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3 Roses Farm South Hill
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White Wyandotte Bantams
Wyandotte Bantams continue to rise in popularity. According to recent data from the American Bantam Association they represent the second largest number of entries in U.S. shows over the past three years, behind only Old English Game Bantams. Why such popularity? Here are a few reasons why many of us think Wyandottes are such a wonderful breed in the world of poultry. Standard sized Wyandottes first became popular during the first half of this century because of their dual purpose productivity. In other words, they were excellent layers but also plump and appealing meat birds. Their real claim to fame was the ability to withstand cold winters, particularly in the midwest, because their rose combs were much less vulnerable to frostbite than single combed birds. Today the Wyandotte Bantam as well as their beautiful large counterpart is popular for other reasons. One obvious factor is their general appearance. Here we have a bird that is compact, broad, deep and balanced in carriage. It possesses a geometric grace that is hard to match. It is a bird of curves with gently angular lines and circles that present a boldness as well as charm to the observer. The balance and poise of the Wyandotte is topped off by the neatness of the rose comb, the trait spoken of earlier that had great utility in earlier days. While there is beauty in all the comb types, I have always found the appealing comb of the Wyandotte to possess a classy and neat look that reminds me of a Roman Soldier's helmet. This comb sitting on top of the nice broad head is a distinctive feature of the Wyandotte breed. Wyandottes are also appealing because of their level of activity. They are not high-strung or flighty birds, but neither are that passive or inactive. They are often referred to as "those industrious Wyandottes" because the females always seem busy at work throughout their purposeville days. The combination of European and Asian bloodlines in the creation of this breed has led to a nice blend of activity and gentleness. Wyandottes come in a large variety of colors, again second only to Old English Game in the number of color patterns. We have emphasized to those who are interested in beginning with Wyandottes that excellent contributions can be made by focusing on one of the less popular varieties. Particularly if one is a beginner in this breed, there are advantages to specializing in one or two varieties as opposed to breeding several. Each of the varieties has it beauty and we are seeing a rising level of interest in "bringing back" some of the more rare varieties in our shows. Great progress has been made during the past couple of years in communicating to judges and show officials, as well as breeders, the essential features of the Wyandotte breed. We are also looking more closely at the large fowl in our breed, realizing that this is the standard that we should always be aiming for. We admire and value the large fowl and support our breeders in this area. So "bunny tails," short legs showing no thigh, narrow heads, legs that are not yellow in color, narrow bodies, pinched tails, and wings and tails that are too long, are all things that are being watched more carefully. There is a new awareness that is leading to lots of conversation. (http://www.crohio.com/wyan/wyan2day.html)
I am especially proud of my 3 Roses Farm line of White Wyandotte bantams that I have been breeding since 1989. I have a highly fertile, high egg producing, vigorous line that has combined some of the best lines in the country. Some of these lines and breeders no longer exist. What I think is unique about my line is I win with both females and males and breed for temperament as well. I am passionate about my White Wyandotte bantams and willing to share my eggs, young birds, and adults from my champion lines with anyone else interested in getting started with this wonderful breed.
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