Developed in the 1870s in New York and Ontario, Wyandottes were named after the Wyandotte (Wendat) Indigenous people. They’re prized for their cold tolerance, friendly temperament, and attractive laced feather patterns, especially the popular Silver Laced variety. Hens lay around 200 large brown eggs annually and are also valued for meat. Wyandottes are easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners, though they can be assertive in mixed flocks. Their resilience and beauty make them a favorite in backyard and heritage poultry circles.