What breed is this hen?

[Farias1124]

Curious to know what breed this is and any other info you might have on them. Laying habits? Egg size and color? Temperament? Good hot and cold birds? Thanks in advance everyone. Much appreciated.

Brian

 

[Michael OShay]

It looks like a Silver Laced Wyandotte, but a hatchery grade SLW with a single comb instead of a rose comb. I've raised Silver Laced Wyandottes and they are good layers (3 to 4 eggs per hen per week) of large, brown eggs. They are generally friendly and docile birds, although I have occasionally had an aggressive one (but that is definitely the exception and not the rule). They are very cold hardy, somewhat less heat hardy.

 

[BantamLover21]

Looks like a hatchery quality Silver Laced Wyandotte to me, too. My hatchery Wyandottes have been very docile birds that like being around people. Mine lay large, light brown eggs nearly every day in the summer, spring, and fall even though they are now over 3 years old. Due to their small combs and heavy feathering, Wyandottes tolerate cold very well. They also do just fine in the heat.

 

[21hens-incharge]

That comb is throwing me. Everything screams silver laced wyandotte except that comb.

They are pretty birds and generally nice ones at that. I have a very mean gold laced right now and an extremely docile blue splash wyandotte.
If you are able to pick her up without to much fuss she should end up being a nice bird.

Just my opinion of course.

Babs

 

[Wyandottes7]

Your bird is a hatchery-quality Silver Laced Wyandotte. Many hatchery birds don't have all the normal breed characteristics, such as a rose comb in the case of Wyandottes. Single comb is recessive to rose comb, so even in purebred Wyandottes, it can crop up from time to time.

 

[Farias1124]

Thank you all very much for the great information. I think these are great looking birds and plan to add a few to my flock. Are there any reputable places online I may be able to purchase just a few? I see lots of places have a 15-25 chick minimum and as much as I'd like to have that many I simply don't have the room. I'm looking for 2-4 chicks.

Brian

 

[21hens-incharge]

If you are wanting pets there are a few options for small shipments. Not sure about the winter shipping requirements though. mypetchicken.com for example has the ability to ship small quantities.
Remember a lot of these places use outsourced hatcheries to get their birds from. Yes even the larger companies have outsource places they get birds from.
Perhaps an add in the wanted section of craigs list would work.
The farm supply store near me will add special orders to their order if you ask. Perhaps one near you will too, it may mean waiting until spring though.

If you are wanting show quality that takes a lot of searching to find a good breeder in any area.

Wishing you the best.

Babs

 

[Farias1124]

Thanks Babs!

Pets are all I'm looking for at the moment. I figured I would probably be waiting until spring to find some. Our local feed store will do special orders but I believe that's only in the spring when they have their chicks in.

I did find a few somewhat local to me on Craigslist that are about 5 months old but the seller is asking $45 per bird. They don't seem to be show birds. Is this a common price? Thank you.

Brian

 

[Wyandottes7]

Thanks Babs!

Pets are all I'm looking for at the moment. I figured I would probably be waiting until spring to find some. Our local feed store will do special orders but I believe that's only in the spring when they have their chicks in.

I did find a few somewhat local to me on Craigslist that are about 5 months old but the seller is asking $45 per bird. They don't seem to be show birds. Is this a common price? Thank you.

Brian

No, this is (at least in my area), not a common price. $45 is a price for a show bird or a potential breeder bird. Generally, you're looking at about $20 for a started pullet. Unless, the breeds are very rare or in high demand.

 

[BantamLover21]

No, this is (at least in my area), not a common price. $45 is a price for a show bird or a potential breeder bird. Generally, you're looking at about $20 for a started pullet. Unless, the breeds are very rare or in high demand.

x2 on this.

$45 for a non-breeder or show bird is not common, unless the breeds are particularly rare.