Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens | Ultimate Guide

Silver Laced Wyandotte chickens are one of the most visually striking and well-balanced backyard chicken varieties available today. Known for their crisp black-and-white laced plumage, calm temperament, and reliable brown egg production, Silver Laced Wyandottes combine beauty with practicality. As one of the original and most popular varieties of the Wyandotte breed, they are especially valued for cold hardiness, steady laying, and adaptability to mixed backyard flocks.

In this guide, we focus specifically on Silver Laced Wyandotte chickens while also explaining their American heritage, how they compare to other Wyandotte varieties, and what makes them such a dependable long-term choice for backyard keepers.

Quick Chick(en) Facts

Origin	United States
Colors	Silver with black lacing
Weight	Hens: ~6.5 lb & Roosters: ~8.5 lb
Lifespan	6–8 years
Rate of Lay/yr	~180–240 eggs
Egg Size	Large
Egg Color	Brown
Heat Hardy	Moderate
Cold Hardy	Excellent
Broodiness	Low to Moderate
Disease Susceptibility	Generally hardy
Temperament	Calm, confident, friendly
Beginner Friendly	Yes

 

Quick Jump

• Appearance of Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens
• History of Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens
• Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens for Sale
• Silver Laced Wyandotte Egg Laying
• Silver Laced Wyandotte Health Issues & Care
• Silver Laced Wyandotte Temperament
• Feeding Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens
• Coop & Run Size for Silver Laced Wyandottes
• Pros & Cons of Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens
• Silver Laced Wyandotte FAQs

 

Appearance of Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens

Silver Laced Wyandottes are best known for their sharply defined black lacing that outlines each silver-white feather. This lacing pattern is the result of selective breeding for precise feather edge coloration, giving the birds a crisp, almost hand-drawn appearance.

They have broad, rounded bodies with dense feathering that provides insulation in cold weather. Their rose combs sit low against the head, reducing the risk of frostbite compared to single-combed breeds. Compared to Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, Silver Laced birds have higher contrast plumage and slightly easier-to-maintain coloration.

History of Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens

The Wyandotte breed was developed in the United States during the late 1800s, named after the Wyandot people. Breeders crossed several established breeds, including Silver Spangled Hamburgs, Dark Brahmas, and possibly Cochins, to create a cold-hardy, dual-purpose chicken.

Silver Laced Wyandottes were one of the first and most influential Wyandotte varieties. Their success helped establish the Wyandotte as a cornerstone American breed, prized for productivity, beauty, and adaptability.

Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens for Sale

Silver Laced Wyandottes are widely available from hatcheries and are often the most common Wyandotte variety offered. They are typically available during spring and early summer chick seasons.

Birds from breeder lines often show more precise lacing and heavier body type, while hatchery birds are selected for consistent temperament and egg production. Both types perform well in backyard flocks.

Silver Laced Wyandotte Egg Laying

Silver Laced Wyandottes are dependable brown egg layers, producing approximately 180–240 large eggs per year. Their production is steady and sustainable, making them well suited for long-term backyard flocks.

They are known to continue laying during colder months, aided by their dense feathering and rose combs. Eggshells are typically thick and uniform.

Providing oyster shell free-choice supports shell strength, especially during winter laying.

Silver Laced Wyandotte Health Issues & Care

Silver Laced Wyandottes are generally hardy birds with few breed-specific health concerns. Their moderate size helps reduce stress on joints compared to heavier breeds.

They tolerate cold very well but can struggle in extreme heat. Shade, ventilation, and cool water are important during hot weather, especially in humid regions.

Silver Laced Wyandotte Temperament

Silver Laced Wyandottes are calm, confident chickens that tend to be friendly without being overly demanding. They are curious foragers and enjoy exploring their environment.

They usually rank in the middle of the pecking order and integrate well with other calm breeds such as Plymouth Rocks, Orpingtons, and Brahmas.

Feeding Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens

Silver Laced Wyandottes do well on a standard feeding progression, starting with chick starter feed through 8 weeks, followed by grower feed, and then a balanced layer feed once laying begins.

Many keepers prefer USDA-certified Organic, Non-GMO options. Mile Four’s Organic Chicken Feed Kits simplify feeding at every stage, while Organic Layer Feed supports consistent egg production.

Coop & Run Size for Silver Laced Wyandottes

Silver Laced Wyandottes require approximately 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10–15 square feet per bird in the run. They enjoy foraging but adapt well to enclosed runs.

Standard roosts and nesting boxes work well. Their rounded bodies and moderate size make them easy to house in most backyard setups.

Pros & Cons of Silver Laced Wyandotte Chickens

Pros	Cons
Beautiful, distinctive plumage	Not as prolific as hybrids
Cold hardy with rose comb	Heat tolerance is moderate
Calm, friendly temperament	Lacing quality varies by line
Reliable long-term layers	Slower maturity than lighter breeds

Silver Laced Wyandotte FAQs

Are Silver Laced Wyandottes good for beginners?
Yes. Their calm temperament and hardiness make them a strong choice for first-time chicken keepers.

How do Silver Laced Wyandottes compare to Blue Laced Red Wyandottes?
Silver Laced Wyandottes have higher contrast plumage and are more common, while Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are rarer and often bred for color.

Do Silver Laced Wyandottes lay eggs in winter?
Yes. They are known for reliable winter laying due to cold tolerance.

Are Silver Laced Wyandottes aggressive?
No. They are generally calm and confident, fitting well into mixed flocks.

Do Silver Laced Wyandottes require special care?
No special care is required, though heat management is important in warmer climates.

Sources

American Poultry Association, Standard of Perfection.
Wyandotte Breeders of America Club reference materials.
Penn State Extension, backyard poultry management publications.
University of Minnesota Extension, poultry breed and egg production resources.