Spring is when every flock owner is thinking about what types of chickens they’d like to add to their flock. If you had your eye on the Buckeye, we believe you really couldn’t ask for much more when it comes to keeping a strong, feathered community in your backyard.
They are excellent foragers with high egg production and can be used for meat as well. These dual-purpose hens will make quite a charming addition to your existing flock, but they also make terrific breed options for novice owners.
Buckeye chickens are all American poultry, built on red, white, and blue. It’s true, this chicken breed was crafted right in the Buckeye state—Ohio.
They were created in the early 19th century and remain the only American breed recognized by the American poultry association to have been made by a woman, so all the more reason to celebrate.
Buckeye Chicken Characteristics
Buckeye chickens are foragers always on the go. They tend to be a friendly and outgoing, charming addition for any flock. The Roosters are similar, not particularly aggressive, but rather just active.
They are not the kind of chicken that will let you hold and carry it around the barnyard, but they are agreeable and curious. They will be out scratching around, looking for bugs and other goodies.
Buckeye chickens are fantastic multipurpose birds that can be used for poultry or eggs. These hens weigh up to nearly 7 pounds as adults, making them suitable table birds. Buckeye chickens also produce up to 200 eggs per year, which is considered fantastic laying.
Buckeye chickens are a rich mahogany color, both males and females. While hens are solid mahogany, the males have some iridescent coloration through their wings.
Their feathers are in a slate bar color variation, meaning the brown shades in the feather go from light to dark—giving them quite a lovely color contrast.
Buckeye chickens are quite popular among poultry owners, likely available at just about any hatchery you can find. Depending on your location, it might be a little challenging to find, but they are widespread. You can check out Buckeye chickens all across America.
You can let Buckeye chickens free-range or keep them in an enclosure as long as they have proper access to food and water. Free-range flocks tend to get a broader spectrum of nutrients, but you have to plan for natural attacks.
Are Buckeye Chickens Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Buckeye chickens are fantastic members of any flock, as they are multipurpose, independent, and sociable. If you’re thinking of getting a flock of entirely Buckeyes, or just a few to add into a mixed flock, you won’t regret it.
If you are interested in this breed, contact a hatchery near you or take a look at a few websites to check out available cockerels and pullets.
Featured Image Credit: She Homesteads, Shutterstock
