Large Fowl Sicilian Buttercup Photos

A trio of large fowl Buttercups. Photo courtesy of Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

Large Fowl Sicilian Buttercups

Large fowl are the original form of the Sicilian Buttercup. They hailed from the island of Sicily in the Mediterranean sea, where they were bred primarily for high egg production. They were imported to America during the 1800's, and eventually were admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1918.

Their excellent reputation as a reliable layer combined with their unique comb and color pattern helped the Buttercup gain popularity during the early 1900's. Unfortunately, like many other older heritage breeds, Buttercups became a rare breed in the late 1900's, and more breeders are needed today.

While not as large as your typical dual purpose breed, Buttercups are slightly heavier birds than most other egg layers, such as Leghorns. This actually makes them an attractive dual purpose bird to have around the farm. The hens produce large quantities of eggs as they are primarily an egg production fowl, but the extra roosters can still be put to some use as medium-sized meat birds.

If you are looking for a beautiful, rare heritage breed that is a productive egg layer, look no further! More breeders are needed to preserve and improve this incredible breed. Check out our links page to see other useful websites and Buttercup breeders.

An example of a great Buttercup comb on a male by Bridget Riddle.

A Buttercup rooster at a poultry show by Bridget Riddle.

A pair of Sicilian Buttercups by Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

An example of a great Buttercup comb on a female by Bridget Riddle.

A group of Buttercup hens by Jana Wilson.

Two Sicilian Buttercup pullets being shown by Bridget Riddle.

A Sicilian Buttercup cockerel being shown by Bridget Riddle.

A close up of a male Buttercup comb by Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

Two Buttercup hens by Three Gables Farm.

A Buttercup hen being shown by Bridget Riddle.

An above-view of the comb on a male Buttercup, by Bridget Riddle.

An outstanding Buttercup hen by Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

A male with several female Buttercups by Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

Buttercup pullets by Jana Wilson.

A pair of Buttercups by Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

A Buttercup rooster.

A flock of Buttercup hens free ranging by Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

A male Buttercup.

Several Buttercup hens by Natascha Wille of Three Gables Farm.

Three Buttercup cockerels by Hunter Riddle.

A Buttercup pullet being shown by Bridget Riddle.

A Buttercup cockerel by Carl Fosbrink.

The head of a Buttercup male by Bridget Riddle.

The head of another Buttercup male by Bridget Riddle.

The head of a Buttercup hen by Bridget Riddle.

Best large fowl Buttercup and best Buttercup overall were taken by a pullet belonging to Bridget Riddle at the 2015 special meet in Stevenson, WA.

Reserve large fowl Buttercup and reserve Buttercup overall were taken by a pullet belonging to Bridget Riddle at the 2015 special meet in Stevenson, WA.