Cinnamon Queen Chick & Columbian Wyandotte: Breed Facts

Raising chickens is one of the most satisfying parts of farming. It doesn’t matter if you have a big farm, a small yard, or just a few cages behind your house. A good hen can make your work easier and your mornings brighter. Among the many breeds available today, the Cinnamon Queen chicken has become a favorite. Farmers around the world — and especially new backyard keepers — love this bird for its eggs, friendly nature, and simple care needs.

In this long, easy-to-read guide, we will talk about the Cinnamon Queen in detail. We will also compare it with the Columbian Rock chicken and the Columbian Wyandotte. These breeds often interest the same farmers, so the comparison can help you choose the right one for your flock.

So take a cup of tea and sit back. Let’s explore these beautiful and useful birds together.


What Is a Cinnamon Queen Chicken?

The Cinnamon Queen is a modern hybrid chicken. This means it is not an old, traditional breed. Instead, it is created by crossing two strong parent breeds. The most common cross is:

  • A Rhode Island Red rooster,
  • And a light-colored hen, often similar to a Silver-Laced or White Leghorn-type bird.

This special cross produces a chicken that grows fast, lays many eggs, and stays hardy in both hot and cold weather. Cinnamon Queens are friendly, calm, and easy to keep, which makes them perfect for beginners.

Why Are They Called “Cinnamon Queens”?

People gave them this name because of their warm cinnamon-colored feathers. When they walk in the sunlight, their feathers glow like rust and gold. Hens look especially beautiful, with a soft and gentle color. Roosters may look brighter and more fiery in their shades.

The name “Queen” comes from their strong egg-laying performance. They may not sit on a throne, but they rule the coop with steady laying and peaceful behavior.

Cinnamon Queen Chicks

Cinnamon Queen chicks are fun and easy to identify. Because they are a sex-linked hybrid, their color at birth helps farmers know which ones are males and which ones are females. This is very useful for farmers who want mostly hens for eggs.

Chick Colors

  • Female chicks often have a light cinnamon or reddish color.
  • Male chicks are usually paler, sometimes creamy or yellowish.

This natural color difference saves farmers from mistakes and helps them manage their flocks better.

Growth

Cinnamon Queen chicks grow fast. They feather early, develop quickly, and start laying much sooner than most heritage breeds. This fast growth is helpful for farmers who want early returns from their investment.

The Look of a Fully Grown Cinnamon Queen

A grown Cinnamon Queen hen has:

  • Rusty, cinnamon-colored feathers
  • Yellow legs
  • A medium-sized single comb
  • Bright red wattles
  • A smooth and balanced body shape

The hens are not too big and not too small. They have a clean, gentle look and stand upright with confidence. The roosters are more colorful and may show deeper shades of red and gold.

Even though they are not show birds, they still look attractive in any yard or farm.

Temperament: Calm and Friendly Birds

One thing farmers love about Cinnamon Queens is their personality. They are friendly with people. They get along with children. They rarely fight with other chickens.

A Cinnamon Queen hen will walk around you without fear. She may follow you if she thinks you have food. This calm nature makes them perfect for small farms, backyard flocks, and even hobby keepers who only have a few birds.

If you are new to poultry keeping, Cinnamon Queens are a good start.

Egg Production: Their Biggest Strength

TCinnamon Queens are famous for their egg-laying ability. They lay many eggs, and they lay them consistently.

How Many Eggs?

A healthy Cinnamon Queen can lay:

250–300 or more eggs every year.

This number is higher than many heritage breeds. Some may even reach around 320 eggs in good conditions.

Egg Size and Color

  • Large to extra-large
  • Rich brown shells
  • Strong shell quality

The eggs are perfect for home use and also good for small-scale selling.

Cinnamon Queen Chicken

Early Layers

Most Cinnamon Queens start laying at 16–18 weeks of age. This is much earlier than breeds like Orpingtons, Rocks, or Wyandottes, which can take 22–28 weeks.

Earlier laying means faster production — which is great for farmers

Are Cinnamon Queens Good Meat Birds?

These chickens are mainly egg birds, but they do reach a good size. Their meat is not like broilers, but if you have extra roosters or want a dual-purpose option, they are still useful.

Average Weights

  • Hens: around 5–6 pounds
  • Roosters: around 7–8 pounds

So yes, they can be used as meat birds if needed — especially in small farms or mixed flocks.

Health, Hardiness, and Lifespan

Cinnamon Queens are tough chickens. They handle:

  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Rain
  • Damp climates
  • Dry climates

This makes them suitable for many regions, from warm Asia to cooler Western climates.

Health Strengths

  • Strong immune system
  • Low disease problems
  • Good survival rate
  • Less sensitive than many fancy breeds

With proper care, clean water, and good feed, they stay healthy and active.

Lifespan

They usually live around 3–5 years.
However, like most hybrid layers, their egg production slows down after 2–3 years.

If you want long-term layers, you may consider mixing your flock with heritage breeds too.

Cinnamon Queen Hen Behavior

These hens are peaceful. They do not bully other birds. They rarely start fights. They are curious, but gentle.

They are also not very broody. So if you want natural hatching, Cinnamon Queens are not the best mothers. You will need a broody breed or an incubator.

Now Let’s Compare: Cinnamon Queen vs Columbian Rock vs Columbian Wyandotte

Many farmers also think about Columbian Rock or Columbian Wyandotte when looking at productive backyard breeds. These are older, heritage breeds and have their own advantages.

