Wyandotte Chickens: The New Zealand Keeper's Guide
~200 brown eggs a year · Heavy (3-3.5 kg) · hardy, handsome heritage bird
The Wyandotte is a rounded, beautifully laced heritage breed that is both ornamental and productive. The Silver Laced and Gold Laced varieties are popular in New Zealand for their striking looks and easy temperament.
Eggs and laying
Around 200 brown eggs a year, laid steadily and continuing reasonably into winter. A dependable rather than record-breaking layer.
Temperament
Calm, friendly and self-assured, holding their own in a mixed flock without being bullies. Easy to handle and good with children.
New Zealand climate fit
Exceptionally cold-hardy thanks to a tight rose comb that resists frostbite, which makes them one of the best heritage choices for frosty Central Otago and Southland. They handle the warm north well too.
Care notes
Easy keepers with dense plumage. The rose comb is a real advantage in hard frosts. Good foragers that do not fly much, so they are easy to contain.
More breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Wyandottes cold-hardy?
Very. Their tight rose comb is far less prone to frostbite than a large single comb, so they are an excellent choice for the cold, frosty parts of the South Island.
How many eggs do Wyandottes lay?
Around 200 brown eggs a year, laid steadily and continuing into winter better than many heritage breeds.
What colours do Wyandottes come in?
Many, but Silver Laced and Gold Laced are the best known and most sought-after in New Zealand for their striking feather patterns.