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Chapter XXVII. 
WYANDOTTES. 
In the Wyandotte we have one of the most useful and ornamental races in the Poultry World; their origm 
is purely a matter for conjecture, but that they were made up from various breeds goes without saying, but 
this question of their origin is of small importance, as the best strains now breed quite true to colour and shape. 
Some strains, though seemingly well fixed in markings and general characteristics, yet occasionally throw a 
small percentage of chickens with feathers on the shanks. That the Hamburg was employed in their 
manufacture is evidenced by the rose comb and the prolific laying capabilities which the hens possess. The 
style and carriage of the Wyandotte is somewhat similar to the Brahma, though their appearance is lighter, 
more active, and consequently smarter. The breed in size may be classed as medium — occupying a position 
about midway between the gigantic size of the Asiatic breeds and the smaller Mediterranean varieties. Great 
claims are tendered on their behalf as to their generally good all round useful qualities. The chickens are 
hardy, grow at a great rate, and arrive at maturity fairly early, in nearly all instances being plump and meaty 
from chickenhood. The hens lay all the year round, with occasional short breaks, and are the best of sitters 
and mothers, being very careful with their chickens, though at times, especially in the spring, they will 
generally commence laying when their chickens are about a month old, thus leaving them rather too early. 
Wyandottes are now bred in six varieties, viz., Silver-laced, Golden-laced, White, Black, Buff, and Cuckoo. 
General Characteristics of Wyandottes. 
THE COCK. 
Head. — Short, broad, and nicely rounded ; Comb, rose, firm and even on the head, full of fine work or 
spikes, low set, square in front, and gradually tapering towards the spike which should follow the curve of the 
back of the head, fit closely, and be of medium length. The comb should not be as full of work as the typical 
Hamburgs, neither should the spike behind be so long, and on no account possess an upward tendency. 
The comb should be almost as wide at the base as at the top, but should not protrude far over the side 
of the head. Face and Wattles, bright red, the wattles well developed ; Ear-lobes, bright red, free from 
yellow or white spots ; Neck, medium length, well arched ; Hackle, full and flowing ; Back, short, broad, 
and flat : Saddle, broad, and rising gracefully with a concave sweep to the tail ; Body, short, broad, deep, and 
well rounded ; Wings, moderate in size, well tucked up ; Tail, well developed, sickles of medium length, 
fluff plentiful ; Breast, broad, deep and full ; Shanks and Feet, shanks medium length, stout and strong ; 
General Carriage, active and vigorous ; Weight, cockerels 7 lbs., cocks 9 lbs. The hen should be 
similar to the cock in all points, making allowance for difference in sex. Weight, pullets 5 lbs., hens 7 lbs. 
Points of Colour in Silver Wyandottes. 
THE COCK. 
Beak, Shanks and Feet, bright yellow or orange, quite free from feathers ; Eyes, bright bay ; Head, 
pure silvery white, quite free from a yellow tinge ; Neck Hackle and Saddle Hackle, pure silvery white 
margin all round the feather, with a well defined black stripe in the centre ; Breast, the centre of 
the feather white, with a well defined black lacing extending right round the feather, each feather 
from throat to thighs being accurately laced with black. This distinctive lacing must be uniform. The 
under colour of the fluff a dark slate. Back, silvery white, without any admixture of yellow or straw coloured 
feathers ; Tail, black, with a greenish lustre ; Wings, shoulder-coverts and wing-bow, silvery white ; Wing- 
coverts, white, heavily laced with black, forming two well defined " bars " ; Secondaries, black on the inner 
