Ordinary hens, the Gold Laced Wyandotte is here to shine! With golden feathers sketched in bold black, she looks like she’s covered by a royal ball. And trust me, she knows it.
Never got crazy about beauty, she also has a great business side. She’s a calm, friendly, and reliable layer, making her a perfect fit for any backyard flock. Most chicken keepers prefer this breed to add to their flock.
Perfect for all seasons, not extra care, and make beautiful scenery. They check every box for beginners and seasoned keepers also.
And yes, it’s still pronounced “why-en-dot.” Now you’re in the club 😉
Let’s meet this golden queen!
Here’s what we discuss in this article?
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Why Is the Gold Laced Wyandotte So Popular?
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What Is the Origin and History of Gold Laced Wyandotte?
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How Big Is the Gold Laced Wyandotte Chicken?
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Space Requirements for Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens
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Do Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Make Good Pets?
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Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Good with Kids?
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Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Roosters Aggressive?
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Do Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Mix Well with Other Breeds?
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How Many Eggs Does a Gold Laced Wyandotte Lay?
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How Big Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Eggs?
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When Will a Gold Laced Wyandotte Start to Lay?
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What’s the Lifespan of a Gold Laced Wyandotte?
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Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Cold Hardy?
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Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Well Suited to Warmer Climates?
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Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Prone to Illness?
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Choosing Gold Laced Wyandottes: Are They Right For You?
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Why Gold Laced Wyandottes Should Top Your Flock List
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When Gold Laced Wyandottes Might Not Be Your Match
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How Do Other Chicken Keepers Rate Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens?
Why Is the Gold Laced Wyandotte So Popular?
In my favorite list, Gold laced wyandotte breed is the first priority of mine while choosing a breed for my backyard flock. This is popular due to their different characteristics which are unique coloration of black and brown patterns, dual nature, egg production as well as meat.
What is the origin and history of Gold laced Wyandotte?
The Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens, originally bred for utility as dual-purpose birds, are remarkably pretty. First developed by Joseph McKeen in Wisconsin near Lake Winnebago, these ancestors came from crossing Dark Brahmas with Spangled Hamburgs. Formally changed from “American Sebrights” to “Wyandotte” in 1883, they were named after a Native American tribe from upstate New York. Their laced heritage combines productive lives with few health complications.
How Big is The Gold Laced Wyandotte Chicken?
The Gold Laced Wyandotte looks like bigger due to thier fluffy feathers. Hens grow to around 6 ½ lbs while roosters reach 8.5 pounds. Their rounded, sturdy bodies are supported by slim legs and elegant curves.
These mid-size birds weigh perfectly for backyard flocks – hens at 6.5 pounds and roosters being heavier at 8 pounds. In my experience raising them, they handle cold weather exceptionally well, their substantial size making them excellent chicken choices for northern climates.
Space Requirements for Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens
Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens need generous coop space to thrive. These big-bottomed gals require room to roam and exercise. Unlike some breeds, they are not great flyers, so flight risk is minimal, but they still tend to get cranky without regular access to graze outdoors. In my experience, a decent-sized hanging feeder prevents overcrowding when these beauties eat.
Bantams offer another option if space is short. Bantam hens weighing around 24-26 ounces and roosters up to 30 ounces (like the Pekin bantam cross) deliver the same pazazz in smaller packages. Their reduced size and magnificent feathers make them a breeze to keep. They are truly gorgeous to watch move – they’re my personal fav’s to pick here!
Do Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Make Good Pets?
As this breed have unique temperaments like they are calm in nature and likely to make a society. Also, this is a dual nature breed as they meet the production level of eggs and meat.
But they are not likely to become your lap chicks. They want a little bit of independence.
Overall, Yes! This is a good choice for your backyard.
Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Good with Kids?
Gold Laced Wyandottes have a wonderfully relaxed type temperament, makes them a great choice for families with kids. They rarely pose a high risk of aggression toward children who learn to handle them properly.
My three-year-old occasionally gets told off by a mildly mardy hen with ruffled feathers, but there’s never any unwanted fuss – just enough character to keep things interesting without causing problems. They’re consistently good, patient birds with minimal drama.
Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Roosters Aggressive?
Originally, this breed are not aggressive but rooster may be a little bit aggressive with humans.
Do Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Mix Well with Other Breeds?
Gold laced wyandotte can adjust them easily with other types of chicken breeds. They like to make social society and mix well with other types of breeds.
However, they might be slightly dominant, but with proper space and care they will mix and live with breeds.
How Many Eggs Does a Gold Laced Wyandotte Lay?
Normally, Gold laced wyandotte lay average 200 to 250 eggs per year. While, we need to find the answer to the exact number of laying eggs per week.
