep chicks warm, dry and draft-free for the first several weeks. Our guide to how to set up a brooder for baby chicks walks you through it.
• Coop space: plan on at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and about 10 square feet per bird in the run.
• Roosts and nests: one nest box for every four or five hens, and enough roost space for everyone to sleep side by side.
• Feed: chick starter from day one, grower feed from about 8 weeks, then layer feed with oyster shell on the side once they start laying.
• Feathering: the fluffy feathers around the vent can trap droppings. Check hens now and then and trim if needed.
• Lifespan: with good care, many Wyandottes live 6–12 years.

Sizing your flock? Read how many chickens should I get? and day-old chicks vs started pullets.

Which Wyandotte should I choose?

If eggs come first, the Silver Laced Wyandotte is a strong choice. For warm color, choose the Golden Laced. If you want a showpiece, the Blue Laced Red is hard to beat. They all share the same calm personality and winter toughness, so many keepers raise a mix. Also consider the Brahma if you love a big, gentle, cold-hardy bird.

Frequently asked questions

Are Wyandottes good for beginners?

Yes. They're hardy, calm and easy to care for, and their rose comb makes winter care simple.

How many eggs does a Wyandotte lay?

About 200–240 brown eggs a year for Silver Laced Wyandottes and about 200 for most other varieties.

When do Wyandottes start laying?

Usually at about 18–20 weeks.

Are Wyandottes friendly?

They're calm and easy to handle, though more independent than lap breeds like Orpingtons.

Why don't my Wyandotte chicks have lacing?

Lacing appears as chicks grow adult feathers. The full pattern develops over the first several months.

Can I buy Wyandotte hatching eggs or started pullets?

Yes. We offer Silver Laced, Golden Laced and Blue Laced Red hatching eggs, plus Silver Laced and Golden Laced started pullets.

Ordering Wyandotte chicks from Chesapeake

All chick orders are pre-orders by hatch date. Shipped chicks travel by USPS Priority Mail to your local post office for pickup, and the post office calls when they arrive. Most breeds have a 6-chick minimum for shipping, and you can mix breeds that ship the same week. Live near Maryland's Eastern Shore? Silver Laced, Golden Laced and Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are available with Free local pickup in Preston, with no minimum order. Columbian Wyandottes are available for shipping only. Marek's vaccination is optional and can be added in your cart, and every order is backed by our live arrival guarantee.

See chick shipping rates and times and free local pickup details, read when to order baby chicks, or compare all of our chicken breeds.

Shop Silver Laced chicks · Shop Golden Laced chicks · Shop Blue Laced Red chicks · Shop Columbian chicks