Wyandotte chickens are a popular breed, but the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is the most visually appealing.
Many people choose these chickens for their beautiful feathers, but there’s a lot more to them than that. They can be excellent egg layers and meat producers, so let’s discover more about them and how to care for them.
Overview of the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
History of the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
In the 1870s, the first Wyandotte chickens were bred in the United States. H.M. Doubleday, Fred Houdlette, John Ray, and L. Whittaker collaborated to develop the first chicken with silver laced feathers.
The birds are native to New York, and the name “Wyandotte” refers to a Native American tribe. However, it’s unclear whether there’s a link between the two because much of the breed’s history is unknown.
The first Wyandottes are thought to have descended from a silver-spangled Hamburg chicken and a dark Brahma chicken. As the breed gained recognition in other countries, other color varieties, such as the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte, were developed.
Despite the fact that Wyandottes first appeared in America, it is unknown where the first Blue Laced Red Wyandotte was bred. Some believe it originated in Germany, while others believe it was shipped from the United States to Europe.
These chickens were bred to be good egg and meat producers. They are still widely used for these purposes today.
Appearance of a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chickens have a distinct appearance as adults, but they look slightly different at each stage of development. Here’s what to look forward to as they grow.
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes Egg Color?
Blue laced wyandotte chickens are known for their large brown eggs. The eggs are sometimes speckled with white or dark brown pigments.
Appearance of Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chicks
Red Laced in Blue Wyandotte chicks are typically yellow and fuzzy, but the tips of their feathers are a darker brown color.
When they’re chicks, however, it’s difficult to tell the difference between males and females. You may notice some differences once they reach the age of eight weeks.
Males, in particular, have stronger bodies at that point. Male chicks are also more bold, assertive, and curious, whereas female chicks are quieter and more timid.
Adult Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Appearance
Wyandotte chickens are large, round birds with red wattles and a small red comb. Their legs are light yellow, and their beaks are slightly darker. Their legs appear short, but they can easily support the weight of the chicken.
This Wyandotte has dense feathers in a variety of colors. Their back feathers are a red/chestnut color. Their belly feathers are a similar color, but there is a thin line of blue/gray on them. The underlayer of their feathers is also blue/gray.
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are only one type of Wyandotte. Silver laced, gold-laced, black, partridge, buff, and blue are some of the other Wyandotte colors.
Breed Specification
The American Poultry Association (APA) does not recognize Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, so there is no official breed standard. Nonetheless, they will be the same size and shape as any other Wyandotte, but with a distinct color pattern.
Dimensions and Weight
Wyandottes are all large chickens, but their fluffy feathers give them the appearance of being even larger. Hens weigh approximately 6.5 pounds, while roosters weigh approximately 8.5 pounds.
Broodiness
These hens aren’t known for being broody, but they do make excellent mothers. They will accept any egg placed beneath them as their own and will sit on eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. You won’t have to rely on an incubator to hatch the eggs if you don’t want to.
While this behavior may be useful for keepers who want to breed their chickens, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are prone to fertility issues due to their fluffy feathers. As a result, they can be difficult to breed.
Temperament of the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Wyandottes are considered to be friendly and docile chickens. They rarely become agitated, which makes them excellent around people, including children.
They don’t mind being held if they’re accustomed to it at a young age, but they’re not typically referred to as “lap chickens.” They don’t mind being around people, but they aren’t suitable as family pets.
These birds are also highly adaptable, so whether you confine them or let them roam free, they’ll be happy as long as they have their basic needs met. These characteristics make these birds ideal for new chicken keepers.
Levels of Noise
Blue laced red wyandottes are generally quiet and peaceful. However, some chickens have been known to be chatty, so it all depends on the individual chicken.
Because it’s unclear how chatty these birds will be, keep them away from neighbors to ensure your hens don’t bother anyone.
Roosters are far more chatty than hens, and they may crow in the morning. If you don’t intend to breed your chickens, you should avoid getting roosters.
Do Blue Laced Red Wyandottes Get Along Well With Other Pets?
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes prefer to be kept with other breeds of chickens. While they are unlikely to pick fights with other animals, if another critter picks on them, they will not hesitate to fight back.
Because Wyandottes are usually docile, other birds will most likely try to bully them.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Care Instructions
It’s no surprise that Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are stunning, but there’s more to consider than just their looks. So, here are some pointers on how to take care of this breed.
Diet
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, like all chickens, should have constant access to clean water and food. When they’re chicks, start with a high-protein crumble that contains about 20% protein. Crumbles are more easily swallowed by chicks than pellets.
The amount of protein can then be gradually reduced as they age. You can start giving them a 16 percent protein-layered feed when they’re 16 weeks old.
You should also feed your hens oysters for extra calcium. The oysters should be served separately from the rest of the meal.
Wyandottes are also good foragers, so allowing them to roam will allow them to find some nutrients on their own. They will consume bugs and other pests for you, which is beneficial to their health.
