This is either a strange Wyandotte... or not a Wyandotte at all.

[FreeChicken!]

Recently I got seven new chicks from a hatchery, four of them being Golden Laced Wyandottes. But as they got bigger--they are now fully feathered--I noticed that one of them has a different kind of comb from the other three. Three of these Wyandotte chicks have the normal rose comb. But this unusual one has a single comb instead. She has the same patterns and coloration as the other chicks, she's the same size and everything. The only difference is her comb type. But if she has a completely different type of comb, does that mean she's not a Wyandotte at all? What is she then? How could a mix-up like this have occurred?

I currently don't have any pictures, but I'll try to get some soon.

 

[sourland]

Upon occasion hatchery Wyandottes will appear with single combs .

 

[RockerHen]

Yep, just a result of hatcheries not paying close attention to the quality of their breeding stock. I have a hatchery silver laced wyandotte hen with a single comb as well.

 

[sourland]

Actually, I have heard it suggested that thes single combed birds are used to increase fertility in the Wyandottes. I am not certain how true this is.

 

[RockerHen]

Actually, I have heard it suggested that thes single combed birds are used to increase fertility in the Wyandottes. I am not certain how true this is.

I have heard that as well, and I have seen it debated very hotly among wyandotte breeders on some forums. Doesn't really matter to me as the wyandottes I have I got to add some plumage color to my egg laying flock, not to breed, and I don't care what kind of comb my egg laying flock has, as long as they lay

 

[donrae]

I've also heard the rose comb is linked to lower fertility and hatchery stock has straight combed birds bred in to boost fertility. Don't know if it's true, or a chicken urban legend, but I do know it's not uncommon for hatchery wyandottes to have straight combs.

I agree with the Rachel above, I have them for pretty colors. Hatchery stock never meets a breeds standard of perfection anyway.

 

[FreeChicken!]

Ahhh, okay. Thank you for your answers! That's certainly very interesting!