The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a relatively new and rare chicken breed that has gained popularity among backyard chicken enthusiasts due to their striking appearance.
This breed is a color variety of the Wyandotte chicken and is known for its beautiful blue and mahogany feathers with white lacing.
These chickens are also cold-hardy and friendly, making them a great addition to any backyard flock.
In addition to being visually appealing, these chickens are also great egg layers, making it a practical choice for those looking to raise chickens for both meat and eggs.
If you are considering adding the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte to your flock, it is important to know the breed’s traits and care requirements.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Blue Laced Red Wyandotte origin, history, and overview
- The physical and behavioral characteristics of this breed
- Blue Laced Red Wyandotte egg production
- How to care for these chickens
- Some frequently asked questions
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Overview
| Lifespan | 6-8 years |
| Weight | Hens: 6-7 lbs, Roosters: 7-9 lbs |
| Appearance | Mahogany-red base feathers with blue lacing around the edges |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Medium – Large |
| Egg Production | 3-5 eggs per week (150-200 per year) |
| Broodiness Level | Low |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Space Needed | 4 square feet per bird inside the coop, 8-10 square feet each outdoors |
| Price | $10-$40 per chick |
Origin and History
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a popular breed of chicken known for their beautiful plumage and dual-purpose nature.
This section will explore the early beginnings, development, and recognition of this breed.
Early Beginnings
The Wyandotte chicken breed was first developed in the United States in the 1870s by four breeders: Fred Houdlette, L. Whittaker, John Ray, and H.M. Doubleday.
Their goal was to create a chicken that was both a good egg layer and a good meat bird.
The first Wyandotte bird was the Silver Laced Wyandotte and The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is still a relatively new variety of the Wyandotte breed.
They were originally referred to as Blue Laced Gold and sometimes called Violet Laced.
The German official name was changed at some point to Gold Blue Laced Wyandottes.
Development and Recognition
According to the Standard Bred Wyandottes book written in the late 1880s and published in the Reliable Poultry Journal in 1910, it is argued that the Blue Laced Reds were created by three American Wyandotte breeders between 1886 and 1889.
They were then entered into the German Standard of Perfection in 1929.
Today, they are a popular show bird and are kept for their beautiful appearance and dual-purpose nature.
Breed Standard
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a color variety of the Wyandotte chicken breed.
While it is not yet officially recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA), there is a dedicated group of breeders working to establish a breed standard for this beautiful bird.
The proposed breed standard for the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is still being developed, but there are some general characteristics that are desirable in this variety.
These include:
- Body Type: The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte should have a broad, deep body with a short back and a full breast. They should have a well-rounded appearance and stand upright with a confident posture.
- Feathering: The feathers of the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte should be tightly held to the body, with a smooth and glossy appearance. The primary feathers should be broad and strong, while the secondary feathers should be well-developed and closely packed.
- Coloration: As the name suggests, the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte should have a base color of deep mahogany-red with a thin edging of blue-gray around each feather. The lacing should be even and well-defined, with no smudging or blotching.
- Comb and Wattles: The comb and wattles of the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte should be medium-sized and well-shaped. They should be bright red in color, with no signs of discoloration or deformity.
- Legs and Feet: The legs and feet of the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte should be strong and sturdy, with a medium length and a slight curve. The toes should be straight and well-spaced, with no signs of deformity or crookedness.
While this breed may not yet be officially recognized, there is no doubt that this variety is gaining popularity among chicken enthusiasts and breeders alike.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Physical Characteristics
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are medium-sized chickens with a broad and deep body that forms a “U” shape.
They have short, yellow legs and a yellow beak.
Their comb, wattles, face, and earlobes are typically red with deep-set eyes that have a reddish color to them.
Size and Weight
Male Blue Laced Red Wyandottes weigh around 7 to 9 pounds, while females weigh between 6 to 7 pounds.
They are considered a medium-sized breed of chicken, however, sometimes their fluffy feathers can make them look much larger than this!
Color and Feathering
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are well-known for their unique and striking feather pattern.
The base color of their feathers is a rich mahogany-red, with blue lacing around the edges.
The blue lacing is a darker blue color, which provides a beautiful contrast against the red feathers. The feathers are dense, which allows them to tolerate cold weather well.
Their feathers are also soft and fluffy, which makes them a popular choice for chicken shows.
However, their fluffy feathers also make them more susceptible to mites and lice, so it’s important to regularly check and treat them for these pests.
Behavior and Temperament
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a docile and friendly breed of chicken that is known for its calm temperament.
They are generally easy to handle and are a good choice for families with children or first-time chicken keepers.
While these chickens are not known to be aggressive, they will not tolerate bullying or overaggressive breeds picking on them and will stand up for themselves if needed.
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are also known for being very curious and intelligent and they enjoy exploring their surroundings and will often follow their owners around the yard.
They are also known to be good foragers and will happily spend hours scratching and pecking for food.
While the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is generally a quiet breed, they are known to make various sounds to communicate with their flock.
These sounds can include clucking, squawking, and even a soft purring noise when they are content.
It is important to note that like all chickens, the behavior and temperament of the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte can be influenced by a variety of factors including their environment, diet, and level of socialization.
However, with proper care and attention, they are generally a friendly and easy-going breed that is well-suited for backyard flocks.
Egg Production
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chickens are known to be good layers.
They will produce around 4 large eggs per week, which comes out to around 200 eggs per year.
These birds are even known to lay during the winter months when given the right conditions.
Wyandottes were created for cold weather climates so a bit of snow and ice does not bother them much at all.
They will tolerate warmer climates too. Just make sure they have enough shade and plenty of water during warmer months.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chickens start laying eggs around 16-20 weeks of age.
They rarely go broody, however, they are known to be good mothers to their chicks if they do go broody.
