Wyandotte chickens have a lot of varieties but Buff Laced Wyandotte is one of their most unique laced color variations. Buff Laced are beautiful chickens having a friendly nature. They are good egg layers and every Wyandotte breed lover would love to have them in their flock.
So, let’s take a brief look at the history, appearance, egg production, care guide, and physical behavior of these chickens.
Origin and History
Buff Laced Wyandotte chicken is a recent addition to the Wyandotte breed. Wyandottes originated in the late 19th century and many varieties developed with the passage of time. However, the development of buff laced Wyandotte possibly started in the early 20th century.
This variety also originated in the United States like its sister varieties. Wyandottes came into existence as a result of a mix of several breeds like Brahma, Hamburg, and Cochin.
However, Buff laced Wyandotte was created by the selective breeding of various buff and base colored Wyandottes. Buff Wyandottes, Blue or golden laced Wyandotte are the expected colorations from which this variety has emerged.
APA Recognition
The Buff Wyandottes were created and added to the APA list of recognized breeds in the year 1893 but Buff Laced Wyandotte hasn’t been added to the APA list so far.
Buff Laced Wyandotte Chicken Overview
| Name | Buff Laced Wyandotte Chicken |
| Breed | Wyandotte Chicken |
| Origin | USA |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Primary Uses | Eggs and Meat Production |
| Egg color | Light Brown |
| Egg Production | 150-200 eggs per year |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Lifespan | 5 – 8 years |
| Temperament | Friendly |
| Weight | Hen 6-7 pounds, Rooster 7-8 pounds |
| Children Friendly | Yes |
| Hardiness | Cold Hardy |
Appearance
The buff laced is a beautiful variation of the Wyandottes. These chickens have a stunning plumage having a unique laced pattern which makes them stand out in any flock. Their golden-buff color looks amazing with dark lacing (mostly dark brown or black) on the feathers. In addition to their beautiful coloration, their body shape is also very eye-catching.
These chickens have a medium-sized rose type comb that is close to the head and protects them from cold weather. Their body is well-rounded with a broad chest. The color of their earlobes and wattles is red. Their legs have a slate color that matches with their warm golden buff color. Their eyes are also bright while each of their foot has four toes.
Don’t get confused between the buff laced as buff wyandottes. The buff and buff laced are two different varieties of the Wyandottes. The buff Wyandotte is a base color variation while buff laced as you can guess by their name have a lacing pattern along their buff color.
Features
- Red Earlobes and wattles
- Golden Buff color
- Laced Pattern
- Rose type comb
- Short but well arched Neck
- Bright Eyes
- 4 Toes
- Broad Chest
Weight of Buff Laced Wyandotte Chicken
These are large-sizer chickens but the weight can vary depending upon the feed.
- The Roosters weigh around 8-8.5 lbs (4kg)
- The Hens can weigh between 6 to 7 lbs (3kg)
- The cockerel and pullets also weigh around 8 lbs and 6 lbs respectively.
Note: Young roosters are called Cockerels and young hens are called Pullets. These are young chickens that are less than one year of age.
Color Varieties
Buff Laced Wyandotte is a basic color variation of Wyandotte chickens but it has some similar variations like Buff Wyandottes and Buff Columbian Wyandottes. Buff Wyandottes have the same buff color but without lacing while the buff Columbian has golden buff color with black marked pattern around the neck and tail.
9 of those varieties are also recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA). However, the Europeans have so far approved thirty color varieties of these chickens. Wyandottes are classified in three different classes,
- Laced Wyandottes: golden laced, silver laced, blue laced, buff laced….
- Marked Wyandottes: Partridge, Silver Penciled,…
- Single-colored Wyandottes: blue, white, black, buff,….
The Personality of Buff laced Wyandotte Chicken
Temperament & Behavior
Buff laced generally have a docile and calm temperament. They are beginner friendly and these chickens also behave well with other breeds. We have rarely seen our buff laced chickens engaging in fights with chickens of other breeds. Hence, their polite nature makes them ideal for backyard chicken farming.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of these birds is between 5 to 8 years but keep in mind the lifespan can be different for different individuals. It may increase or decrease from the average duration depending upon their health, living conditions, feed, and care.
