Bantam World’s Cara Wheeldon meets seasoned poultry expert, Clare Skelton, to explore the appeal and versatility of Wyandotte bantams.
From their easy-going nature to their remarkable variety, striking appearance and docile nature, Wyandotte bantams captivate poultry keepers worldwide. Clare Skelton, an experienced breeder from West Sussex, has spent her life with this hardy breed, appreciating its charm, reliability, and range of captivating colour varieties. At 67, Clare shares what sets Wyandottes apart in the world of bantams.
STANDOUT FEATURES
“I think what makes the Wyandotte stand out is its balanced shape and classic appearance,” says Clare. Noting how these birds not only deliver a striking appearance but also embody what many picture when they imagine a classic chicken. “They just have a good balance when they move and a classic look.” One of the breed’s most appealing aspects, however, as Clare explains, is the range of colour varieties they offer. “In Europe, there are around 30 accepted Wyandotte varieties, with even more potential when considering the less classic colours you can make.” Clare’s flock includes Millefleur, black, dun, blue, chocolate, silver and more, creating a beautiful and visually aesthetic mix. “There are lots of colour variations that can work well” she says, adding that the variety appeals to hobbyists and breeders alike.
TEMPERAMENT
Described by ‘The Featherbrain’ as calm and attached to their keepers, Wyandottes are not only visually appealing but friendly and adaptable. “They are generally calm and easy-going,” agrees Clare, though she notes that personality varies between lines. Her partridge Wyandottes are lively, while her lemon-coloured birds are incredibly sweet. “The lemons were the friendliest chickens I ever owned. They would always be at my feet near the feeder.” Their gentle nature makes Wyandottes ideal for families and new keepers. “As a generality, they are calm, nice easy-going chickens,” adds Clare.
CARE
Wyandottes are adaptable and do not require much space or enrichment. Clare’s birds thrive in a modest setup, with a raised coop and a 6ft x 3ft run that allows them to stay in the coop when she is away. “Straw on the floor provides simple enrichment,” Clare says. While free-ranging is a plus, Wyandottes are content in smaller areas with some bedding to keep them active. “There are no special requirements that they need,” explains Clare. “I run a business, so I give my birds flax seed oil, which I believe helps them, but apart from that, they require the same amount of care as any other poultry.”
Picture credit: Clare Skelton
This article extract was taken from the February 2025 edition of The Country Smallholder. To read the article in full, you can buy the issue here.
