Everything seemed so normal in the brooder. For weeks our little Butters grew, happily chirping, and basking in the warm glow of the heat lamp. Then as we prepared our babies for the move outdoors we noticed something a little bit 'strange.' Heritage Buttercups- "The super short History"When you look at the Buttercup, the last thing that crosses your mind is that this bird is a American 'Heritage' breed. Let alone a Foundation breed that contributed heavily to European poultry development. But that is exactly what the Buttercup did! Their journey began after being packed as provisions on a cargo ship destined for the US carrying oranges from Sicily. But by the time the Buttercup charmed a particular ships captain (who soon discovered that the Buttercup was an amazing little white egg laying machine) the breed was becoming extinct in the country of their origin. Rather than being eaten, once they reached the US they were sold as 'Flower Chickens;' so-named because of their cup-shaped comb. These first birds soon faded into extinction in the US, and it wasn't until more birds were imported during the early 1900's that a stronger effort was made to preserve the breed. Soon after arriving in the US, more birds made their way to England. They even managed to find their way to Australia in 1916. The globe-trotting buttercup from Sicily soon stamped their mark in many 'Heritage' breeds found in Germany even as far as the Netherlands! Contributing their beauty and egg laying abilities to many breeds. In England, some breeders are reported to have been working with a 'Silver' variety. However, like the golden buttercup--they were not popular and soon became extinct. It is uncertain if this color variety was created by combining genetics from other breeds or if it had occurred naturally as a random mutation.
Our Silver Buttercup Chick
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