So, tell me about Sicilian Buttercups!

[xadika]

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[pipermark]

Its on same conservation lists as almost extinct. Why, when all the hatcheris have them?

Well because they were originally breed as a duel purpose bird, this means they should be of decent size and lay med to large eggs 4-6 a week.

The starting stock brought to this country many years ago was very limited. This meant extensive line breeding, for quantity not quality.

The consequence of this is

1. Most are much smaller in size than they should be.
2. The eggs are often described as ornamental in size.
3. The hens feathering is often muddied badly.

When I was trying to raise a flock of quality birds I search for someone raising them closer to their original purpose. I found someone in New Your State, from whom I purchased hatching eggs. The eggs I received were all large or xtra-large in size, and the way he packed them was incredible, used precut foam for safety.

I enjoyed this breed tremendously, I use to buy meal worms, and by 2 weeks old the babies would fly out of the brooder and land on my arms and shoulders begging for meal worms. If you spend sometime with the chicks they can be extremely friendly birds, if not they can become flighty.

 

[xadika]

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[pipermark]

I just remembered there use to be a American Sicilian Buttercup club.

As you can see, I googled it the link is live. You might try contacting them and see if you cant meet a good breeder. If you see a real good hen , they are incredible in coloring. I never got my flock there, but I did see one at a show and she looked like she was painted, deep gold, with striking black penciling.

 

[momma's chickens]

I ordered two last year and they were suppose to be pullets. Well one turned out to be a roo and he is by far the friendliest roo I have ever had. He is very submissive to me and always lets his hens eat and drink before him. I have never saw him mount the ladies although I hatched two eggs in my incubator so he must be doing his job. I love him!]

Unfornuately my dog got my Buttercup hen but she was a bit flighty and shy. Her eggs were small but she laid consistently.