The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a standout poultry breed, known for its remarkable feathers that are beautifully laced with slate-blue and rich red feathers. This breed features a round body with a classic U-shape profile, making it not only a great addition to any backyard flock but also a true showstopper.
Its distinct identity is further enhanced by the medium length tail and hackles that create a uniform, smooth appearance. This bird excels in both meat and egg production, making it perfect for productive purposes. With its strong, heavy bone structure and yellow shanks, the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a hardy and functional bird that adapts well to various environments.
One of the key features of this breed is its sociable and friendly personality. Blue Laced Red Wyandotte are known to interact well with human friends, making them a joy to have in your flock. Their heart-shaped profile and rounded body are complemented by their soft and approachable nature. These birds are not just visually appealing but also highly functional, as they are known for their reliable egg-laying abilities, producing brown eggs regularly.
Their ability to adapt to climates and different environments makes them a great choice for both new and experienced poultry enthusiasts. Whether you’re raising them for meat, eggs, or simply as friendly companions, this breed offers the best of both worlds.
In addition to their beautiful feathering, the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte stands out for its well-rounded appearance and excellent traits. The hocks and wings are well-spread, and the back is broad, giving this bird a sturdy yet graceful look. Their body shape remains smooth and uniform, making them a pleasure to observe.
The feather patterning is not only eye-catching but functional as well, ensuring they remain a favorite for both poultry enthusiasts and casual chicken keepers. These birds are perfect for a chicken coop or any farm looking for a combination of beauty, functionality, and a sociable nature.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte – Short Introduction
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a dual-purpose chicken, known for its stunning blue laced red coloration and robust physique. This breed excels in egg production (producing 200-240 eggs annually) and meat yield, making it a favorite among farmers and poultry enthusiasts. With its friendly personality and impressive feather lacing, the Wyandotte is not only beautiful but also highly functional, thriving in both backyard flocks and poultry shows.
Brief History of Wyandottes
The Wyandotte breed was created in the United States around 1870 by H.M. Doubleday, John Ray, L. Whittaker of Michigan, and Fred Houdlette from Massachusetts. The breed’s first recognized color, Silver Laced, was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1883, setting the foundation for other future colors.The name Wyandotte is derived from a North American Indian tribe, also known by the French name Hurons, that once thrived in the Eastern United States.
While names like Rhode Island Red and Jersey Giants reflect the regions where they were developed, the Wyandotte was named in tribute to the historical tribe, marking its strong cultural and geographical roots. The breed was initially intended as a dual-purpose bird for both eggs and meat, which made it highly versatile for farmers.
Origin and History of Blue Laced Red Wyandottes
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte has an interesting origin, dating back to the 1870s when the breed was initially developed. It was created by crossing the Gold Wyandottes with Andalusian Blue in Saxony, Germany. The breed gained popularity over time, with its first major recognition happening in 1920.
By 1929, more than 100 birds of this variety were shown at the annual poultry show in Liepzig. In the 1980’s, the breed was imported to the United States by Lowell Barber, although the Blue Laced color variation was still not recognized officially at the time.
This beautiful breed, inspired by a Native American tribe, the Wyandottes, continued to evolve. The breed was initially renamed Wyandotte after a Native American tribe from Northern New York and Southern Canada. While its first color variation was silver laced, the Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are now cherished for their stunning appearance and unique feather patterns.
Although it took some time to gain full recognition, private breeders have played an important role in its development and preservation over the years. Its variety, popularity, and the new breed it created continue to influence poultry enthusiasts today.
Breed Description
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a striking and unique breed, developed in the 1870s with a color pattern that features red feathers intricately laced with a slate-blue hue, creating a visually captivating contrast. These birds are known for their good layers of medium brown or light brown eggs and their distinctive squatty, rounded Wyandotte shape.
Their friendly and gentle nature makes them great mothers, though they aren’t usually broody. With their blue lacing and spectacular color, they are highly sought after by poultry enthusiasts and backyard chicken keepers.
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte breed is recognized for its heavy bone structure, medium length back, and smooth, uniform body shape. They have a heart-shaped profile, with yellow shanks, hocks in full view, and legs well-spread.
The male has a full and erect tail, while females may have a slight cushion. Their feathering is softer and looser compared to other American breeds, which contributes to their beautiful appearance.
The rosecomb gene can affect their fertility rates, but using single combed birds has been shown to improve the genetic health and overall fertility of the flock. They are not typically used for showing, but their lawn ornaments appeal is undeniable.
While Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are hardy birds, they can still be vulnerable to respiratory problems if kept in damp or poorly ventilated coops.
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes Facts
| Category | Details |
| Poultry Show Class | American |
| Weights | Hen — 6 1/2 lbs, Rooster — 8 1/2 lbs, Pullet — 5 1/2 lbs, Cockerel — 7 1/2 lbs |
| Purpose and Type | Primary production, Egg Laying & Pet / Secondary meat source |
| Egg Shell Color | Brown |
| Egg Production | 180-260 eggs per year (estimates only) |
| Egg Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Docile |
| Fertility Percentage | 60-75% |
| Broody | Setter |
| Mating Ratio | 9 Females to 1 Male |
| Roost Height | 2 to 4 feet |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| APA | No |
| TLC | Graduated from priority list in 2016 |
| Breeder Farm Source | Poultry Breeding Farm developing Blue Laced Red Wyandotte bloodline/strain since 2017 |
Wyandotte Chickens: A Continually Evolving Breed and Its Recognition by the American Poultry Association
The Wyandotte breed, particularly the Blue Laced Wyandotte, has been an evolving marvel in the world of chickens. Initially admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1883, this breed has continued to develop, with breeders constantly striving for the perfect blue lacing that gives the bird its unique and spectacular color.
