Buttercups

[LinckHillPoultry]

I have 3 chicks. They are not very fond of being picked up...

Thanks shy for the info on malays!

 

[Oakeyacres]

I have three six week old Buttercups from Murray McMurray. Apparently the breeder does make a difference. They are the sweetest birds of the thirty I got. They run right up to me and like perching on my arm. The only other breed that is generally friendly are the Jersey giants. My Marans won't let me near them.

W

 

[cuisle]

I have a Buttercup cockerel - he is very friendly, sits on my hand, loves to be stroked, drinks water out of my glass - in fact - he's areal darling......not at all flighty - talks all day long - and is always happy....

 

[skydancer28]

Thought I'd try reviving an old thread...And generate some interest in this wonderful breed!

I have a flock of standard Sicilian Buttercups that I totally love, so I thought I'd share some of my observations on the breed. There seems to be quite a spectrum of opinions about the Buttercups--mostly negative. I guess if you want a very large, very docile, very meaty and/or very large-brown-egg-productive breed, the 'Cups aren't for you. Well, not all of us are looking for that!

Buttercups are 4-6 lb. birds that are wonderful foragers. VERY survival-oriented. Mine live at our farm in an area where no one else maintains a free-ranging flock due to heavy predation pressure. In the last year, I only lost one Buttercup--and she was the loner who ALWAYS strayed far afield. The rest of them constantly scan for hawks, diving for cover if so much as a crow flies overhead. As for being "flighty," well, that ability to fly means they can easily perch on top of our 8-foot fence should any four-footed predators appear.

Because I took the time to work with them as chicks, my 'Cups come running when I call, in hopes of a granola treat. In fact, they come running whenever they see me, and tend to follow me, my husband, my cat, and even my dog when we are working around the house. Yes, they are friendly and inquisitive. No, they do not care to be touched. But that is only natural--how many animals in nature allow themselves to be touched by a member of another species many times bigger than themselves? However, if I want to work with them--or any other breed--it is so darn easy to wait for dusk that I do not know why anyone would do otherwise with any chickens except in an emergency.

Every Friday and Saturday evening as soon as the sun sets, I close the chicken door, open the top access and scoop out my rooster. I put him in a cat carrier, and he spends the night in my car (or our spare bedroom closet if it is very cold) so that his crowing doesn't wake us up before 8am. He is extremely calm when I handle him. And yes, he has some impressive spurs, but I see no reason to trim them--he's as a mellow fellow.

The hens started laying at the age of five months, each one giving 3-4 eggs a week. They kept laying until daylight dropped to below 8 hours a day. In February I began supplementing their light so that they would start up and give me eggs for incubating. So far, 100% of the eggs are fertile...first hatch due March 30!

Last summer I culled the excess Buttercup cockerels, which dressed out to 3-lb. fryer size. I also processed organically-raised Delaware cockerels, Muscovy ducks and some silkies. Hand's-down, the flavor of the Buttercups is second to none--despite all the praise I have heard for Delaware and duck. I couldn't believe the difference! Kind of like my first taste of Chanterelle mushrooms after having been raised on the typical supermarket type. In the future I plan to put up ALL Buttercup chicken sections from my breeding flock culls.

This year, I will be getting some additional bloodlines--mine are McMurray, but the local feed store carries Privett, and the owner may be getting a trio of show stock from Mr. Hunter Riddle in CA. I think it is important to preserve genetic diversity, as well as to breed for correct traits, so that is my goal.

If you are interested, there is a breed club:

http://www.americanbuttercupclub.com/home

 

[Imp]

Hi Skydancer,
Would you think one would be a good addition to my small backyard flock. I was thinking of getting one. Feedstore is getting some in on the 1st. I'm in the burbs, 5 foot fence. Be more for yard art and eggs.

Imp

 

[skydancer28]

I think a Buttercup would be a fine addition. However, be aware that I Buttercup can easily fly over a five-foot fence.

I am not too familiar with adding new birds to an existing flock, but I think you need to do it with birds of similar sizes. And at night. Otherwise, the established hens can injure or kill the newbie. Probably best to consult other, more experienced folks here on adding to a flock.

Buttercup hens are not large--about 5 lbs.--so, it might depend on the make-up of your flock...

I think it's better to add more than just one bird at a time--kind of distributes the "new kid on the block" attention...

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Thanks, Yeah your right. I'm going to add 3 to my existing 3. I've done the integration thing a few times without major problems. I think they are beautiful birds, and have been thinking about them since I first saw them about 2 years ago. I think I'll go for it.

Thanks again
Imp

 

[skydancer28]

Sounds like a good plan!

 

[cathunter10]

Sky dancer I sent you a PM
Bill

 

[Smilesabc]

I agree! my buttercup must be a fluke because she is a lap chicken! i've never seen her try to fly and she loves to sit in my lap all day if i let her!