A Buttercup chicken as a breed, very entertaining.

March 3, 2011

Their eggs are few and small but the Buttercup hen is a dependable layer. All experts do not agree, however, about this breed as a pet. Some experts recommend it as a pet because of its curiosity and friendliness. The buttercup chicken, originally developed in Sicily in the 1800's, is otherwise called the Sicilian Buttercup. According to history, one male and one female had been imported to the US as a couple in the late 1800's and today's stock remain the direct descendants of that very same couple. The breed is beautiful, rare, exhibition worthy, a long-time layer and a fairly good pet.

Their eggs are few and small but the Buttercup hen is a dependable layer. All experts do not agree, however, about this breed as a pet. Some experts recommend it as a pet because of its curiosity and friendliness.

Some propose that although it is friendly, it also a good flier, and so, enjoys its independence too much to be kept as a pet. A third group of experts believe that the Buttercup avoids human contact completely. They all agree, however, that baby chicks can be trained to enjoy interaction with humans.

Current reports state that the number of baby chicks is limited but can be purchased online from several hatcheries. Owners and experts agree that males are the friendlier of the breed. For the most part, Buttercups do not like confinement but will enjoy human contact when other conditions are suitably met such as outdoor places to roam and fly in addition to a warm habitat for resting and nesting.

A warm coop will protect this bird's unique comb from frostbite and the comb is very sensitive to cold. It is specifically because of its unique crown-like shaped comb and its golden-toned feathers that the breed has acquired its name.

The stunning crown and golden feathers make the buttercup chicken quite an attractive bird and its is often displayed at exhibitions. The variety was admitted to the "American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection" in 1918. The hen's feathers are normally rich amber, or golden in color, complimented with rows of brown spots or "spangles". The males usually sport a dark green tail and their feathers orange-reddish with black "spangles".

Hens will begin laying eggs when they are 5 months old. Upon average, they lay approximately two eggs a week and continue to lay all their life. Controversy exists over the eggs' appearance. Most claim that Buttercup eggs are white and small. Others believe that that the shells are slightly tinted.

It may seem odd to think of chickens as pets. Even the name, chicken, will often elicit giggles. Given warm living quarters with adequate room and an outdoor space large enough in which to fly, peck, scratch, walk and sunbathe, any chicken will be happy to be kept as a pet. Bear in mind that buttercup chickens are certainly not the type to be kept in small, cold quarters.

Some Buttercup chickens can be very engaging and they are, as a breed, very entertaining. The odd few might be willing learn to sit in one's lap. When hand-raised from newborn chicks, they will learn how to respond to their name, eat out of one's hand and even allow themselves to be cuddled or stroked. Like any pet, chickens respond well to rewards of food and positive reinforcement.

A buttercup chicken can become a fun and intriguing pet when raised in a warm, clean environment. Since they lay only two eggs weekly, depending on this breed as a source of food wouldn't be the wisest choice. As a pet, however, a buttercup chicken is gorgeous and intriguing to look at, entertaining, great company and certainly makes for an unique conversation piece.

 

Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a pretty popular bird

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Though you may have never heard it before, an Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a fascinating breed of chicken. Switzerland considers it to be the national chicken of the country. Its name comes from the frilly hat worn by women from the Appenzeller region in Switzerland. Brought to America by a doctor who successfully introduced the breed for the long term here, the Spitz, as it is called, is a pretty popular bird.

What is an Appenzeller Spitzhauben anyway? For those in the know, it happens to be ...


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Ancona chicken as a Friendly Pet

March 3, 2011

In the mid eighteen hundreds, the popular Ancona chicken was shipped to England out of the originating city of Ancona, Italy. It then made its way to America in the late eighteen hundreds. History of a chicken? Yes, Ancona chickens used so much around the world began in the Province of Ancona, Italy and the Port of Ancona, the city from which it spread across the world. In the mid eighteen hundreds the popular little chicken arrived in England, being exported in the late eighteen hundreds to ...


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