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Wyandottes The Wyandotte (fig. 3) is another of the general-purpose fowls and is rated next to the Plymouth Rock. There are five varieties of the Wyandotte breed, and it is only a matter of opinion as regards a choice of the best. AncestryFrom the first it sprang into popular favor and has continued so to the present time. Its origin is comparatively recent, dating back less that twenty-five years. It originally came from the Dark Brahma, Silver Spangled Hamburg, and the Breda, a French fowl. A few authorities say that Wyandottes have Cochin blood in them, from the fact that their ancestors produced single combs and feathered legs. DescriptionThe general descriptive characteristics of the Wyandottes are the same in all of the varieties, the difference in color of plumage being the only distinguishing mark. The Silver-laced Wyandotte is of a silvery-white plumage, with regularly marked white lacing on breast and a generous distribution of white and black throughout the entire body.  The cock has a silver-white head, rose comb, silver hackle, with a black stripe down the center of each feather, as shown in fig. 4; silvery white back; saddle same as hackle; breast black with white center (see fig. 4); tail black; wings half black and white, or rather, black edged with white; when wing is folded there should be a well defined bar across the wing; shanks and toes rich yellow, free from feathering.  The hen of the Silver-laced variety (fig. 5) is marked similarly to the male, excepting the back and wing, which are whiter in male than in female. The breast of the female is of much importance in breeding good birds; the lacing should be large and distinct, and the white centers of each feather free from black or brown penciling. The Golden Wyandotte is marked like the Silver, excepting that the color is golden-bay and black instead of white and black. The White Wyandotte variety (fig. 6) is, perhaps, the favorite from the fact that it is not so difficult to breed to feather, the plumage being pur white throughout. It is for this reason the more practical fowl for the farmer or those who keep poultry for market.  The Buff Wyandotte is in color a rich, deep, clear buff, uniform in shade throughout, except the tail, which is of a deeper buff or copperish-bronze color. The Blacks are of a rich, glossy black, with greenish sheen, excepting breast primaries, secondaries, tail and fluff, which are pure black. Functionality - MarketabilityFor general purposes the Wyandottes have proved a success, being of medium size, weighing on an average a pound less than Plymouth Rocks, hardy of constitution, and prolific layers. They are easily cared for and bear confinement well. For table purposes they are of superior worth; their flesh is sweet, juicy, and tender, making excellent broilers and roasters. As layers they are among the best, averaging from twelve to fourteen dozens a year, and as winter layers they do well under ordinary circumstances. CharacteristicsThe standard weight of the Wyandotte is:
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