Mrs. Metcalf's Buckeyes
The Buckeye is a dual purpose breed (good for both meat and eggs) heralding from Ohio, the Buckeye State. It is the only American breed created entirely by a woman, Mrs. Nettie Metcalf. Nettie was a farm wife who got tired of her "lazy" chickens. She wanted a dual purpose breed that would produce; a bird that would work for her. With the demise of the backyard flock and advent of factory farms during the 20th century, American Buckeyes became endangered 9less then 72 known breeding birds in 2003). Buckeyes were admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1904. In 2005, The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) became a program to recover the breeds original characteristics. Central Valley Buckeyes are directly descended from ALBC birds...the Schrider-Weaver strain.
The Buckeye is an even shade of rich mahogany bay color plumage, yellow legs and pea combs...the only American breed that have a pea comb. The Buckeye has muscular thighs and wings on a square compact body which gives these birds a "gamey" look. Roosters weigh approximately 9 pounds while hens are approximately 6.5 pounds and lay medium to large brown eggs. The breed produces very dark meat as a result of its active personality.
Buckeyes have been called the most active of American breeds. Its high level of activity makes the Buckeye an excellent forager. They also stalk, hunt and pounce on mice. They do not tolerate confinement. They are tolerant of cold weather. Buckeyes are friendly and curious; they enjoy human companionship. Hens tend to retain "mothering" ability and will go broody and raise their own young. The Buckeye overall is a hearty, resilient breed.
The Buckeye is an even shade of rich mahogany bay color plumage, yellow legs and pea combs...the only American breed that have a pea comb. The Buckeye has muscular thighs and wings on a square compact body which gives these birds a "gamey" look. Roosters weigh approximately 9 pounds while hens are approximately 6.5 pounds and lay medium to large brown eggs. The breed produces very dark meat as a result of its active personality.
Buckeyes have been called the most active of American breeds. Its high level of activity makes the Buckeye an excellent forager. They also stalk, hunt and pounce on mice. They do not tolerate confinement. They are tolerant of cold weather. Buckeyes are friendly and curious; they enjoy human companionship. Hens tend to retain "mothering" ability and will go broody and raise their own young. The Buckeye overall is a hearty, resilient breed.