Noise Level
As we mentioned earlier buff-laced are polite chickens like other varieties of Wyandottes and don’t like to make extra noise. They mostly like to stay quiet without engaging in brawls with other chicken breeds. So, you can keep these chickens in urban areas with close neighborhoods.
Hardiness
These chickens are famous as one the most hardy breeds. They can tolerate both hot and cold climates. Their rose type comb protects them from cold winters while their body can easily survive in areas with hot weather. Hence, these chickens are resistant to all types of harsh weather and climate changes.
Dual Nature of Buff Laced Wyandotte Chicken
Buff-laced are dual-purpose chickens so they are good for both egg and meat production.
Egg Production and Color
The Buff laced Wyandotte hen is a good layer. Their hens can lay 3 to 4 eggs per week. Overall, you can expect 150-200 eggs per year from this breed. Their eggs are also large in size.
The color of their eggs is light brown. A healthy buff laced Wyandotte hen starts laying eggs at the age of 6 months.
Meat Production
These Wyandottes are also popular for their meat. They are large fowls and can produce a lot of meat. Additionally their meat is very tender and flavorful which increases their demand.
How to Raise Buff Laced Wyandotte Chicken? Care Guide
Feeding
A chicken can grow rapidly and produce good quality meat and eggs if a healthy feed is given to him. Always give a nutritious feed to your Wyandottes because it can result in fast growth of your chickens. Change the feed as your chickens grow with time.
- Starter Feed: In the first 6-8 weeks, give a high quality starter feed having essential proteins to your chicks.
- Grower Feed: Between 8 to 18 weeks, a grower feed can help your Wyandottes to grow properly.
- Layer Feed: Once your hens starts laying eggs you must switch to layer feed because it contains calcium and vitamins that are very important for egg production.
Health & Care
It is very important to take good care of your chickens. Check and balance is very crucial to protect your chickens from health disease and predators.
- Vaccination: Proper vaccination is compulsory to protect these chickens from common health hazards like Marek’s disease and coccidiosis.
- Health Checks: Regularly checking the health condition can save your Wyandottes from many diseases. You can also check the signs of illness by observing the behavioral changes, feather conditions or laziness in a chicken.
- Parasite Control: Parasites are a big threat for any chicken. Parasites like lice, mites, worms can harm your chickens. So, maintain a clean coop, and do parasite control spray in their coops to protect your chickens.
Housing or Coop Set up
A good coop can save your birds from a lot of hazards. Your chickens must feel comfort and protection in their coops. Here are some key points you should follow while making their coops.
- Coop Design: The coop must have plenty of space depending upon the number of birds you have. Minimum 4 square feet per chicken is necessary inside the coop.
- Ventilation: The coop or house must have a proper ventilation system to make it airy.
- Nesting boxes: Installing nesting boxes is a key step in building a good coop. One nesting box is enough for 3-4 hens to lay their eggs comfortably.
- Protection: The coop must be in a safe place to protect your chickens from any kind of predators.
Pros and Cons of Buff Laced Wyandotte Chicken
The Pros and Cons of Buff Laced Wyandotte Chicken are given below,
Pros
- Beautiful plumage and appearance
- Decent egg layers
- Hardy breed for climate changes
- Friendly Temperament
- Calm and quiet
Cons
- Slow to mature
- Requires extra feather maintenance
- Expensive Chicks
- Limited flight ability
- Requires vast space to stay happy
Conclusion
Buff laced Wyandotte chicken is an excellent breed that can enhance the beauty of your flock. They have a docile temperament and mostly like to stay calm and quiet. Moreover, you keep them as pets due to their friendly behavior with children.
These chickens can lay beautiful large eggs and can also be used for meat purposes. Hence, these qualities make them a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced chicken keeper.