Sicilian Buttercup

A Sicilian Buttercup chicken stands in front of a teak background.

This exceedingly rare breed hails from Sicily as its name suggests. Its namesake, the buttercup-shaped comb, is totally unique in the poultry world. The American Standard of Perfection notes that 100% of the Buttercup stock in North America came from hatching eggs brought here in 1892.

Origins/History:

Class: Mediterranean
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Small (4-5 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Egg-laying
Recognized Varieties: Just one variety: a rich gold color

Egg Facts:

Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)
Egg Color: White
Egg Size: Small

Fancy Features:

Comb Type: Buttercup Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4

Suitability to Backyard Life:

Cold Hardiness: Not cold hardy
Heat Tolerance: Tolerates heat well
Bears Confinement: Intolerant of confinement
Especially Docile: No
Setter/Broody: No
Personality: Very active