When I first added Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chickens to my small homestead flock, I was immediately struck by their stunning appearance. These birds look like they’re wearing intricately designed lace dresses in shades of blue and red! Beyond their beauty, I’ve found them to be exceptional birds that balance practicality with ornamental appeal.
After raising them for several seasons alongside other heritage breeds, I’m convinced they deserve more attention from homesteaders and backyard chicken keepers. I’ve put together this comprehensive guide based on my firsthand experience to help you decide if these gorgeous birds deserve a place in your flock.
Table of Contents
What Are Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chickens?
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes belong to the broader Wyandotte family, an American breed first developed in the late 1800s. The standard Wyandotte was named after the Native American Wyandot tribe and was bred to be a dual-purpose bird with good egg production and meat quality.
The Blue Laced Red variety, however, is a more recent development that combines utility with truly spectacular plumage. Each feather has a deep reddish-mahogany base with delicate blue lacing around the edges, creating a breathtaking contrast that makes these birds stand out in any flock.
Physical Characteristics
After keeping these birds through multiple seasons, here’s what I’ve observed about their physical traits:
Size and Weight:
- Roosters: 8-9 pounds
- Hens: 6-7 pounds
Appearance:
- Rose comb (frost-resistant and ideal for cold climates)
- Yellow legs and skin
- Broad, deep body with a curved back
- Full breasts and fluffy feathering
- Distinctive blue lacing on mahogany-red feathers
- White earlobes
The rose comb is particularly beneficial if you live in colder regions like I do. During our harsh winters, I’ve noticed my Wyandottes suffer far fewer frostbite issues than my single-combed breeds.
Color Variations: While the Blue Laced Red is the most striking variety, Wyandottes come in numerous color patterns including:
- Silver Laced
- Gold Laced
- Black
- White
- Buff
- Columbian
- Partridge
Temperament and Behavior
In my experience, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chickens display a balanced temperament that makes them excellent additions to a backyard flock:
Personality Traits:
- Friendly but not overly cuddly
- Confident without being aggressive
- Curious and active foragers
- Moderately talkative (much quieter than my Leghorns!)
- Good flock citizens that rarely bully other birds
I’ve found they strike a nice balance between flightiness and friendliness. While they don’t typically jump into my lap like some of my Orpingtons, they’re comfortable being handled and will follow me around the yard hoping for treats.
One behavioral trait I particularly appreciate is their adaptability. They handle confinement reasonably well when necessary but truly thrive when allowed to free-range. Mine spend hours scratching and foraging, which helps reduce feed costs and produces eggs with vibrant, orange yolks.
Egg Production
For homesteaders concerned with productivity, here’s what I’ve observed about their egg-laying capabilities:
Egg Color: Light to medium brown eggs Annual Production: 200-240 eggs per year Egg Size: Medium to large
My Blue Laced Red Wyandotte hens typically begin laying around 5-6 months of age. Their egg production remains fairly consistent through their first two years, with a notable drop in their third year and beyond.
One advantage I’ve noticed is their willingness to lay through much of winter with minimal supplemental lighting, especially compared to some other heritage breeds. They don’t match the production of commercial layers like ISA Browns, but their year-round reliability makes them valuable on a small homestead.
Cold and Heat Tolerance
After keeping these birds through multiple seasons, I can confidently report on their climate adaptability:
Cold Weather: Blue Laced Red Wyandottes excel in cold climates thanks to their:
- Dense feathering
- Rose combs (resistant to frostbite)
- Substantial body mass that helps retain heat
During our coldest winter days, when temperatures plunged below zero, my Wyandottes continued scratching around outside while other breeds huddled in the coop.
Heat Tolerance: Their tolerance for hot weather is moderate. During summer heat waves, I’ve observed they:
- Require more shade and cool water than lighter breeds
- Tend to be less active during peak heat
- Benefit from cooling measures like frozen treats or misting
Health and Hardiness
Overall, I’ve found Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chickens to be exceptionally healthy birds with few breed-specific problems. They benefit from:
- Natural disease resistance
- Strong immune systems
- Good parasite resistance when free-ranging
- Longevity (mine typically remain productive for 3-4 years, with overall lifespans of 6-8 years)
The main health consideration I’ve encountered is their tendency toward obesity if overfed and under-exercised. Their hearty appetites combined with confinement can lead to weight issues, which may affect egg production and overall health. Make sure you’re limiting treats and only feeding what these chickens can eat to keep them healthy.
Raising Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chicks
If you’re starting with chicks, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Growth Rate: Moderately fast but slower than commercial meat breeds
- Feathering: Quick to feather, which helps with temperature regulation
- Sex Determination: Fairly easy to determine by 6-8 weeks based on comb development and feathering
- Feed Requirements: Standard chick starter with 18-20% protein
I’ve found the chicks to be relatively hardy and easy to raise compared to some more delicate breeds. They benefit from the standard brooding setup with proper heat, clean water, and appropriate feed.
Pros and Cons for Homesteaders
After several years with these birds, here’s my honest assessment of their strengths and limitations:
Advantages:
- Stunning ornamental appearance
- Good dual-purpose capabilities (eggs and meat)
- Excellent cold weather hardiness
- Decent egg production with good winter laying
- Generally friendly and easy to manage
- Good foraging abilities
Disadvantages:
- More expensive to purchase than common breeds
- Moderate broodiness can interrupt egg production
- Not as prolific as specialized egg layers
- Limited heat tolerance compared to Mediterranean breeds
- Challenging color breeding (maintaining proper blue lacing takes skill)
Should You Add Blue Laced Red Wyandottes to Your Flock?
Based on my experience, these birds are ideal for:
- Homesteaders wanting a beautiful dual-purpose bird
- Cold-climate chicken keepers
- Those who value steady egg production over maximum quantity
- People who appreciate heritage breeds with historical significance
- Showing enthusiasts (they’re real showstoppers!)
They may not be the best choice if you:
- Live in an extremely hot climate
- Need maximum egg production
- Want the friendliest possible lap chickens
- Are working with a tight budget for starting your flock
Final Thoughts
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes have earned their place as one of my favorite chicken breeds. Their combination of beauty, productivity, and hardiness makes them well-suited to homestead life. While they may not excel in any single category compared to specialized breeds, their balanced attributes make them true all-stars for the small-scale chicken keeper.
If you’re looking to add both function and beauty to your backyard flock, these stunning birds deserve your consideration. The moment when sunlight hits their blue-laced feathers as they scratch around your yard makes even the most mundane homestead chore feel like a privilege.
