Wyandottes are a breed of chicken known for their wide array of feather colors and patterns. Some of the most common wyandotte color varieties include silver, gold, blue, black, buff, columbian, partridge, silver penciled, and blue laced red. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular wyandotte colors and the genetics behind their plumage.
Common Wyandotte Color Varieties
Silver Laced
The silver laced wyandotte is considered the original wyandotte color variety. Silver laced wyandottes have a base color of bright silver with regular, concentric black lacing on each feather. The lacing creates a scalloped appearance. The silvery white and black pattern is visually striking. Hens will lay brown eggs.
Gold Laced
As the name suggests, gold laced wyandottes have a base color of golden bay instead of silver. Their feathers feature a black lace pattern like the silver laced. The overall effect is a rich golden color accented by black. Hens lay brown eggs.
Blue Laced Red
Blue laced red wyandottes have a mahogany red base color with blue-gray lacing. The blue and red combination is very eye-catching. Hens lay brown eggs tinted with a hint of pink.
Black
Solid black wyandottes have lustrous, greenish-black plumage with bold red combs and wattles. Hens lay brown eggs.
White
White wyandottes have pure white plumage and bright red combs and wattles. They make a nice contrast to the other color varieties. Hens lay brown eggs.
Buff
Buff wyandottes have rich golden plumage throughout. They lack any lacing or other markings beyond some black in the tail. Hens lay brown eggs.
Partridge
Partridge wyandottes have a base color of warm brown-red with intricate patterning in black. Each feather is outlined in black with a central V-shaped black marking. Hens lay brown eggs.
Silver Penciled
Silver penciled wyandottes have a silver ground color with narrow, pencil-like black markings on each feather. The black lines follow the contour of the feather. Hens lay brown eggs.
Columbian
Columbian wyandottes have a base color of silvery white with black restricted mainly to the neck, wings, and tail. They resemble the color pattern of Columbian Plymouth Rocks. Hens lay brown eggs.
Wyandotte Genetics
The diverse colors and patterns seen in wyandottes result from various genetic factors interacting. Here are some of the key details:
- The silver and gold color variants are produced by the action of genes that inhibit black pigment production, leaving just white and yellow colors visible.
- Lacing patterns require genes that cause a concentration of black pigment on the edge of feathers.
- Genes like partridge and silver penciling cause a precise, patterned distribution of black markings.
- Buff, white, black, and blue color variants are the result of genes that inhibit production of certain pigments.
- The blue lacing gene modifies black pigment into a blue-gray color.
- Columbian pattern requires genes that restrict black pigment to certain areas of the body.
By selectively breeding birds with desired colors and patterns, poultry fanciers have developed a diverse palette of wyandotte varieties over the past 100+ years. Additional color variants continue to be perfected as well through dedicated breeding efforts.
Most Popular Wyandotte Colors
While wyandottes come in many classic color patterns, a few varieties tend to be most popular:
- Silver Laced – As the original wyandotte color pattern, silver laced remains iconic and widely-kept.
- Gold Laced – The rich golden coloration of gold laced wyandottes makes them very attractive.
- Blue Laced Red – The vibrant blue and red feather pattern causes this variety to stand out.
- Black – With their glossy green-black plumage, black wyandottes have enduring popularity.
- Buff – Buff wyandottes breed true and their warm golden color is visually appealing.
These varieties are most commonly seen due to a combination of attractive color patterns and good production traits. However, all wyandotte colors have their admirers within the poultry fancy.
Use as Ornamental Fowl
Beyond egg and meat production, wyandottes are often kept for their ornamental qualities. Their color patterns make them pleasing additions to backyard flocks. Characteristics that make them valued as ornamental fowl include:
- Wide range of color varieties to choose from.
- Intricate and eye-catching feather patterns.
- Hardy, personable temperament.
- Compact body size relative to other chickens.
- Traditional barnyard fowl appearance.
Wyandottes are exhibited in poultry shows around the world. Competitions allow fanciers to showcase wyandottes based on color quality, conformation, and overall presentation.
Conclusion
Wyandottes come in an impressive array of colors thanks to decades of selective breeding. Some of the most popular and striking wyandotte varieties include silver laced, gold laced, blue laced red, black, buff, and other patterns. Their beautiful colors and endearing personality make them a frequent choice for small or ornamental flocks. Whatever color a wyandotte may be, they remain a quintessential chicken breed appreciated for both beauty and utility.
| Wyandotte Variety | Plumage Color | Egg Color |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Laced | Silver-white with black lacing | Brown |
| Gold Laced | Golden bay with black lacing | Brown |
| Blue Laced Red | Mahogany red with blue-gray lacing | Light brown |
| Black | Lustrous green-black | Brown |
| White | Pure white | Brown |
| Buff | Rich golden | Brown |
| Partridge | Brown-red with intricate black patterning | Brown |
| Silver Penciled | Silver with narrow black feather markings | Brown |
| Columbian | White with black restricted to certain areas | Brown |
