Gold laced Wyandotte / gold laced Orpington . Difference ?

[ziggy]

Hi all what's the difference between the two ?,
I was sure I had a Orpington but now not so sure !
Egg laying is ? I'm sure they are large fowl that I got as chicks lovely lacing colours already at 7 weeks
And more than likely a hen ,
Regards Simon

 

[chrismahon]

Hi Ziggy. We have Gold Laced Wyandotte Large Fowl and I have seen the Orpington counterpart. Wyandottes are far better marked and brighter coloured. Its difficult as you only have one, two together and the differences are easier to spot. The most obvious to look for is a rose type comb of the Wyandotte as opposed to the straight comb of the Orpington. Orpingtons are much fluffier, loose feathered, than the Wyandottes, which is noticable at 6 weeks. They are also shoter legged and broader in the chest. If it is an Orpington it may not sex until 20 weeks and the latest we had was 26 weeks and two days. This apparent hen (in with all the other hens) stood tall one morning and 'coughed', then the comb and wattles started to grow -lovely chap now is our Basil. Just like his dad who was 26 weeks and one day when he did the same.

 

[Chuck]

As Chris has said, the Wyandottes being tighter feathered show off the lacing much better but the main difference is the comb, Rose with a downturned leader on the Wyandottes and single on the Orpingtons.
As for laying, the Orpingtons are poor layers now, the Wyandottes vary depending on how they are bred but there is only a White Utility strain of Wyandottes, the rest have all been developed for show.

 

[ziggy]

Well il have to wait n see , it's odd the fella wasn't sure what chicks he had ,
I didn't get any if his jubilee Orpington to hatch sadly , but they look very similar to speckled Sussex to me ?
From 10 chicks I collected as my hatched failed , I have one definite cockeral
And maybe one more , , I'm just hoping the pair of call ducks are male / female , still too young I guess , although ones getting a definable. Quack , whereas the other is more sqeeky!