The blue laced red variety, in particular, is admired for its beautiful feather coloring and friendly demeanor, making it a favorite among poultry enthusiasts. With genetics and patience, breeders have refined the breed to meet both aesthetic and functional goals, showcasing egg-laying abilities and a calm nature.
While not officially recognized by the American Poultry Association as a standard, the Blue Laced Wyandotte continues to gain appeal due to its unique appearance and its place in the hearts of dedicated breeders.
The continuous work on perfecting this breed is a delicate dance of understanding and effort, driven by a desire for both beauty and functionality. As experts continue their efforts, the breed’s recognition and status continue to grow, and the Wyandotte remains a truly picturesque and sought-after addition to any flock.
Physical Characteristics of Blue Laced Red Wyandottes
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes Size:
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a medium-sized chicken, with hens typically weighing around 6.5 lbs, while roosters can weigh slightly more. This size makes them ideal for homesteads and backyard flocks, offering a balance of functionality and ease of care.
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes Body Shape:
These chickens have a well-proportioned and robust physique. Their body shape is broad and deep, contributing to their round appearance. The classic Wyandotte figure includes a short, well-bunged back and full tail feathers that add to their charming look.
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes Feather Lacing:
What truly sets the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte apart is their feather lacing. The red feathers are bordered with a smoky-blue lace edge, creating a stunning blue-grey contrast. This unique feather pattern makes them a head-turner in any flock. The variation in their feather lacing, along with their earthy red tone, gives them a beautiful and unique appearance, making them one of the most eye-catching chicken breeds.
Breeding and Genetics of Wyandottes
The genetics behind the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a fascinating subject. The blue coloring comes from the Bl gene, also known as the Blue gene, which creates a diluting effect on the black feathers, turning them into a soft blue. However, it doesn’t just stop there—the more copies of the Blue gene a bird has, the more diluted the color becomes, resulting in a splash Wyandotte.
This is where the complexity of breeding practices and genetics comes into play. Breeders select specific traits to maintain a consistent color pattern, ensuring that offspring express the desired vivid and desirable traits.
The process is not random; it’s a genetically guided matchmaking system that aims for the perfect balance of color and expression in these beautiful birds. Through careful breeding, the Wyandottes continue to evolve, making them a unique and stunning addition to any poultry collection.
Wyandotte Breed Purpose
Dual Purpose Chickens:
The Wyandotte breed is a dual-purpose chicken, meaning it is valued for both egg production and meat yield. Known for their versatile nature, Wyandottes are excellent layers, producing around 200-240 eggs per year.
Their egg-laying spirits remain strong, even in cold weather or during the winter months, ensuring a steady supply of farm-fresh eggs year-round. These chickens also have a moderate maturity, allowing farmers and poultry lovers to enjoy both eggs and meat without much wait.
Wyandotte Egg Production:
With their light or dark brown eggs and exceptional meat yield, Wyandottes offer value to those looking for a reliable source of both products. They are an excellent choice for those who want to get the best of both worlds from their chickens.
Wyandottes as Show Birds
The Blue Red Laced Wyandotte is a popular choice for poultry shows due to its vibrant plumage and impressive physical attributes. Chicken fanciers and exhibitors enjoy showcasing these chickens because of their charm and unique appearance.
Their rounded shape and beautiful feathering make them a true head-turner in the show ring, and their aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Beyond their stunning looks, they are admired for their meat production and egg production, making them both functional and beautiful, which only adds to their popularity in the world of poultry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color eggs do blue laced red Wyandotte lay?
The Wyandotte chickens lay medium-sized, brown eggs, with an average annual production of 190-220 eggs, making them a reliable source of eggs throughout the year.
Are blue-laced red wyandottes rare?
Blue Wyandottes are a rare color, while Blue Laced Reds are even rarer, known for their unique blue laced red coloration.
What is the lifespan of a blue laced red Wyandotte?
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a beautiful and splendid bird with an average lifespan of 6-12 years. This American bred chicken is popular for its colours, productive layers, and makes great backyard companions.
What is the behavior of a blue laced red Wyandotte?
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte hens are curious, friendly, and occasionally a bit sassy, while the cocks act like gentlemen with their hens and are well-mannered toward humans.
Final Thoughts on Blue Laced Red Wyandottes
The Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are a perfect blend of beauty and functionality, with their breathtaking aesthetics and amiable personalities. These chickens are not only admired for their stunning blue laced red coloration, but also for their robust physique and versatility.
Whether for egg production or meat yield, they offer a range of dual-purpose capabilities that make them a favorite among farmers and poultry enthusiasts. The result of careful selective breeding, their well-rounded body shape, feather lacing, and overall charm set them apart as showstoppers in the poultry world.
These birds are not just pretty to look at, they also perform well, laying 200-240 eggs per year, even during colder months, making them highly productive all-rounders. Their consistency in egg-laying and impressive show presence make them a must-have for those looking to breed chickens that bring both beauty and functionality to their flock.
The combination of unique qualities and dedication by breeders to perfect the breed ensures that these birds will continue to thrive for years to come.
Whether you’re raising them for productivity or as a hobby, the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte will make a delightful companion in your flock. Their color, personality, and overall presence add charm to any backyard or farm, making them a standout choice for anyone involved in chicken rearing.
