Buckeye
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fun Fact
Buckeyes are documented to actively hunt and catch mice in barnyards — a behaviour Nettie Metcalf noted in her original flock and that has been confirmed by modern keepers. Metcalf herself wrote that her Buckeyes were more effective at controlling the barn mouse population than her cats, patrolling and catching rodents with surprising persistence.
The only chicken breed in the world created by a woman — Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio developed the Buckeye in the 1890s by crossing Buff Cochins, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Black-Breasted Red Game birds, aiming to produce a practical, cold-hardy breed for Ohio winters. Named after Ohio's nickname 'The Buckeye State', the Buckeye has a distinctive pea comb — the only American breed with a pea comb outside Asian-derived breeds — rich mahogany-red plumage similar to the Rhode Island Red but with a broader build, and an exceptional temperament. Admitted to the APA Standard of Perfection in 1904.
🏷️ Breed
Buckeye
💭 Temperament
Active, confident, cold-hardy, curious, known to hunt mice
📏 Size
Large (2.7-4.1 kg)
⏳ Lifespan
5-8 years
🎨 Colors
Rich mahogany red with black tail; similar to Rhode Island Red but deeper and broader
🌍 Origin
USA — Warren, Ohio; created by Nettie Metcalf, 1890s; APA Standard 1904
🏠 Habitat
Free-range or enclosed run; exceptionally cold-hardy for the American Midwest
🍽️ Diet
Layer pellets; excellent forager — historically known to actively hunt and catch mice
🎯 Purpose
Dual Purpose
🥚 Egg Colour
Brown
👑 Comb Type
Pea
🏅 EE Class
Large Fowl