Characteristics and description of the Wyandotte chicken breed, maintenance rules
Birds of mixed productivity are very popular among poultry farmers. Wyandotte is an unpretentious breed of chickens, which is distinguished by good egg production and excellent meat. Due to their phlegmatic nature, they easily get along with other domestic birds. They are kept quietly in open cages, as they are lazy and cannot fly. Due to its beauty and richness of colors, the breed is gradually moving into the decorative category.
Origin story
The breed was discovered in the second half of the 19th century, in the United States. The breeders adopted the first silver variety as the standard. The result was obtained by crossing representatives of several gene breeds.
The bird received its name from the name of the Indian people, since the color of the plumage coincides with the ritual colors of the settlement.
Description and characteristics of the Wyandotte breed
The good productivity of poultry is combined with its decorative effect. The value in the farm is due to its good adaptability to harsh winters.
Appearance of chickens
The bird is medium-sized, compact. It has a small head with a prominent yellow beak. The rooster differs from the female in its large size and high tail. A pink graceful comb fits snugly along the length of the head. The bird's eyes are large, reddish-orange in color. Red earlobes have a smooth oblong shape without wrinkles or folds. The head sits majestically on a strong neck, and the neck collar is so lush that it covers the shoulders.
The bird's body length is greater than its height, so the back seems to be rather wide and rounded. The feathered chest is well developed. Lush and abundant plumage covers the entire body and has an openwork frame around the edge. The presence of patterned feathers distinguishes it from other representatives of the breeds. The bird is characterized by long legs, widely spaced yellow fingers.
Domestic birds are distinguished by a variety of colors:
- black;
- white;
- golden;
- blue;
- striped;
- fawn;
- red;
- mixed.
The most common color is silver.
There are dwarf representatives of birds. They differ only in weight - up to 1 kilogram, and the weight of an egg is about 50 grams.
Character and temperament
Chicken breeders celebrate a calm, peaceful disposition in crosses and get along with other pets. The bird has good health and an obedient character.
Sexual maturity and egg production
Crosses belong to the egg-meat breed. They are rather early ripening, so it is beneficial for farmers to keep them on the farm. Chicks gain weight quickly. Chickens grow up to 3.0 kilograms, and roosters - up to 4.0 kilograms.
Layers Wyandotte begin to lay eggs from 5 months. Egg production in the first year reaches 200 eggs. Over time, productivity decreases to 170 eggs. The eggs are brown in color, are quite large and reach almost 65 grams.
In dwarf crosses, the indicators are 2 times less. The eggs, respectively, are small - weighing only 30 grams.
Pros and cons
The Wyandotte breed has positive and negative sides. The main benefits of poultry include:
- easily adapt to different weather conditions;
- chickens grow quickly;
- egg production does not stop in winter;
- friendliness to other birds of different breeds;
- you can breed the breed at home;
- vitality of chickens;
- early egg production;
- appearance allows you to decorate any yard;
- do not require difficult conditions for keeping;
- tolerate frost well;
- representatives are quiet, do not make noise.
In addition to the advantages, farmers also note the disadvantages of birds:
- inactivity leads to obesity;
- sensitivity to infectious diseases transmitted from other birds;
- additional efforts are made to obtain the desired color;
- the rarity of the breed.
Due to the fact that it is difficult to acquire a pure breed, the price of a bird is high.
Breed care and maintenance
In order to have productive egg production and tasty meat, crosses should be properly maintained. To do this, you must adhere to some rules.
Coop and outdoor patio
In birds, eggs are large and heavy, so it is recommended that perches be placed on the lower shelves or on the floor.
Despite its friendly attitude towards other birds, this breed should be kept separately to protect it from infections. If this is not feasible, then you need to closely monitor the health of each bird.
Important: the walking area can be partitioned off with a net so that the crosses do not mix.
In winter, the bird is indoors most of the day. Therefore, for better well-being and productivity, she will have to provide sufficient territory and provide a long day of light with the help of lamps.
The floor in the chicken coop is covered with sawdust, sunflower husk, and chopped wood. The flooring layer must be at least 7 centimeters. You can add sand, as birds love to swim in it.
Feeders and drinkers
On the territory of the paddock for crosses, feeders and drinkers are placed. Since these birds have a short beak, the dishes must be specially adapted to their physical characteristics.
Diet of chickens and adult chickens
A balanced and nutritious diet is important for the breed. Chickens should be fed with semolina, various cereals, chopped boiled egg. Feeding is carried out at least 7 times a day.
A month later, when they grow up, add:
- greenery;
- green onions;
- cottage cheese;
- meat or fish processing.
An adult bird needs food rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. It is important to add calcium to the diet, which is found in crushed shells or in ready-made vitamin compounds.
Care must be taken to ensure that birds do not overeat. If they become obese from the uncontrolled absorption of high-calorie feed, then they will have to increase the need for active physical movements of birds. You can put the feeder in the aviary on a platform to which you have to jump.
Breeding
Due to their adaptability to harsh winter weather, the breed is most suitable for chicken breeders who breed domestic birds in the northern regions.
Chicks are hatched in incubators and naturally.Crosses are good brood hens, they cope not only with incubating eggs, but also train and take care of the offspring. Chickens have a high survival rate. Chicks grow up and fledge quickly. To do this, they should be provided with a balanced diet.
Frequent diseases and their prevention
Representatives of the breed rarely get sick. Health problems are often associated with injury. However, you should regularly carry out prophylaxis against parasites and worms. Simple vaccination helps with this.
You can keep your home crosses healthy by keeping your outdoor yard and chicken coop clean. Aviaries should be cleaned and disinfected regularly and each bird inspected.
The Wyandotte breed is often found in household plots. Due to the endurance of an adult bird and the survival of chickens, crosses can be bred at home. The birds are viable and practically not susceptible to disease. Variety of colors, peaceful nature and good health are the main advantages of the breed.
