A Barred Plymouth Rock chickenA Wyandotte chicken

Barred Plymouth Rock photo: Thomas Kriese (CC BY 2.0) · Wyandotte photo: ripperda (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons

Barred Plymouth Rock vs Wyandotte

Two backyard favorites, side by side — egg production, temperament, size, and hardiness, straight from our breed data. Here's how to choose.

The quick verdict

The Barred Plymouth Rock is the stronger layer — about 200–280 eggs a year against the Wyandotte's 180–240.

In a hot, humid climate the Barred Plymouth Rock copes better than the Wyandotte.

Both dual purpose birdsBoth lay brown eggsBoth cold-hardyBoth beginner-friendlyBoth calm and easy to handle

Choose the Barred Plymouth Rock if you want…

  • More eggs — up to 280 a year
  • Better through summer heat
Full Barred Plymouth Rock profile →

Choose the Wyandotte if you want…

  • Nearly identical on paper — comes down to looks and what's available locally
Full Wyandotte profile →

Side by side

TraitBarred Plymouth RockWyandotte
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose
Eggs per year200–280180–240
Egg colorBrownBrown
Egg sizeLargeLarge
Hen weight6.5–7.5 lbs6–7 lbs
TemperamentFriendly and easygoingCalm and confident
Cold hardyYesYes
Heat tolerantYesNo
BroodinessSometimes broodySometimes broody
Beginner friendlyYesYes

Egg counts are healthy-hen peaks; real numbers dip in winter, during molt, and as a hen ages. Size a coop for either bird with our coop size calculator.

More head-to-heads

Or browse every comparison · see all 50 breeds

Barred Plymouth Rock or Wyandotte — track whichever you pick

Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal, log their eggs and weight, and let the app show you which hen is really your best layer. Free on iOS and Android.

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