Orps and Wyandotts

[billwoos]

Hi all,

In may I purchased 35 Buff Orpingtons and 10 Silver Laced Wyandotts from a hatchery. The "mystery" chick that came with the order turned out to be a Golden Laced Wyandott cock. I have thinned the flock down to Floyd... the Golden Laced Wyandott, two Wyandott hens and 3 Buff Orp roos and 7 Buff Orp hens. I find that the Wyandotts are skittish as heck, very unfriendly while the Buff Orps are friendly and the roos are even a bit aggressive. I want to drop the flock down to two roosters for the winter and would love to keep the Wyandott - just cause he is so cool looking. Should I? The Orp roosters are much more calm and friendly, if a little pushy. If I cull the two Orp roosters - will the Wyandott chill out? I read that the Wyandotts are friendly, calm birds.... not so far in my experience! I may just cull all of the Wyandotts. Any advice will be appreciated.

Bill

 

[speckledhen]

I had that same experience with Delawares, supposedly calm and friendly. Not mine! They were aggressive, skittish and a total pain. Sold even the pullets. I have three Silver Laced Wyandottes who are going on two years old-wonderful girls. Sometimes a strain of a breed just doesn't measure up to their rep as you've seen. It may take some extra effort on your part to tame a select few to your satisfaction. Just because you get rid of a couple of roosters doesn't necessarily mean the other one will calm down, though. He may get worse with the competition gone; just never know.

 

[billwoos]

Thanks much for the advice. The "top cock" is a Buff that just outshines the other three roosters in every respect and kicks butt. He is the boss and stays regardless! The other buff roos are so goofy friendly I just hate to cull them even tho I know that at least one has to go. Thank goodness I didn't name them! The Wyandott (Floyd) is such a beautiful bird, I want to keep him if I can, it is just that he is just such a jerk. I only want to winter over the hens and two roos, that's the problem. It is funny - the difference in personalities of the two breeds. The Orps will just let me pick them up, the Wyandotts freak out. All were handled from chicks on exactly the same. How strange. Anyway, would love to hear from anyone else who has advice.

Thanks!
Bill

 

[Julie in Al]

Of Course if you keep the Wyandotte you could breed him to your buff Orps and try to produce a Golden laced Orp. I haven't seen any in the states, Just in Europe.

 

[jab91864]

Gold laced Orp pics are gorgeous !!

Julie

 

[billwoos]

OK, will give it a shot and get some pics up... before and - hopefully - after. Next springs chicks should be interesting. Will keep you all informed. Still feel bad for the two Orp losers...:-(

Bill

 

[Julie in Al]

Bill, here is what your working towards.

CAn't wait to see what happens for you

 

[billwoos]

OK, here are pics of the winners of the "get to stay for the winter" contest. It will be interesting next spring to see what comes of the breedings. Will move the Wyandott roo and the best Buff Orp hens off by themselves and see what happens. Will keep you all informed.

Bill

 

[Bluehenhatchery.com]

this my bird from Tennessee

I also have blue laced as well

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Don't give up on your wyandottes. Mine are my friendliest birds except for my speckled sussex.