Feed: The Buttercup Chicken Is Beautiful And Interesting - AggScore: 14.0

Their eggs are few and small but the Buttercup hen is a dependable layer. All experts do not agree,...

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. 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.

Current reports state that the number of baby chicks is limited but can be purchased online from several hatcheries. Owners and experts agree that males are the friendlier of the breed. For the most part, Buttercups do not like confinement but will enjoy human contact when other conditions are suitably met such as outdoor places to roam and fly in addition to a warm habitat for resting and nesting.

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.

Hens mature early and start laying by the time they reach 5 months of age. They are not extremely productive but average approximately 2 eggs a week and lay their whole life. Some controversy exists also around the eggs’ appearance. There is claim that the eggs are always white and small. Others insist that they will have a slight hew or tint to them.

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.

Some Buttercup chickens can be very engaging and they are, as a breed, very entertaining. The odd few might be willing learn to sit in one’s lap. When hand-raised from newborn chicks, they will learn how to respond to their name, eat out of one’s hand and even allow themselves to be cuddled or stroked. Like any pet, chickens respond well to rewards of 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.