The Sicilian Buttercup Chicken is a rare breed with a distinctive comb.

Sicilian Buttercup chickens, also known as Flowerbirds or simply Buttercups, are a heritage chicken breed known for their unusual crown-shaped crest and distinctive coloring.

ORIGIN TALES: For centuries, farmyard chickens with cup-like combs have been known in Sicily. Farmers were more interested in their laying ability, so their plumage changed. Similar combs have been observed in northern Africa, most notably in the Berbera and Tripolitania landraces.

Similar birds were described by Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi around 1600, and they appeared in European paintings at the time. The Sicilian breed is thought to have evolved from local chickens interbreeding with those brought from northern Africa.

Unlike the Sicilian chicken, which was standardized by the Italians in the early twentieth century, the Sicilian Buttercup chicken was developed in America from Sicilian chickens shipped to Massachusetts in the late nineteenth century. As a result, the two breeds have diverged in terms of size and coloring.

History of Sicilian Buttercup Chickens

The history of the Sicilian Buttercup Chicken begins with the possibility that Sicilian immigrants brought some birds from Sicily to America in the 1830s. However, the first well-documented import occurred around 1863, when Captain Cephas Dawes, from Dedham, Massachusetts, purchased a group of chickens from a local market during one of his trips to Sicily.

Captain Dawes, who regularly transported fruit from Sicily to Boston, intended to use the chickens for fresh meat during the journey. Surprisingly, the hens laid eggs consistently throughout the voyage, prompting Captain Dawes to consider keeping them for a steady supply of fresh eggs, which were highly valued during sea travels.

Upon arriving in Massachusetts, Captain Dawes brought the chickens to his father's farm in Dedham. It was there that a local breeder named C. Carroll Loring took a keen interest in these birds.

Loring was particularly impressed by their distinctive cup-shaped comb and golden color, leading him to name the breed "Buttercup." Loring devoted himself to breeding and maintaining a pure line of Buttercup chickens, including subsequent imports, for approximately 50 years.

However, some imported birds did not possess the desired comb shape, leg color, or plumage pattern, which made it challenging to generate interest in the new breed.

Eventually, a successful import of birds with desirable traits was crossbred with Loring's best stock. This fusion became the foundation of the American breed of Sicilian Buttercup Chickens, ensuring that the breed retained its unique characteristics and qualities.

After 1908, the American Buttercup breed gained more popularity as it gained new champions, who established the American Buttercup Club in 1912. Membership grew rapidly, with 200 members within the first year and 500 members by 1914.

Standardization and conservation

Efforts were made to standardize and preserve the breed. In 1918, the American Poultry Association officially recognized the breed. However, meeting the requirements of the standard posed challenges, particularly in terms of markings, earlobe color, and desirable combs, while still maintaining the breed's utility.

Different opinions arose regarding plumage, and the earlobe color varied between red and white, although the standard in Britain remained red.

In 1928, the Standard was revised to emphasize mainly white earlobes, which are common among Mediterranean breeds, and a specific pattern for plumage was agreed upon. Unfortunately, some breeders overly promoted the breed, leading to disappointment among keepers due to average egg production. As a result, the breed's popularity waned quickly, and it soon became extremely rare.

In the early 1910s, breeders in Britain imported American Buttercup chickens, forming a breed club that experienced a short period of popularity. During the 1920s, however, the breed's numbers fell precipitously in both the United States and the United Kingdom. British breeders also imported chickens from Sicily and, later in the 1970s, from America.

The American Bantam Association officially recognizes bantam varieties of the breed, which were developed in the mid-twentieth century.

The Livestock Conservancy changed the status of Sicilian Buttercups on their Priority Conservation List from "Watch" to "Critical" in 2022, as their numbers had dropped from over 1000 registered breeding birds to fewer than 500 in the United States. There are also very few in the world.

Similarly, the Siciliana has declined dramatically in recent years in Italy. According to the American Buttercup Club, "the Buttercup fell into near obscurity and was saved by a handful of dedicated breeders." Buttercups are now extremely rare in both large fowl and bantam forms."

BIODIVERSITY: The uncommon buttercup comb is a rare genetic variation, and the thrifty foraging abilities are beneficial to free-range poultry. In America, selective breeding has resulted in the development of a completely unique plumage color.

Characteristics of Sicilian Buttercup Chickens

This bird is of medium size and has a gently curved body from head to tail. The hen has a wide-spread tail and a full abdomen, which contribute to her ability to lay eggs.

However, the most desirable feature of the hen is its coloration: it has a golden neck with minimal or no markings, and its body feathers are buff with rows of oval black spots.

The male, on the other hand, is orange-red with a vibrant neck and saddle and a black tail. The black markings on the male bird have a shiny green appearance. The eyes of both genders are reddish-brown, and the beak is a light horn color.

The earlobes are typically white with some red, although red earlobes are preferred in Britain. Exhibitors face challenges in achieving the perfect combination of plumage markings, comb shape, and earlobe color.

