Beautiful And Interesting – The Buttercup Chicken
The buttercup chicken, originally developed in Sicily in the 1800’s, is also known as the Sicilian Buttercup. According to records, one pair was imported to the US in the latter part of that century and today’s stock flourishes as descendants of that same coupling.
The breed is rare, beautiful, worthy of exhibition, a consistent layer and good to keep as a pet.
Their eggs are few and small but the Buttercup hen is a dependable layer. All experts do not agree, however, about this breed as a pet. Some experts recommend it as a pet because of its curiosity and friendliness.
Some experts state that although the Buttercup can be friendly, it prefers to be independent, is very active, and flies well. Others declare that this breed prefers to avoid human contact.
All experts recommend that chicks are the best choice to start out with because they can be trained to enjoy human contact.
Chicks seem to be limited in numbers but can be ordered online from several hatcheries. The males are reportedly the friendlier version of the breed.
Experts agree that this breed does not enjoy confinement and will enjoy human company best when given lots of free range room and a warm habitat.
A warm coop will protect this bird’s unique comb from frostbite and the comb is very sensitive to cold. It is specifically because of its unique crown-like shaped comb and its golden-toned feathers that the breed has acquired its name.
With its stunning crown and golden plumage, the buttercup chicken is a very attractive bird, often shown in exhibitions. In 1918, the breed was admitted to the “American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection”.
Usually the hen has rich golden or amber colored feathers with rows of brown spots or “spangles”. The males are normally a reddish-orange color with black “spangles” and a very dark green tail.
It is stated that the hens will mature early and start laying when they are 5 months old. The hens are not very productive but will lay an average of 2 eggs per week for their entire life.
Again, there seems to be some controversy amongst experts regarding the appearance of the eggs as well. Some claim that they are white and lean toward the small size. Others claim that the eggs have a tint or hew to them.
It may seem odd to think of chickens as pets. Even the name, chicken, will often elicit giggles. Given warm living quarters with adequate room and an outdoor space large enough in which to fly, peck, scratch, walk and sunbathe, any chicken will be happy to be kept as a pet. Bear in mind that buttercup chickens are certainly not the type to be kept in small, cold quarters.
Buttercup chickens are entertaining and engaging and may even learn to sit in a person’s lap. Baby chicks which are hand-raised will respond to the call of their name, will allow someone to stroke them and may even eat out of someone’s hand.
Pet chickens will respond well when rewarded with food and positive reinforcement.
A buttercup chicken can become a fun and intriguing pet when raised in a warm, clean environment. Since they lay only two eggs weekly, depending on this breed as a source of food wouldn’t be the wisest choice.
As a pet, however, a buttercup chicken is gorgeous and intriguing to look at, entertaining, great company and certainly makes for an unique conversation piece.