Should I get Wyandottes?

[Mr Oviraptor]

So, Planning on getting more Chicks next year and I'm already deciding on breeds lol, I'm planning on Brahmas and some Sultans, But I've also thought about Wyandottes, What are your opinions on them?

 

[Callender Girl]

I have two Wyandottes, and they couldn't be more different in temperament.

Marietta is a BLRW that I bought with two Cochin Bantams. They were all raised together by someone I know a few years ago, and all were already laying when I got them. Marietta is by far the most standoffish of those three and will NOT eat out of my hand to this day. She is a lovely, pleasant bird, causes no problems in the flock and, thankfully, is not good at flight (I let my loose during the day when I am home and don't clip their wings. I want them to be able to escape if threatened by a predator).

Valentina is a Columbian Wyandotte that I got as a chick. She is Miss-In-Your-Face -- not in a bad way but she is just as eager to spend time with me as Marietta is not. Valentina is a bit better at flight (she can put herself on top of a 3-foot-duck shelter) and wants to be where I am -- especially if treats are involved.

At about four years old, Marietta isn't laying anymore; she's a retired beauty queen. Valentina, who was hatched last year, regularly produces interesting, almost round, eggs two or three times a week.

Both fit well within the overall flock, get along with their roommates (they are housed in different coops) and are striking looking birds.

Overall, I really like Wyandottes, but my two certainly highlight the individual differences within a general breed.

 

[3KillerBs]

Where, in general, are you located?

Wyandottes are lovely birds, especially (IMO), the Silver-Laced variety. But if you're in a hot climate they might be marginal in their tolerance.

If you live in a cold climate then that's exactly what they're bred for.

My experience with one SLW and 2 SLW crosses is that they're good layers of nice, large, pinkish eggs, though not as often as my Australorps much less my California White.

In re: temperament, my SLW is the most docile bird in the flock. The crosses are the most skittish. The two 11-week SLW pullets are not really old enough to show their true temperament, but they aren't over-excitable.

 

[Tonyroo]

Wyandotte temperament varies a lot. I had one named Lucy, she was flock leader by default also she was from my experimental hatch. She was a pretty girl but I wasn't into that breed. After 2 years a neighbor's dog killed her and a few favorite Swedish flower hens.

I would say study the breed before getting it.

 

[MeanCheek]

Every Wyandotte roo I've seen/had has been really hard on the hens

 

[Poodlemum]

We have a bunch and I’m adding more next year We have silver, gold, Columbian, and BLR. The Columbian are super chill and friendly, the others are quite bossy. They’re inquisitive, always up in your business, friendly. Not what I’d call bullies though, just telling everyone what to do and how to do it lol. They won’t single out a bird or keep bothering one, just peck and move on

 

[Poodlemum]

Oh and I got them for cold hardiness, they did great last winter. Not stupendous layers though. Slow to start, small eggs, not prolific. But the girls are sooooooo gorgeous! Don’t seem overly affected by 90+ temps, but we’re a dry heat

 

[crazychickenman007]

I have one SLW (Mable) and she’s super pretty. She is lead hen and can be kinda a butt head to the others. She’s not cuddly and doesn’t like to be touched unlike all my other hens. She’s not mean to people just standoffish and definitely the leader of the flock.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Yes. Lol. Get yourself a couple of Wyandottes. I am a beginner breeder of the Columbian variety.