Although the eggs are small and few in number, the Buttercup is a dependable layer. Controversy exists, however, in the attributes of keeping this variety as a pet. Some experts recommend it as a pet because it is a curious and friendly breed. The buttercup chicken, also known as the Sicilian Buttercup, was developed in the 1800's in Sicily. It is reported that one female and one male were imported to the US later in that century and today's line remain the direct descendants of the original couple. This line of chicken is rare, beautiful and exhibition worthy, a life-long layer and a pretty good pet.
It is a good layer although the eggs are reportedly small in size and few in number. There seems to be some controversy, however, surrounding the topic of keeping the Sicilian buttercup chicken as a pet. Some experts claim it makes a good pet because it can be very friendly and curious.
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.
Providing a warm coop will protect this chicken's unique comb from frostbite. The breed had acquired its name because of its golden toned feathers and its butter-cup shaped comb which looks exactly like a crown.
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.
Many people might think it is odd to keep a chicken as a pet. Even the name, chicken, sounds funny and most people will chuckle at the thought. Most breeds of chicken, however, are a good choice provided they have sufficient living space and an outdoor area to walk, peck, scratch, fly and lay in the sun. They are certainly not cut out to be house pets.
Buttercup chickens can be engaging and very entertaining and some will even learn to sit in one's lap. Hand-raised baby chicks will learn to respond when their name is called, be stroked or cuddled and trained to eat from human hands. Chickens, like all pets, enjoy food as a reward and respond well to love 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.