It is also difficult to determine the final coloring of the bird until it reaches around 6 to 7 months of age.

VARIETIES: The original Golden Sicilian Buttercup is recognized in America, whereas a new Silver variety has been developed in Britain.

SKIN COLOR: The Sicilian Buttercup has a yellow skin color, which gives the shanks a willow-green appearance due to a dark blue-gray underlayer.

COMB: The comb of the Sicilian Buttercup is distinctively cup-shaped with regular, medium-sized points. This unique crown is formed by joining two single combs at the front and back.

POPULAR USE: The Sicilian Buttercup is commonly used for exhibition purposes or as layers for egg production.

EGG COLOR:The eggs laid by Sicilian buttercup hens have white shells.

EGG SIZE:The size of the eggs produced by Sicilian Buttercup hens ranges from small to medium.

PRODUCTIVITY: Sicilian buttercups are moderately productive, laying approximately 140–180 eggs per year. They are generally non-sitters, meaning they do not tend to sit on their eggs to incubate them.

WEIGHT: On average, Sicilian Buttercup hens weigh around 5 lb. (2.3 kg), while roosters weigh approximately 6.5 lb. (3 kg). Bantam hens, a smaller variety, weigh about 22 oz. (620g), and roosters weigh around 26 oz. (735g).

TEMPERAMENT: Sicilian buttercups are highly active and lively birds. They enjoy exploring and do not thrive in confinement. While not particularly loud, they are quite chatty with their flock members. The temperament of different strains can vary, with some being flighty and others being calm and friendly, especially if they have been handled since they were chicks.

ADAPTABILITY: Sicilian buttercups are excellent foragers, known for their scratching and digging behaviors. They are particularly useful for turning over compost and can sustain themselves when allowed to free-range. They handle hot weather well but dislike cold climates. It's important to note that their large combs are prone to frostbite in cold temperatures.

Hence, when it comes to the Sicilian Buttercup chickens they are a unique and fascinating breed that holds both aesthetic beauty and practicality for poultry enthusiasts. With their striking appearance, vibrant comb, and delightful personality, they stand out among other chicken breeds.

While they may not be as common or widely recognized as some other popular breeds, their distinct qualities make them a sought-after addition to any backyard flock.

Originating from Sicily, Italy, these chickens have a rich history and a long-standing reputation for their egg-laying abilities. Their prolific nature, coupled with the distinct coloration and unique comb, make them an attractive choice for both hobbyists and small-scale farmers.

A major plus is their hardy nature and ability to adapt to various climates, making them a versatile breed that can thrive in different environments.

One of the notable remarkable features of the Sicilian Buttercup is its unique comb, which resembles a crown or a buttercup flower. This distinguishing characteristic, combined with their vivid red earlobes, adds to their overall appeal and makes them a true standout in any flock.

However, it is important to note that this unique comb can be susceptible to frostbite in extremely cold climates, requiring extra care and protection during winter months.

In terms of temperament, Sicilian Buttercup chickens are known for their friendly and inquisitive nature.

They are active foragers and enjoy free-ranging, making them an excellent choice for those seeking an interactive and entertaining addition to their backyard.

Furthermore, their adaptability and ease of handling make them suitable for families with children, as they are generally docile and tolerant.

When it comes to egg production, the Sicilian Buttercup excels. They are known to lay a good number of medium-sized eggs with beautiful cream or tinted shells.

While their egg-laying capacity may not match that of some commercial breeds, the unique appearance and overall charm of these eggs make them highly sought, after by egg enthusiasts and those looking for something different.

In Conclusion,

Sicilian Buttercup chickens offer a delightful combination of beauty, personality, and practicality. Whether you are drawn to their captivating appearance, their engaging personalities, or their ability to provide a steady supply of beautiful eggs, this breed has much to offer.

By considering the breed's characteristics, taking proper care, and providing a suitable environment, Sicilian Buttercups can thrive and bring joy to chicken keepers and enthusiasts alike.

Sources

The Livestock Conservancy: This is an organization dedicated to preserving endangered livestock breeds, there is valuable insight on the conservation of livestock species.

American Buttercup Club: This Club offers relevant information on the subject at hand, potentially related to the American Buttercup chicken breed.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1905. Twenty-first Annual Report of the Bureau of Animal Industry for the Year 1904. 439: The United States Department of Agriculture's 1905 Annual Report of the Bureau of Animal Industry presents data and findings from the Bureau's activities in 1904.

Siciliana chicken: Istruzione Agraria online and Zanon, A., Il Pollaio del Re.:The Siciliana chicken breed is discussed in sources such as Istruzione Agraria online and a publication by Zanon, titled "Il Pollaio del Re."

Lewer, S. H., c.1915. Wright’s Book of Poultry. Cassell.: The relevant information can be found in "Wright's Book of Poultry," which S. H. Lewer wrote and had Cassell publish in about 1915.