Even so, most 6-pound chickens will consume approximately 3 pounds of feed per week.
Housing Requirements
Wyandottes require a minimum of eight to ten square feet per bird when building a coop. More space is required if they are kept with other chicken breeds to prevent them from fighting.
Because they are larger chickens, they require a lot of perch space. Each chicken should have a roosting space of 10 to 12 inches.
In the winter, however, the chickens will most likely sit closer together to keep warm. They’ll make the most of the extra space during the summer.
Also, when providing nesting boxes, ensure that they are approximately 12 inches by 12 inches. That’s enough room for the hens to be comfortable without allowing a second bird to squeeze in.
If there are too many chickens in one nesting box, the eggs may break.
Wyandotte chickens tolerate confinement well, so you don’t need to provide them with free-range time if you don’t want to.
If you keep them in an enclosure at all times, make sure it has plenty of space for them to explore and plenty of items to keep them occupied, such as chicken toys.
Because these birds can’t fly very well, a 3-4 foot fence is sufficient to keep them confined. The only problem with allowing them to roam free is that their inability to fly puts them at greater risk of being hunted by wild animals.
Temperature
Red Laced in Blue Wyandotte chickens were bred in cold climates, so they can withstand harsh winters. Snow and ice do not bother them, but they should have adequate shelter at all times. Their thick feathers keep them warm.
These birds, on the other hand, may not fare well in the scorching heat. Chickens regulate their body temperatures with their combs, but because their combs are so small, it’s difficult for them to stay cool in the summer.
To avoid heat-related problems, make sure they always have access to shade and water.
If you live in an area that gets extremely hot in the summer, you should consider installing a fan in your chicken coop. When the chickens are inside, the coop should be well-ventilated to allow proper airflow.
Concerns About Health
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are generally healthy birds. As previously stated, they have low fertility and are susceptible to heat-related health issues. Aside from those issues, the majority of their health issues are common to most chicken breeds.
Most chickens are susceptible to parasites such as mites, lice, and worms. Preventatives for these can be given to chickens on a regular basis.
Cleaning their bedding and bowls on a regular basis can also help prevent parasite spread. Another method for preventing parasites from living in the feathers of chickens is to provide dust baths.
Having a lot of feathers near their rear end isn’t just a breeding issue; it can also cause feces and debris to accumulate in their feathers.
Even if you don’t intend to breed your chickens, it’s a good idea to trim the feathers on their bottoms on a regular basis to avoid a blockage.
Because Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are in high demand, many people who breed them do so irresponsibly. They may breed “inferior” birds, exposing the chicks to more health problems.
You’ll be less likely to buy sick birds if you only buy from reputable breeders.
Breeding Blue Laced Red Wyandottes
Wyandottes are not the easiest birds to breed, but it is not impossible. If you want to add some birds to your coop, you can do so by adding some roosters to the hen enclosure.
Once kept in the same enclosure, the roosters and hens will breed on their own. The fluffy feathers, on the other hand, make it difficult for them to lay fertile eggs.
Trim the feathers around the bottoms of the chickens to make mating easier, which will increase their chances of producing chicks.
It may take some time for fertile eggs to be produced after a hen and rooster mate. If you don’t want chicks in your coop, keep roosters separate from the hens, or don’t buy any roosters at all.
Production of Eggs
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes lay about 4 eggs per week, for a total of close to 200 eggs per year. While many hens stop laying eggs in the winter, Wyandottes do so all year because they are accustomed to the cold.
Wyandottes typically begin laying eggs between the ages of 16 and 20 weeks. They produce large brown eggs.
Are the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chickens right for You?
It goes without saying that Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are stunning, but how do you know if they’re the right breed for you? Whether you want meat or eggs, these large chickens can provide both. They are the ideal dual-purpose hens.
However, because Wyandottes are large chickens, they require more space than other breeds. Before committing to their care, make sure you have enough room for them.
If you think you have what it takes to keep these lovely birds, they’ll make an excellent addition to your backyard or farm.
References:
- Wyandotte Chicken. The Livestock Conservancy. Archived 7 June 2015.
- Conservation Priority Poultry Breeds 2015. The Livestock Conservancy. Archived 15 October 2015.
- Edgar L. Petty (2001). Wyandottes: The American Breed with an Indian Name and Eurasian Background. SPPA Bulletin 6 (4): 4–6. Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities. Accessed August 2014.
- Victoria Roberts (2008). British Poultry Standards: complete specifications and judging points of all standardized breeds and varieties of poultry as compiled by the specialist breed clubs and recognised by the Poultry Club of Great Britain. Oxford: Blackwell. ISBN 9781405156424.
- APA Recognized Breeds and Varieties: As of January 1, 2012. American Poultry Association. Archived 4 November 2017.
- Breed Classification. Poultry Club of Great Britain. Archived 12 June 2018.
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