If you’ve been searching online for buckeye chickens for sale, you’re not alone. More and more backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, and small farm owners in the United States are turning their attention back to this classic American heritage breed. With their rich red color, hardy nature, and excellent egg and meat qualities, Buckeye chickens are becoming a top choice for people who want a productive, friendly, and sustainable bird in their flock.



Buckeye chickens were once common across America, but over time, they became rare as commercial breeds took over. Now, this breed is making a strong comeback thanks to its unique features, historical significance, and practical benefits for modern poultry keepers. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Buckeye chickens — their origin, traits, care tips, and why they’re worth buying today.



The History of Buckeye Chickens

Buckeye chickens are not just any heritage breed — they are the only chicken breed developed entirely by a woman. Nettie Metcalf, a poultry breeder from Ohio, created the breed in the late 1800s. She crossed Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Cochins, and Black-Breasted Red Game birds to produce a chicken that could handle Ohio’s cold winters while offering both meat and eggs.



The breed is named after Ohio’s nickname, the "Buckeye State," and its deep mahogany color resembles the Buckeye nut. Buckeyes quickly gained popularity for their hardiness and productivity. Over time, though, as industrial farming took over, Buckeyes fell out of favor and were placed on the “watch” list for endangered breeds.



Thanks to passionate breeders and backyard chicken lovers, the breed is now recovering — and if you’ve seen buckeye chickens for sale, you’re witnessing a part of that revival.



What Makes Buckeye Chickens Special?

1. Cold-Hardy and Weather-Resistant

Buckeyes are one of the best cold-hardy chicken breeds in the United States. Their small, tight pea comb helps prevent frostbite, and their thick feathering keeps them warm through long winters. This makes them an excellent choice for poultry keepers living in northern or cooler climates.



2. Dual-Purpose Breed

Buckeye chickens are known as a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are ideal for both egg production and meat. Hens lay about 180–220 medium brown eggs per year, and the roosters grow large enough to provide good-quality meat.



This versatility makes them perfect for small farms or homesteads looking to become more self-sufficient.



3. Active and Curious Foragers

If you like free-ranging your chickens, Buckeyes are an excellent choice. They are natural foragers that love to scratch, dig, and search for bugs. This not only reduces your feed costs but also helps control garden pests and keep the land clean.



Their active nature also means they’re less likely to become bored or aggressive — as long as they have space to explore.



4. Friendly Personality

Buckeyes are generally calm, gentle birds with curious personalities. They are less aggressive than some game breeds and are often described as friendly and easy to handle. This makes them ideal for families with children or people new to raising chickens.



They’re also known for being good with other animals and can often be kept with ducks or turkeys without issues.



5. Rare and Unique Appearance

Their deep reddish-brown feathers give Buckeye chickens a striking look. Unlike Rhode Island Reds, they have a more mahogany tone and a more muscular build. Their unique appearance, combined with their history, makes them a great addition to any heritage flock or exhibition lineup.



Benefits of Raising Buckeye Chickens

Still not sure if Buckeyes are right for you? Let’s look at some key reasons why more people are searching for buckeye chickens for sale:



1. Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

Buckeyes are perfect for people looking to raise their own food and reduce reliance on store-bought eggs or meat. Their dual-purpose nature gives you eggs and protein from a single breed, and they thrive in both small backyard setups and larger farm spaces.



2. Disease Resistance and Strong Genetics

Thanks to careful breeding and their heritage roots, Buckeye chickens tend to be healthy and hardy. They are resistant to many common poultry illnesses and adapt well to outdoor living, reducing the need for constant medication or vet care.



3. A Breed with Purpose and History

Buying Buckeyes is not just about getting a chicken — it’s about supporting a piece of American history. As a heritage breed that was once at risk of extinction, every Buckeye raised contributes to keeping the breed alive for future generations.



4. Year-Round Egg Supply

While some chicken breeds slow down egg production in winter, Buckeye hens often continue laying even in colder months, especially if they have enough daylight and nutrition. This makes them a more reliable source of fresh eggs year-round.



Caring for Buckeye Chickens

Buckeye chickens are relatively easy to care for, but like all poultry, they need proper housing, food, and attention to stay healthy and productive.



1. Shelter and Space

Provide a clean, dry coop with good ventilation and plenty of space. Each bird should have at least 4 square feet inside the coop and 8–10 square feet in an outdoor run. If possible, let them free-range during the day for better health and natural pest control.



2. Nesting and Roosting

Set up clean nesting boxes with straw or wood shavings to encourage regular egg laying. Buckeye hens prefer cozy, low-traffic areas for laying. Also, install roosting bars off the ground for your flock to sleep on at night.



3. Feed and Water

Start chicks on a good-quality starter feed, then switch to a layer feed around 18 weeks of age. Offer oyster shell or calcium supplements to laying hens for stronger eggshells. Always provide clean, fresh water.



4. Health Monitoring

Watch for signs of mites, lice, respiratory issues, or digestive problems. Keep the coop clean, rotate pasture areas if possible, and don’t overcrowd your birds.



Where to Buy Buckeye Chickens

As the demand for heritage breeds rises, more people are looking for reliable places to buy Buckeye chicks and adults. One such trusted name is Ayla Backyard Poultry, which offers buckeye chickens for sale that are healthy, purebred, and raised with care.



When buying Buckeye chickens, especially online, look for these signs of a reputable seller:



Healthy, active birds



Clean living conditions



Transparent information about care and feeding



Good customer reviews



Health guarantees or shipping protection



Buying from a trustworthy source ensures your birds arrive safe, strong, and ready to thrive in your backyard or farm.



How to Raise Buckeye Chicks

If you’re starting with baby chicks, here’s a basic guide to raising them:



1. Set Up a Brooder

Use a large box, tub, or enclosure with a heat lamp to keep chicks warm. The temperature should start around 95°F (35°C) and reduce by 5°F each week until fully feathered.



2. Bedding and Cleanliness

Use pine shavings or paper towels (not newspaper, which is slippery). Clean the brooder regularly to prevent illness.



3. Feeding and Water

Provide chick starter feed with 18–20% protein, along with fresh water in a shallow dish. Add marbles to the waterer to prevent drowning.



4. Handling and Socializing

Gently handle the chicks daily to make them friendly. Buckeye chicks are naturally curious and usually become tame with time and patience.



Breeding Buckeye Chickens

If you plan to breed Buckeye chickens, it’s good to know they are excellent mothers and good egg setters. You’ll need:



A balanced ratio of 1 rooster to every 8–10 hens



Proper nesting and brooding space



A separate broody area or incubator for eggs



Buckeye chicks are usually strong and quick to grow. By breeding your own, you help preserve the breed while expanding your flock affordably.



Final Thoughts: Why Buckeye Chickens Deserve a Spot in Your Coop

The comeback of Buckeye chickens is more than just a trend — it’s a movement toward sustainable, local, and purposeful poultry keeping. Whether you’re interested in eggs, meat, pest control, or simply want a beautiful and historic bird in your yard, Buckeyes check all the boxes.



If you're looking for buckeye chickens for sale, now is the perfect time to bring this American original back home. With proper care and a good source like Ayla Backyard Poultry, your Buckeye flock will reward you with years of fresh eggs, lively behavior, and a deeper connection to your homestead.