Wyandotte chicken breed: description, characteristics, conditions, diseases and prevention

Birds of mixed productivity have gained great popularity among poultry farmers. Wyandotte is an unpretentious breed of chickens, which is distinguished by good egg production and excellent meat. Due to their phlegmatic nature, they easily get along with other domestic birds. Crosses are quietly kept in open cages, as they are lazy and cannot fly. Due to its beauty and richness of colors, the breed is gradually moving into a decorative category.

Origin story

The breed was discovered in the second half of the 19th century, in the United States. Breeders adopted the first variety of silver color as the standard. The result was obtained by crossing representatives of several genetic breeds.

The bird got its name from the name of the Indian people, since the plumage color matches the ritual colors of the settlement.

Description and characteristics of the Wyandotte breed

Good productivity of poultry is combined with its decorative effect. Value on the farm due to good adaptability to harsh winters.

Appearance of chickens

The bird is not large, compact. It has a small head with a bulbous yellow beak. The rooster differs from the female in its large size and highly raised tail. A pink graceful crest fits snugly along the length of the head. The eyes of the bird are large, reddish-orange. Red earlobes have a smooth oblong shape without wrinkles or folds. The head sits majestically on a strong neck, and the neck collar is so lush that it covers the shoulders.

The length of the bird's body is greater than the height, so the back seems quite wide and rounded.The chest of birds is well developed. Lush and abundant plumage covers the entire body and has an openwork frame along the edge. The presence of patterned feathers distinguishes it from other representatives of the breeds. The bird is characterized by long legs, widely spaced fingers of a yellow hue.

Domestic birds are distinguished by a variety of colors:

• black;
• white;
• golden;
• blue;
• striped;
• fawn;
• red;
• mixed.

The most common color is silver.

There are dwarf representatives of birds. They differ only in weight - up to 1 kilogram, and the weight of an egg is approximately 50 grams.

Character and temperament

Chicken breeders note that the crosses have a calm peaceful disposition and accommodating with other pets. The bird has good he alth and obedient character.

Maturity and egg production

Crosses belong to the egg-meat breed. They are quite precocious, so it is beneficial for farmers to keep them on the farm. Chickens are gaining weight quickly. Chickens grow up to 3.0 kilograms and roosters up to 4.0 kilograms.

Wyandot laying hens start laying eggs at 5 months old. Egg production in the first year reaches 200 eggs. Over time, productivity decreases to 170 eggs. The eggs are brown in color and quite large in size and reach almost 65 grams.

Dwarf crosses have 2 times less performance. Eggs, respectively, are small - they weigh only 30 grams.

Pros and cons

The Wyandotte breed has positive and negative sides. The main benefits of poultry include:

• easy to adapt to different weather conditions;
• chickens grow fast;
• egg production doesn't stop in winter;
• friendliness to other birds of different breeds;
• you can breed the breed at home;
• chick vitality;
• early egg production;
• appearance allows you to decorate any yard;
• do not require complex conditions for maintenance;
• tolerates frost well;
• representatives are quiet, do not make noise.

In addition to the advantages, farmers also note the disadvantages of birds:

• inactivity leads to obesity;
• susceptibility to infectious diseases transmitted from other birds;
• to get the desired color, make extra effort;
• rare breed.

Due to the fact that it is difficult to purchase a pure breed, the bird has a high price.

Care and maintenance of the breed

To have productive egg production and tasty meat, crosses should be properly maintained. To do this, you should follow some rules.

Chicken coop and play yard

Feathered eggs are large and heavy, so it is recommended to install perches on the lower shelves or on the floor.

Despite the friendly attitude towards other birds, this breed should be kept separately to protect against infections. If this is not feasible, then you need to carefully monitor the he alth of each bird.

Important: the walking area can be blocked off with a net so that the crosses do not mix.

In winter, most of the day the bird is indoors. Therefore, for better well-being and productivity, she will have to provide sufficient territory and provide a long daylight hours with the help of lamps.

The floor in the chicken coop is covered with sawdust, sunflower husks, shredded wood. The layer of flooring should be at least 7 centimeters. You can add sand as birds love to swim in it.

Feeders and drinkers

Feeders and drinkers are placed on the territory of the pen for crosses. Since these birds have a short beak, the dishes must be specially adapted to their physical characteristics.

Diet for chicks and adult hens

A balanced and nutritious diet is important for the breed. Chickens should be fed with semolina, various cereals, chopped boiled eggs. Feeding is carried out at least 7 times a day.

A month later, when they grow up, add:

• greens;
• green onions;
• cottage cheese;
• meat or fish processing.

Adult birds need food rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. It is important to add calcium to the diet, which is found in ground shells or in ready-made vitamin compounds.

It is necessary to ensure that the birds do not overeat. If they become obese from the uncontrolled intake of high-calorie feed, then the need for active physical movements of the birds will have to be increased. You can put the feeder in the aviary on the platform, which you have to jump on.

Breeding

Due to their adaptability to the harsh winter weather, the breed is most suitable for breeders breeding domestic birds in the northern regions.

Chicks are bred in incubators and naturally. Crosses are good hens, they cope not only with incubation of eggs, but also train and take care of offspring. Chicks have a high survival rate. Chicks quickly grow up and fledge. To do this, they should be provided with a balanced diet.

Frequent illnesses and their prevention

Representatives of the breed rarely get sick. He alth problems are often associated with injuries. Nevertheless, regular prophylaxis against parasites and worms should be carried out. A simple vaccination helps.

You can keep home crosses he althy by keeping the walking yard and chicken coop clean. Aviaries should be regularly cleaned and disinfected and each bird should be inspected.

The Wyandotte breed is often found in household plots. Due to the endurance of an adult bird and the survival rate of cross-country chickens, crosses can be bred at home.Feathers are resilient and practically not susceptible to disease. Variety of colors, peaceful disposition and good he alth are the main advantages of the breed.

Recommended