Sicilian Buttercup chicks for sale February to July.
The Sicilian Buttercup was named because of the cup-shaped comb. Sicilian Buttercups and are kept strictly as ornamental fowl.
Eggs: Sicilian Buttercups lay fair number of small white eggs. Non Setters.
Meat: Skin Color Yellow 4-5.5 lbs market weight.
American Poultry Association Class: Mediterranean Chickens Class
ALBC Conservation Status: Critical
Color: The Sicilian Buttercup comb is a cup-shaped crown with a complete circle of medium sized regular points. The male and female do not look alike in coloring. The males are a rich, brilliant orange red with some black spangles in the feather of the body fluff and cape feathers at the base of the hackle; with lustrous, greenish black tail. The base color of the female is buff with all feathers on the body marked by parallel rows of black elongated spangles, giving the hen an appearance of being beautifully spotted and suggesting a ringneck pheasant hen. Skin color is yellow and shanks and toes are a willow green. Ear lobes are white (in the US standard, but red in the British).
History: The Sicilian Buttercup probably did not actually originate on the Mediterranean island of Sicily but possibly in the Italian colony of Tripoli. Loyl Stromberg, in his Poultry of the World, quotes Reverend Ray Trudgian, in an article on the subject published in Poultry Overseas. Trudgian recounts an experience of following a cock's crow in Bethlehem, to discover a flock of Buttercups protected by guard dogs. Trudgian refers to Easom Smith's Modern Poultry Development, published in 1976. Smith contends that Buttercups were developed by Arabs of North Africa, who traveled through the Mediterranean countries. The breed could have made its way to Europe via Sicily, where the birds picked up their name. Smith describes the comb as "a veritable King David's crown." There was possibly a crossing between the native north African breeds poissibly the Fayoumi or similarly marked birds and Italian breeds. Some also suggest that the French Houdan was added. The first importation to the United States came from the island of Sicily coming in 1835.The first importation to the US of Sicilian Buttercups was in 1835. The present stock descends from hatching eggs imported in 1892. There are other colors in the UK, including White Buttercups and Brown Buttercups(which was at one time called the Sicilian Flower Bird). There are also Silver Duckiwing Buttercups in New Zealand. Sicilian Buttercups were admitted to the APA Standard in 1918. The Sicilian Buttercup bantam was later developed in America and was admitted into the APA Standard in 1960. Shape and color are the same as large Buttercups.
The American Buttercup Club goal is to connect breeders and exhibitors of Sicilian Buttercups so that they are able to share stock and valuable information about the breed.The club was first established in 1912 but interest in the breed languished for a number of years and the Buttercup nearly disappeared. However, increased interest in this old and unique breed has brought about its revival. Do you want to get involved and learn more about this magnificent breed, then consider becoming a member of the American Buttercup Club. By joining us you will be playing an important part in preserving this rare breed for future generations to come. Members receive annual newsletters, a breeders directory, a copy of the article, "Judging Buttercups" by former ABC president, C. Sydney Cook Jr., a membership card, and a membership button. In addition, members may list their for sale and wanted items in our classifieds section on this website for free .
