The Story Behind the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Breed
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a newer variety of the Wyandotte breed, which was first created in the United States in the 1870s. Wyandottes were originally bred to be good for both eggs and meat, making them a popular dual-purpose chicken. The first type of Wyandotte was the Silver Laced variety. When the breed was officially accepted by the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1883, the name was changed to Wyandotte.
The Blue Laced Red variety came later, most likely developed in Europe. Breeders combined different chicken breeds to get the striking blue lacing on the red feathers, which makes these birds stand out. This unique color pattern has made the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte very popular with chicken keepers.
The price of a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte can vary depending on where you buy it and its age. Chicks typically cost between $10 to $20 each, while adult hens and roosters can cost $30 to $50 or more. The high demand for this breed often drives prices up, especially for birds with perfect coloring and lacing.
Breed Characteristics
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is known for its beautiful appearance and sturdy body. One of its standout features is its colorful feathers—rich red with a blue or grayish outline. This makes the bird stand out in any flock.
Size and Weight
These chickens are generally large in size. Hens usually weigh around 6 to 7 pounds, while roosters can weigh 8 to 9 pounds, which makes them solid and strong birds.
Temperament
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are calm and friendly. They get along well with other chickens and are easy to handle, which makes them a good choice for backyard flocks. Their gentle nature also makes them great pets, even for families with children.
The personality of each Blue Laced Red Wyandotte can differ quite a bit. Some are more social, while others may be more reserved, quiet, or noisy. However, they are strong-willed and won’t allow themselves to be pushed around. While they aren’t aggressive, they will defend their flock when needed.
Egg Production
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are good egg layers, which makes them a great choice for backyard flocks. On average, a healthy hen can lay around 200 to 240 eggs each year, or about 4 to 5 eggs a week. The eggs are usually medium to large in size. The color of their eggs varies from light brown to dark brown.
Broodiness
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes can sometimes become broody, meaning they want to sit on their eggs to hatch them. This can be helpful if you want baby chicks, as these hens are usually good at taking care of their eggs and chicks.
But if you’re more focused on getting eggs, a broody hen might stop laying while she sits on the nest. If you don’t want her to hatch eggs, you can gently stop her broodiness by taking her out of the nest or blocking her favorite nesting spot.
Hardiness and Climate Adaptability
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are tough birds that can handle different types of weather. They have a strong body and a lot of feathers, which help keep them warm in cold temperatures. This makes them a good choice for places with cold winters.
These chickens also do well in hot weather. They can manage heat as long as they have shade and plenty of water. Giving them a cool area to relax will help keep them comfortable on hot days.
Overall, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are flexible birds that can do well in many climates.
Common Health Issues in Blue Laced Red Wyandottes
While Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are generally hardy chickens, they can still face some common health problems.
Like many chickens, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes can suffer from respiratory problems, especially if their coop is damp or not well-ventilated. Keep the coop clean and make sure it has good airflow to help prevent this.
These chickens can get mites, lice, or worms, which can affect their health and egg production. Regularly check their feathers and skin for signs of parasites, and treat them if necessary.
Bumblefoot is an infection that can happen if a chicken injures its foot. It’s important to keep the coop floor clean and provide soft bedding to reduce the risk of foot injuries.
Tips for Raising a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Raising Blue Laced Red Wyandottes is easy if you follow these simple tips:
Give Them Enough Space: These chickens need room to move. Make sure their coop is big enough and they have space outside to roam. Each chicken should have about 4 square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet in the outdoor area.
Feed Them Properly: Provide them with good-quality chicken feed to meet their nutrition needs. You can give them treats like fruits and vegetables, but their main food should be balanced. Always make sure they have fresh water.
Keep Them Comfortable: While they can handle different weather, they still need care. In winter, keep their coop warm and dry. In summer, give them shade and plenty of cool water to help with the heat.
Check Their Health: Keep an eye on how they’re doing. Watch for any signs of illness, like changes in how they act or eat. Regular check-ups and a clean coop help keep them healthy.
Handle Them Gently: These chickens are calm and friendly, so they’re easy to handle. Treat them kindly, and they’ll become more comfortable around people, making great pets.
Benefits of Raising Blue Laced Red Wyandottes
There are many great reasons to raise Blue Laced Red Wyandottes in your backyard:
Beautiful Look: Their colorful feathers, with rich red and blue lacing, make them very attractive. They add charm to your flock.
Good for Eggs and Meat: Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are good for both laying eggs and providing meat. Hens lay a nice number of eggs, while roosters can be used for meat when needed.
Friendly Nature: These chickens are calm and friendly. They usually get along well with other chickens and are easy to handle, making them great for families and beginners.
Hardy Birds: They can adapt to different climates, so they do well in both hot and cold weather, which is helpful for many chicken keepers.
Good Mothers: If you decide to breed them, Wyandotte hens are often good at taking care of their eggs and chicks.
In this video, you can find more information about this breed.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a great breed for chicken keepers. They look beautiful, have friendly personalities, and can live in different types of weather. Whether you want them for eggs or just to add some charm to your backyard, these chickens are a good choice.
By taking care of them with proper food, shelter, and attention, you can enjoy everything they have to offer. Their calm nature and good mothering instincts also make them great for breeding. Overall, raising Blue Laced Red Wyandottes can be a fun and rewarding experience for any chicken owner.
