I currently have three Wyandotte hens (two golds and a silver). I used to have another silver, but she died. They're very good layers, and lay so much that I can't figure out what to do with all the eggs. One of them sometimes goes broody, but not to the point where you can't collect the eggs. They have beautiful feathers (particularly the golds). Wyandottes are perfectly fine in cold most times and mine are usually ok in heat, as long as it is under 90 degrees. I've don't have many issues free ranging them, but they won't go back to the coop on their own. You sort of have to herd them back in, as they will stay out after dark. My chickens have very... odd... personalities, which some people like and some people don't.
Wyandottes do have some problems, though. They're not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed, for one thing. Half the time mine forget what a door is and will proceed to walk around it and start pacing trying to figure out their way through the wall. My hens are also aggressive, often pecking and plucking feathers from each other. I find it kind of strange that they seem to think the bunny is their leader... These birds are wary and skittish around humans and do not like to be handled, at all, ever. Really a shame, considering how nice and soft their feathers are. Another issue is that some feed stores are not knowledgeable about the breed at all. I was trying to buy the bantam variety, but they sold me standard. If you plan on buying Wyandottes from a feed store, buyer beware!
I personally would not get these birds again. If I ever decide to expand my flock, I plan to try Sebrights, Old English Game Bantams or Japanese Bantams. However, if you're interested in giving a new breed a try and don't mind taking a risk, go right ahead. Some people really like them, and you could be one of them. Mine could just have a few screws loose, I don't know.
Wyandottes do have some problems, though. They're not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed, for one thing. Half the time mine forget what a door is and will proceed to walk around it and start pacing trying to figure out their way through the wall. My hens are also aggressive, often pecking and plucking feathers from each other. I find it kind of strange that they seem to think the bunny is their leader... These birds are wary and skittish around humans and do not like to be handled, at all, ever. Really a shame, considering how nice and soft their feathers are. Another issue is that some feed stores are not knowledgeable about the breed at all. I was trying to buy the bantam variety, but they sold me standard. If you plan on buying Wyandottes from a feed store, buyer beware!
I personally would not get these birds again. If I ever decide to expand my flock, I plan to try Sebrights, Old English Game Bantams or Japanese Bantams. However, if you're interested in giving a new breed a try and don't mind taking a risk, go right ahead. Some people really like them, and you could be one of them. Mine could just have a few screws loose, I don't know.