Wyandotte vs Plymouth Rock
Wyandotte or Plymouth Rock? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Wyandotte | Plymouth Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Eggs and meat | Eggs and meat |
| Origin | New York, US | Massachusetts, US |
| Adult weight | Hens 6.5 lb, roosters 8.5 lb | Hens 7.5 lb, roosters 9.5 lb |
| Lifespan | 6–10 years | 6–10 years |
| Eggs | About 200 brown eggs a year | About 200–250 brown eggs a year |
| Best fit | Backyard flocks, cold climates | Backyard flocks, beginners |
| Noise | ●●●●● Moderate chatter | ●●●●● Moderate chatter |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Rose comb resists frost | ●●●●● Very hardy |
| Egg output | ●●●●● Good steady layer | ●●●●● Good steady layer |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Great starter breed | ●●●●● Great starter breed |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Noise: about the same (2 of 5 each).
- Hardiness: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Egg output: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (5 of 5 each).
The Wyandotte
Wyandottes were developed in New York in the 1870s and are a dual-purpose chicken with a rose comb and laced feathers. They are cold-hardy, calm and reliable layers, and the Silver Laced is one of the most recognizable backyard breeds.
Wyandottes can be pushy with more timid breeds. Heavy feathering makes them less comfortable in hot, humid summers.
The Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks were developed in Massachusetts in the 1800s and are a dual-purpose chicken known for the Barred Rock pattern. They are calm, hardy and good layers, which made them one of the most common farm chickens in America.
Plymouth Rocks need space and do best free ranging. Roosters can be protective.
Questions
Is a Wyandotte or a Plymouth Rock better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 5 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Wyandotte: Great starter breed. Plymouth Rock: Great starter breed.
What is the main difference between a Wyandotte and a Plymouth Rock?
Wyandottes can be pushy with more timid breeds. Heavy feathering makes them less comfortable in hot, humid summers. By contrast, plymouth Rocks need space and do best free ranging. Roosters can be protective.