Buckeye Chicken

     The Buckeye is a rare breed of Chickens, originated in the United States of America, specifically, the state of Ohio. The breed’s name is derived from Ohio’s nickname “Buckeye state”, and their mahogany color is said to ideally resemble the seeds of the Ohio Buckeye plant.

     Buckeyes are practical backyard chickens with decent laying abilities, and strong meat production characteristics. The hens lay around (150 – 200 brown eggs per year) and occasionally go broody. The Buckeye is a docile and very hardy bird with good foraging abilities as well.

     Interestingly, the Buckeye is the only chicken that was developed solely by a woman. They are the results of crossing barred Plymouth Rock hens to buff Cochin roosters. Later black-breasted game fowls were added to get functional dual-purpose birds that perform well in farms. The Buckeye has a pea comb, red earlobes, tiny to non-existent wattles, and bright-yellow legs. A bantam version is also available for this breed.