Egg Size
The eggs laid by Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chickens are large in size.
They are typically around 2.25 to 2.5 inches in length and 1.75 to 1.9 inches in width.
The eggs weigh around 60-65 grams on average with a rich and flavorful yolk.
Egg Color
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chickens lay large, brown eggs.
The shade of brown can vary from light to dark.
Their eggshells are usually thick and strong, making them ideal for transportation and storage.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Health & Care
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are generally healthy birds.
However, like all living creatures, they are susceptible to certain health issues.
This section discusses their common health issues and care tips.
Common Health Issues
Some of the common health issues that Blue Laced Red Wyandottes may face include respiratory infections, parasitic infections, and egg-laying problems.
- Respiratory infections – Can be caused by bacterial or viral agents and can result in symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge
- Parasitic infections – Often in the form of mites or lice, can cause skin irritation, feather loss, and anemia
- Egg-laying problems – may include soft-shelled eggs, egg-binding, or a decrease in egg production
It is important to monitor the health of your Blue Laced Red Wyandottes and seek veterinary care if necessary.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of their living space can help prevent the spread of disease.
Care Tips
Proper care is essential for the health and well-being of your Blue Laced Red Wyandottes. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
- Diet: Blue Laced Red Wyandottes require a balanced diet that includes a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. A diet consisting of commercial feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats such as mealworms or scratch grains is recommended.
- Habitat Setup: Blue Laced Red Wyandottes require a safe and secure living space that is protected from predators and the elements. A coop with adequate ventilation, nesting boxes, and roosting bars is essential. Each bird should be given 4 square feet inside the coop.
- Temperature: Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are hardy birds that can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, extreme heat or cold can be harmful to their health. Provide shade and ventilation in hot weather and insulation in cold weather.
- Egg Production: Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are good egg layers, producing an average of 200 eggs per year. Collect eggs daily to prevent them from becoming dirty or damaged.
- Interaction: Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are social birds that enjoy interaction with their owners. Spend time with them, provide enrichment activities such as dust baths and perches, and observe their behavior for signs of illness or stress.
- Space to Roam: Blue-laced Red Wyandotte chickens need ample space to roam outside of their coop. They do best when they are given about 8-10 square feet per bird to forage outside.
By following these care tips and monitoring the health of your Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, you can help ensure that they thrive and remain happy and healthy.
Breeding Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Breeding Blue Laced Red Wyandotte can be a rewarding experience for both beginner and experienced breeders.
In this section, we will discuss the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte breeding process and incubation and hatching.
Breeding Process
When breeding Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chickens, it is important to select healthy birds with desirable traits.
Breeders should choose birds that meet the breed standard, including size, shape, and feather coloration.
It is also important to avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity within the flock.
Breeding Blue Laced Red Wyandotte requires careful attention to breeding pairs.
The breeder should choose a rooster and hen that complement each other’s traits.
The breeder should also consider the genetic background of each bird to avoid undesirable traits.
Incubation and Hatching
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte eggs typically take about 21 days to hatch.
The incubation temperature should be kept at around 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of around 50-55%.
After hatching, the chicks should be kept in a warm, dry environment with access to clean water and chick feed.
The breeder should monitor the chicks’ health and growth, and provide appropriate care as needed.
Conservation Status
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is a rare color variety of the Wyandotte chicken breed.
According to The Livestock Conservancy, the Wyandotte chicken breed was listed as “Recovering” in 2016.
This means that the breed’s population has increased, but it is still considered to be at risk of becoming endangered.
There are a few reasons why the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is considered a rare breed.
One reason is that the genetics required to produce the blue laced red coloration are complex and difficult to achieve.
Additionally, the breed’s popularity has fluctuated over time, and it has not always been in high demand.
Despite being a rare breed, the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte has a dedicated following among backyard chicken keepers and breeders.
Many people appreciate the breed’s unique coloration, calm temperament, and dual-purpose qualities.
Efforts are being made to conserve and promote the breed, including breeding programs and shows specifically for the Blue Laced Red variety.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chicken has become a popular choice with backyard homesteaders and chicken enthusiasts over recent years.
It’s no wonder these birds are so popular, as they are incredibly eye-catching, docile, and fairly low maintenance.
And while they may not be overly social birds, they do well around families and children and are great for beginners.
If you are considering one of these breathtaking chickens for your flock, make sure to do research on reputable breeders and avoid breeders that are charging anything less than $10 per chick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color eggs do Blue Laced Red Wyandottes lay?
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes lay brown eggs.
They are known for their excellent egg production and can lay up to 200 eggs per year.
Are Blue Laced Red Wyandottes rare?
Yes, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are considered a rare breed of chicken.
They are not as common as other Wyandotte varieties, such as the Silver Laced or Gold Laced.
What is the temperament of a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte?
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are known for their calm and friendly temperament.
They are easy to handle and are good with children.
They are also known for their docile and calm nature, which makes them a great choice for backyards.
What is the rarest Wyandotte?
The White Wyandotte is the rarest color of the Wyandotte breed.
This breed is not as common as other Wyandotte varieties and is highly sought after for its unique and beautiful appearance.
However, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, Golden Laced Wyandottes, Columbian Wyandottes, and Silver Penciled Wyandottes are also very rare.
What is the difference between a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte and a Splash Laced Red Wyandotte?
The main difference between a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte and a Splash Laced Red Wyandotte is the coloration of their feathers.
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes have blue feathers with red lacing, while Splash Laced Red Wyandottes have white feathers with red lacing.
Do Blue Laced Red Wyandottes make good pets?
Yes, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes can make great pets.
They are friendly and easy to handle, and their unique appearance makes them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
However, it’s important to research the best way to care for them, as they have specific needs and requirements for them to live long, happy lives.
