All About the Buckeye Chicken Breed

Picture credit: Hoover’s Hatchery

Every so often, I come across a chicken breed that makes me pause and think, maybe someday. The Buckeye is one of those breeds for me! I don’t have them in my coop right now, but I’ve spent plenty of time reading about them and appreciating what they bring to the table for backyard chicken keepers.

If you’re drawn to practical, hardy chickens with a good balance of eggs, personality and cold weather hardiness, the Buckeye is one worth getting to know!

History of the Buckeye

The Buckeye is a true American breed with roots in Ohio. It was developed in the late 1800s by Mrs. Nettie Metcalf, who set out to create a chicken that could thrive in Midwest conditions. Her goal was simple and practical. She wanted a bird that could handle cold winters, forage well and serve as both a reliable layer and a useful meat bird for the farm.

Through careful breeding using Cochins, Plymouth Rocks and other birds available at the time, she developed a deep red, sturdy chicken that fit that vision.

At first, the birds were known as Pea Combed Rhode Island Reds, but that name caused confusion and didn’t really let the breed stand on its own. Eventually, she renamed them Buckeyes, inspired by Ohio’s nickname and the rich color of the buckeye nut.

The name stuck, and the Buckeye was officially recognized in 1905. Also, fun fact, this is the only chicken breed in the American class credited entirely to a woman, which makes its story even more special!

What Buckeyes Look Like

Buckeyes are often mistaken for Rhode Island Reds, but they have their own distinct look once you know what to watch for.

They have a strong, compact build with a broad back, thick thighs and a full breast. These are solid birds that look like they were made for farm life, not just for show. Their feathers are a deep, glowing red with black tail feathers, which is one of the easiest ways to tell them apart from other red breeds.

They also have tight feathering and a pea comb, both of which help them handle cold weather well. Yellow legs and skin round out their classic farm chicken appearance.

As adults, roosters typically weigh around nine pounds, while hens average about six and a half pounds.

Eggs, Broodiness and Everyday Production

Buckeyes are considered a true dual purpose breed, meaning they’re valued for both eggs and meat.

Early Buckeyes laid around 150 to 200 eggs per year. With selective breeding over time, many modern Buckeyes can produce closer to 175 to 240 eggs annually. Eggs are brown and medium to large in size, which is plenty for most backyard flocks.

Picture credit: Backyard Chickens

Hens can also go broody and are known for being attentive mothers. If you enjoy letting your chickens hatch and raise their own chicks, this is a trait you may appreciate.

Personality and Flock Behavior

Buckeyes are active, alert birds that enjoy having a job to do. They are excellent foragers and are especially known for their enthusiasm when it comes to hunting mice. Many people describe them as being almost cat-like in that way.

They tend to be confident and comfortable around people, without being overly flighty. In most flocks, they mix well with others and are less prone to feather picking than some breeds. Roosters can be protective and vocal, but overall the breed is known for being manageable and steady.

They’re the kind of chickens that stay busy, scratching, exploring and fully participating in flock life.

Cold Hardiness and Space Needs

Buckeyes were bred with cold climates in mind, and it shows. Their pea combs and tight feathering make them very winter hardy, especially in northern regions. As long as they have a dry, draft free coop, they handle cold weather well.

They do best when they have room to move. Free ranging or larger runs allow them to forage and stay active. They can adapt to different setups, but they are not ideal for small, confined spaces.

Buckeyes may not be the most talked about breed, but they quietly check a lot of important boxes for me! They’re hardy, productive, good foragers and well suited for colder climates. They also have a rich history and a practical, down to earth presence that fits well into a backyard flock.

They might not be in my coop right now, but they’re definitely on my list!

Until next time,

-The Wing Lady