The history of Buckeye is an interesting one. It is an American breed that was developed in Ohio which is also known as the Buckeye state, hence the name. This breed was also developed solely by a woman named Nettie Metcalf. She first showed this bird in 1902 and it became a favorite very fast. It was admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1904.
It took Nettie Metcalf two years to develop this breed. The first year she crossed a Barred Cochin rooster with a Barred Rock hen. The second-year she crossed a Black Breasted Red rooster with a hen from the first year cross. This developed the Buckeye. This beautiful chicken has a Cornish body shape, with deep red color plumage that is darker than the Rhode Island Red, and yellow skin. Some prefer this chicken over the Rhode Island Red because of the body shape and color. The Buckeye is also the only American breed with a pea comb.
Along with the beauty of their color the Buckeye is known to be exceptionally friendly and curious. They like to be in your arms or walking right beside you. The nature of the Buckeye makes them a great choice for first-time chicken owners. They are not pickers so they would be good for introducing new chickens too. The Buckeye breed love to eat mice and are great foragers. They also do best in a free-range situation. The roosters are known to be aggressive sometimes. Some people say that they have dinosaur-like roar.
| Egg Color |
Brown |
Hardiness |
Cold and Heat |
| Egg Size |
Medium |
Broody |
Sometimes |
| Egg Production |
Fair/Good |
Hen Weight |
7 lbs |
| Personality |
Friendly |
Rooster Weight |
9 lbs |
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