Buckeye

Developed by Mrs. Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio in 1896, she named her poultry breed for Ohio’s nickname, “the Buckeye State.” Buckeyes are the only American chicken breed created entirely by a woman. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Buckeye heritage breed at the priority of “Watch.” There is an estimated global population of less than 10,000.

Hatching eggs can be shipped nation-wide. Your ordered hatching eggs are collected on Saturday and/or Sunday, ship out on Monday and arrive at most U.S. addresses by Thursday. Live poultry – baby chicks and started pullets – are only offered to Wyoming poultry keepers due to the rural mail service. Baby chicks are available by pre-order, and hatch from March to May with in-state delivery or on-farm pickup available.

Characteristics: Active, gentle temperament. Good forager when free-range. According to the breed standard, established in 1904, its plumage ideally resembles the dark red hue of the Buckeye tree seeds.

Eggs: Medium-sized, Brown. Average 220-275 eggs annually.

Meat: As a dual-purpose heavy breed for eggs and meat, the males average 9 lbs. mature weight and females 6.5 lbs.

Cold Tolerance: Buckeyes sport a pea comb and stocky build, which makes this breed very cold hardy and frostbite resistant.