Let’s explore them one by one, then compare.

Columbian Rock Chicken

The Columbian Rock is a color variety of the famous Plymouth Rock. This breed has been around for a long time and is known for calm behavior and good production.

Appearance

  • White feathers
  • Black neck feathers
  • Black tail edges

They look elegant and clean.

Egg Production

They lay around 180–220 brown eggs per year.
Not as much as Cinnamon Queens, but still respectable.

Purpose

They are dual-purpose chickens. This means they are good for both eggs and meat.


Columbian Wyandotte ChickenWyandottes are popular for their beauty and strong bodies. The Columbian Wyandotte has:

  • A white base color
  • Black neck and tail patterns
  • A rose comb (which protects them from frostbite)

They are very cold-hardy and handle winter better than many breeds.

Egg Production

They lay around 200–240 brown eggs per year.

Strengths

  • Strong winter layers
  • Calm personality
  • Good broodiness
  • Dual-purpose qualities

These birds are great for colder areas.

Comparison Table (Simple and Easy)

FeatureCinnamon QueenColumbian RockColumbian Wyandotte
Eggs per year250–300+180–220200–240
TemperamentVery gentleCalmCalm but stronger personality
SizeMediumLargeMedium-large
Heat toleranceExcellentGoodGood
Cold toleranceGoodGoodExcellent
Broody behaviorLowMediumMedium-high
Early layingYesMediumMedium

Choosing the Right Breed

Choose Cinnamon Queens if:

  • You want a lot of eggs.
  • You want early laying.
  • You are a beginner.
  • You need friendly, peaceful birds.
  • You live in a warm or mixed climate.

Choose Columbian Rocks if:

  • You want a sturdy dual-purpose bird.
  • You prefer larger chickens.
  • You like traditional, heritage breeds.

Choose Columbian Wyandottes if:

  • You live in a cold area.
  • You want hens that may go broody.
  • You want beautiful birds with calm personalities.

Housing and Care Tips

Cinnamon Queens do not need complicated care. A clean coop and enough space keep them happy.

Space

  • 3–4 square feet per bird inside
  • 8–10 square feet per bird outside

Nesting Boxes

One box for every three hens.

Roosting Bars

Give each bird 8–10 inches of space.

Ventilation

Good airflow is important. It reduces smell and prevents disease.

Feeding Your Cinnamon Queens

Feed affects egg production. Good feed means good eggs.

Starter Feed (0–6 weeks)

  • 18–20% protein

Grower Feed (6–16 weeks)

  • 16–18% protein

Layer Feed (16+ weeks)

  • 16–18% protein
  • Extra calcium

Give them clean water all day.
You can also give treats like vegetables, grains, or fruit — but in moderation.

Common Issues to Watch

Even healthy breeds need monitoring.

  • Egg binding
  • Calcium shortage
  • Obesity
  • Feather loss during molting
  • Production drop after 2–3 years

Regular checks help you catch problems early.

Breeding Cinnamon Queens

Because they are hybrids, Cinnamon Queens do not breed true.
This means their chicks will not look like them or have the same qualities. To recreate a Cinnamon Queen, you must use the same parent breeds again.

If you want your flock to reproduce naturally, try keeping:

  • Wyandottes
  • Rocks
  • Sussex
  • Orpingtons

These are good mothers and reliable layers.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Queen chickens are one of the best choices for anyone who wants reliable egg production. They are gentle, calm, and easy to keep. Their early laying age and high egg numbers make them ideal for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

Compared with Columbian Rock and Columbian Wyandotte, the Cinnamon Queen stands out for egg production and friendly behavior, while the other two shine in heritage quality, appearance, and dual-purpose traits.

No matter what you choose, raising chickens brings joy, routine, and fresh eggs to your life. And in many cases, a Cinnamon Queen is the perfect bird to start that journey.

What is a Cinnamon Queen chicken?

A Cinnamon Queen is a hybrid chicken known for fast growth and excellent egg production. It is calm, easy to raise, and ideal for beginners.

How many eggs do Cinnamon Queens lay?

They lay around 250–300+ brown eggs per year. Many hens start laying early compared to other breeds.

Are Cinnamon Queen chicks easy to raise?

Yes. They grow fast, eat well, and handle different climates. Even new chicken keepers can raise them without stress.

Are Cinnamon Queen hens friendly?

Yes. They are very gentle and calm. They mix well with other breeds and rarely cause trouble in the flock.

What is a Columbian Wyandotte chicken?

A Columbian Wyandotte is a heritage breed known for its white body, black tail, and black laced neck feathers. It is a hardy and dependable farm bird.

How many eggs do Columbian Wyandottes lay?

They lay about 200–240 brown eggs per year. They are steady layers and good year-round producers.

Can Cinnamon Queens and Columbian Wyandottes live together?

Yes. Both breeds are peaceful and adapt well in mixed flocks.

Mehreen Hanif
Mehreen Hanif

Mehreen Hanif is a plant breeder with an M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics. She works on developing strong, high-yield crop varieties. She has experience in both field and lab work. Mehreen uses traditional breeding methods along with modern biotechnology. Her skills include genetic improvement, molecular breeding, and field trial analysis. She also has more than 3 years of experience in writing agriculture content. She enjoys sharing knowledge to help farmers and students learn in a simple and practical way.

Articles: 29

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *