The Buttercup Chicken Is Interesting And Beautiful
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.
Although the eggs are small and few in number, the Buttercup is a dependable layer. Controversy exists, however, in the attributes of keeping this variety as a pet. Some experts recommend it as a pet because it is a curious and friendly breed.
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 are available from several hatcheries which can be accessed online. Experts and owners agree that males tend to be friendlier than females. Generally, the breed does not like to be confined and will enjoy human company when provided with a warm habitat and outdoor areas to roam and fly.
The Buttercup’s comb is particularly susceptible to frostbite, so it is preferable to keep its coop warm and well heated. This breed acquired its name because of its golden hewed feathers and the butter-cup shaped comb on the top of its head which resembles a crown.
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.
Hens will begin laying eggs when they are 5 months old. Upon average, they lay approximately two eggs a week and continue to lay all their life. Controversy exists over the eggs’ appearance. Most claim that Buttercup eggs are white and small. Others believe that that the shells are slightly tinted.
It might seem odd, to some, think of chickens as pets. Granted, even the name, chicken, tickles the funny bone and many people will find the thought of it funny. However, chickens are a good choice as a pet if they are given adequate living quarters and sufficient area outdoors where they can fly, lay in the sun, walk, peck and scratch. They are definitely not the sort to be confined indoors.
Buttercup chickens can be engaging and very entertaining and some will even learn to sit in one’s lap. Hand-raised baby chicks will learn to respond when their name is called, be stroked or cuddled and trained to eat from human hands. Chickens, like all pets, enjoy food as a reward and respond well to love and positive reinforcement.
When raised from chicks in a clean, warm, habitat, buttercup chickens would be an interesting and fun pet. Given that their laying output is approximately two eggs weekly, it wouldn’t be wise to seek this breed for this type of food source. Like any pet, a buttercup chicken will be entertaining, beautiful to look admire, good company and at the very least, an unconventional conversation piece.
To Learn more about chicken coop and keeping the Buttercup Chicken visit ChickenCoopAdvice.com