Breed profile

Silver Laced Wyandotte

The one in the good coat. Around ~200 eggs a year, brown shells, self-possessed temperament, and excellent in cold.

Quick facts

Adult hen weightAbout 6½ lb
CombRose
Eggs per year~200
Shell colorBrown
TemperamentSelf-possessed
Cold hardinessExcellent
Heat tolerancePoor

About the Silver Laced Wyandotte

Every feather outlined in black — genuinely the best-dressed bird in the run. A rose comb and dense plumage make her outstanding in bitter cold and poor in real heat. Self-possessed rather than cuddly; she'll tolerate you, on her terms.

Cold and heat tolerance

The Wyandotte is built for bitter cold. Her rose comb sits low and flat, so it is very resistant to frostbite, and dense, rounded plumage holds heat. She is a strong choice for the Upper Midwest, northern New England and high mountain valleys.

Heat is a real limit. That same dense plumage makes summers in the Deep South and Desert Southwest hard on her. Give her deep shade, extra waterers and frozen treats, and do not leave her in an unshaded run once temperatures reach the 90s °F.

Eggs and laying

A Wyandotte lays roughly 180–200 brown eggs a year, and many keep laying through winter. She is usually a little slower to start than production breeds, often around 20–24 weeks. She goes broody now and then.

Temperament and care

Wyandottes are self-possessed rather than cuddly. They are not aggressive, but they hold their own in a pecking order and usually settle near the middle or top. They tolerate confinement and are good foragers. The laced pattern shows off well, so hens are popular for backyard flocks that want looks as well as eggs.

Who they're for

the classic brown-egg backyard bird, built for real winters. Every flock is a sitcom cast — the Silver Laced Wyandotte is the one in the good coat.

Silver Laced Wyandotte FAQ

Do Wyandottes handle cold weather?

Very well. The low rose comb resists frostbite and the dense feathers hold heat, making them one of the best winter breeds.

Can Wyandottes live in hot climates?

They struggle. Heavy plumage makes heat hard on them, so they need strong shade, cool water and airflow where summers are hot.

How many eggs does a Silver Laced Wyandotte lay?

Roughly 180–200 brown eggs a year, with decent winter production.

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