Buckeye (chicken)

For other uses, see Buckeye.

Buckeye
A Buckeye rooster in British Columbia
Conservation status	"threatened"
Country of origin	United States
Classification APA American
Traits Weight Male 9 lbs Weight Female 6.5 lbs Skin Color Yellow Egg Color Brown Comb Type Pea
Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

The Buckeye is a breed of chicken originating in the U.S. state of Ohio. Created in the late 19th century, Buckeyes are the only breed of American chicken known to have been created by a woman, and the only one to have a small "pea" comb. As of 2008, Buckeyes are extremely rare, and breed conservation organizations have recognized them as critically endangered. The breed's name is derived from Ohio's nickname of "Buckeye state", and their mahogany color is said ideally to resemble the seeds of the Ohio Buckeye plant (Aesculus glabra). They are a dual-purpose chicken that have a decent laying ability and strong meat production characteristics. Buckeyes are yellow skinned chickens who lay brown eggs.

History

See also: Selective breeding

The Buckeye was first bred and developed in 1896, by a Warren, Ohio resident named Nettie Metcalf. They are the only American breed of chicken known to have been developed by a woman, despite the fact that women were customarily given charge of the household poultry flock throughout much of U.S. history. Metcalf crossbred Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Cochins, and some black breasted red games to produce the Buckeye. Her goal was a functional breed that could produce well in the bitter Midwest winters. Contrary to popular belief the Buckeye breed was created before the Rhode Island Red breed and actually sent birds to the RIR breeders for them to improve their breed.

The Buckeye was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1904. Entrance into the Standard of Perfection signifies official certification as a breed by the Association, and thus allows Buckeyes to be entered into poultry shows and judged according to the breed standard (as outlined in the Standard of Perfection).

The recognition of Buckeyes in the Standard has been a significant factor in its survival. In the past, largely due its lack of color variations, the Buckeye has not been an especially popular exhibition breed, but there is growing interest in the exhibition poultry fancy for this dual-purpose, heritage variety of bird. Not adopted by commercial operations, the Buckeye has generally been a bird of smaller farm flocks. Today the breed status is listed as threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, threatened being defined as Threatened: Fewer than 1,000 breeding birds in the United States, with seven or fewer primary breeding flocks, and estimated global population less than 5,000. The breed is also included in the Slow Food USA Ark of Taste, a catalog of heritage foods in danger of extinction.

Characteristics

A bantam Buckeye hen

The Buckeye male weighs an average of 9 lbs (4.1 kg), and the hen 6.5 lbs (3 kg). The breed has yellow skin and lays brown eggs. Its primary color is a mahogany red with black tails; sometimes males have other dark feathering. According to the breed standard, a Buckeye's plumage should ideally resemble the hue of an Ohio Buckeye's seeds. Especially in the hen, the breed is very similar in appearance to the Rhode Island Red, although can be differentiated by a bar of slate color on the back feathers close to the body; the body is also much more compact, with a short, yet broad, back.

The Buckeye is the only purely American breed to sport a pea comb, and this, combined with its stocky build, makes it a supremely cold hardy chicken. Other breeds of fowl developed in the U.S. (such as the Ameraucana) may sport pea combs, but these chickens were primarily created from foreign birds. It also bears some traits of Game fowl in frame and disposition, being assertive in character and a very good forager. Generally calm, the cock birds in rare cases may become aggressive. Despite its game heritage, it tolerates confinement well, although it will be much happier and produce better if allowed to range on grass. The Buckeye is said by breeders to be disinclined towards feather picking. A good meat producer and layer of between 150 to 200 eggs per year, the Buckeye is a dual purpose chicken well–suited to small farmyard and backyard flocks.

Approximate weight

Cock	4.08 kg	9 lbs
Hen	2.95 kg	6.5 lbs

See also

• List of chicken breeds
• History of Ohio

References

• Ekarius, Carol (2007), Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds, Storey Publishing: Storey Pub., ISBN 978-1-58017-667-5 
• Heinrichs, Christine (2007), How to Raise Chickens, St. Paul, MN: Voyageur, ISBN 978-0-7603-2828-6 

External links

http://www.americanbuckeyepoultryclub.com The American Buckeye Poultry Club is a registered non-profit breed club formed in 2008 to serve and preserve the Buckeye chicken, large fowl and bantam. We welcome members from all walks of life, and strive to be inclusive. From the backyard chicken owner to the breeder of high-end show poultry; from the 4-H Cloverbud to the fancier with 50 years of experience with the breed, we are happy to embrace any who are fans of this wonderful breed of chicken. We hope you'll join us!

• Buckeyes at the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
• The American Buckeye Club, Inc., The American Buckeye Club is dedicated to the preservation of the Buckeye Chicken and is a place for Breeders, Hobbyists, and Poultry Enthusiasts to share information on this exceptional breed of fowl. The organization was re-established and founded by a group of Ohio based Buckeye Breeders, whose goal is to be the primary resource for the Buckeye Breeder Directory and a resource for everyone interested in Buckeyes.