We are doing surveys and asking chicken keepers about egg production. Many chicken keepers say that they lay 4 eggs per week , some of them say they lay 3 eggs if they have any health and capability issues. 1 or 2 of them say they lay 5 eggs per week.
How Big Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Eggs?
Primarily, this breed lay large size eggs which is 56 g weight and large type of eggs compared to other type of breed’s eggs.
When Will a Gold Laced Wyandotte Start to Lay?
Usually, Gold laced wyandottes start laying eggs within just 18 to 20 weeks by their age (4.5 to 5 months older). While it depends totally on these factor of chickens.
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- Diet and Nutrition
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- Daylight Hours
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- Health and stress level
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- Care and management
As they contain calm type temperaments, they are not likely to sit. So, if you are planning to hatch chicks then this breed will be the great choice for you.
What’s The Lifespan of a Gold Laced Wyandotte?
The age of this breed type lies between 5 to 12 years while normally the average lifespan of this breed is 5-6 years. That’s a good time for laying chicken eggs and being beneficial for chicken keepers.
Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Cold Hardy?
Winter Warriors: Gold Laced Wyandotte Cold Hardiness
Yes, Gold Laced Wyandotte chickens are extremely cold-hardy. The breed’s rose-shaped comb makes them less open to frostbite during winter.
Their deep feathers is a benefit when temperatures drop below freezing. Unlike chickens with larger wattles, Gold Laced Wyandottes can handle unheated coops even in the coldest regions of the United States. I’ve watched mine standing in snow looking perfectly comfortable while other breeds huddled inside.
These birds continue to lay eggs through winter when daylight hours are low. Their heavier body at 6-8 pounds helps retain heat, while the tight feathered bodies originally developed from Brahmas and Spangled Hamburg ancestors give them excellent insulation. Having raised them through several Minnesota winters, I can recommend them for any cold climate.
Are Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens Well Suited to Warmer Climates?
This breed can handle them in warmer climate but they are good in cooler temperature due to their feathers. If you are from warmer areas and start keeping this breed, make sure all these things to prevent from warm air and temperature.
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- Provide plenty of shade
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- Ensure constant cool and clean water
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- Manage good ventilation in the coop
Are Gold Laced Wyandotte ChickensProne to Illness?
Because of their thick feathers, they can be a bit more vulnerable to skin and feather parasites than breeds with lighter plumage, so it’s a good idea to learn how to spot and manage issues like lice and other pests.
Choosing Gold Laced Wyandottes: Are They Right For You?
Gold Laced Wyandottes can be placed in different chicken varieties, suitable for both beginners and the person who is already keeping. Unlike the super cuddly Silkie Chicken, they have a mild sassy streak, so they might not be your first choice if handling is your priority. However, these heritage breed hens make a beautiful addition to any backyard flock.
These Golden beauties are truly a good egg – their dual-purpose nature lets them produce both eggs and meat efficiently. I’ve kept numerous all-round breeds over the years, but I truly love how these gorgeous birds combine practicality with ornamental appeal.
Why Gold Laced Wyandottes Should Top Your Flock List
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Beautiful Looks:
I’ve spent countless hours watching these gems strut around on sunny days. Their dazzling feather patterns aren’t just a perfect pic opportunity for social media posts—their regal image provides genuine joy. While looks aren’t everything, their visual impact is a genuine major plus point for this breed.
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- Reliable egg layers:
My experience shows their cold-hardy wardrobe truly delivers. These sturdy ladies lay large eggs consistently year round. When neighbors switch to the dreaded “S word” (supermarket) for winter eggs, my breakfast still comes fresh from the coop.
- Reliable egg layers:
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- Contentedly cooped up:
Unlike flightier breeds that need freedom, Wyandottes genuinely don’t mind being confined. When weather keeps them cooped up, they’re an egg-stremely good choice—happily spending time chatting with their fellow fowl rather than frantically pacing.
- Contentedly cooped up:
When Gold Laced Wyandottes Might Not Be Your Match
If you’re looking for a softy who craves cuddles, think twice. While their fabulous feathers are fluffier than most, their friendliness runs cooler—your affection is often tolerated rather than enjoyed. Their aloof persona creates a quirky personality that might make you cluckle, but the relationship happens on their terms. Nobody’s perfect, but these aren’t lap chickens.
Avoid adding a single chicken to an existing coop—they truly like being around their own kind. Don’t deprive these poor gals by separating them from friends. Also reconsider if you live in a very warm climate, as these cold-hardy chicken varieties with stunning plumage don’t make for a great summer wardrobe.
How Do Other Chicken Keepers Rate Gold Laced Wyandotte Chickens?
In a recent survey, most of the chicken keepers are likely interested in keeping this breed again and again.