Buckeye chickens are uniquely American, and they make wonderful dual-purpose birds, bred for harvesting meat and providing eggs. They are the only American chicken developed by a woman and were bred specifically to thrive under harsh conditions. This makes them exceptional chickens for backyards, homesteads and breeders alike, and despite being nearly lost as a breed, as the commercial poultry industry saw no value in some heritage breeds, their versatility is rapidly being rediscovered by backyard and small-scale chicken-keepers. If you want large, beautiful birds that are good for meat and eggs, can withstand heat and cold, and are excellent foragers, then consider the breed from The Buckeye State!
BUCKEYE BEGINNINGS
In 1879, Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio, began searching for a chicken that she could raise and sell to…