Wyandotte
The Laced Bantam Wyandotte’s feather pattern is stunning, not only are they gorgeous little beings, they have bags of character. They are cheeky and inquisitive little birds, excellent in a smaller back garden coop. They do like human company although they won’t be as cuddly and tame as a Silkie or Pekin.
Good with most
This breed generally gets along well with most other breeds. However, some may exhibit bullying behaviour in larger groups or when paired with more delicate breeds. It can also coexist in a mixed flock alongside larger hybrids or purebred chickens.
Aloof But Friendly
This breed is naturally curious and friendly, but they may appear somewhat aloof as they don’t enjoy excessive handling. They are independent and prefer to go about their own business, staying content to "chicken out" and do their own thing.
150-200 Medium Cream PA
This breed can lay up to 2,000 medium-sized, cream-colored eggs annually and is not typically known for being very broody.
Character
Bantam Wyandotte hens are typically calm and friendly, though they have strong personalities and can sometimes be a bit of a diva. Their confident nature may make them seem aloof, but they are sweet-tempered and non-aggressive toward other breeds. With patience and trust-building, they can be hand-tamed over time.
With their beautiful laced plumage, they make lovely garden hens and are quite striking in appearance. They enjoy foraging and free-ranging, and if kept in captivity for too long, they’ll need plenty of enrichment in their run to stay happy.
Suitability
The Bantam Wyandotte is an excellent forager that thrives when allowed to free-range and have their own space. Whether in a backyard or open field, they are well-suited to both environments. While not as broody as Silkies, they make excellent mothers and will sit on and hatch eggs without hesitation. They generally get along well with most Bantam breeds, but in large numbers, they may bully smaller, fluffier birds like Polish hens. As flighty birds, they’re happy to use a ladder or ramp to access their house, and they particularly enjoy perching and roosting, with a special fondness for chicken swings.
History
The Wyandotte is an American chicken breed developed in the 1870s, named after the indigenous Wyandot people of North America. It was created by four individuals: H. M. Doubleday, John Ray, L. Whittaker, and Fred Houdlette. The original variety, the silver-laced Wyandotte, was introduced to Britain around 1883.
The Bantam version of this breed is a small, compact bird with strikingly beautiful laced plumage. Known for being excellent egg layers for a Bantam, they typically produce around 200 eggs per year, which range in color from cream to light brown. While they can be occasionally broody, they have a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Silver Warren Cheshire Poultry of Tarporley
Silver Warren Farm, Tiverton Heath, Tarporley, CW6 9HN