Silver Laced Wyandotte

The Silver Laced Wyandotte is a chicken breed originating in the United States. The first examples of the breed appeared in 1870s. Wyandottes are a docile, dual-purpose breed kept for their brown eggs and for meat. They appear in a wide variety of color patterns, and are popular show birds. The Wyandotte lays pale brown or tan eggs and usually has a white ring of feathers around its neck. Wyandotte hens are devoted mothers.

The Wyandotte is a medium sized bird with a rose comb and clean legs. The chicken feathers are broad and loosely fitting. The area around the vent is very fluffy. The legs are yellow, although some silver laced may have grey.

Silver Laced Wyandotte chickens will lay around 200 eggs a year with an exceptional hen laying around 240 eggs a year. The eggs are brown or tinted. The hens weigh around 6 pounds and the cocks weigh around 8½ pounds. The hens also make great setters. It is sometimes difficult for natural insemination to occur, due to the number and thickness of feathers in the tail area. For the same reason, they are prone to accumulation of feces on vent-area feathers that needs to be regularly washed off, or the vent could become clogged.

The Wyandotte is a breed that suits both free range and confinement in a run. Hens occasionally become broody. They are also very vocal, uttering soft clucks on a regular basis. The breed has been noted for being incredibly friendly, and combined with their easy maintainability are a favorite with those new to raising chickens