Buckeyes

The image of this nations bird by
Lynnrae Troples

Known Buckeye Lines:
1.  Bill Braden Line
2. Urch Line
3. Fitch Line

     Buckeyes, the hearty American Native.  This breed was developed by Nettie Metcalf of Ohio in the 1890's.  Mrs. Metcalf crossed a Barred Plymouth Rock hen with a Buff Cochin Rooster.  Black Breasted game fowl were then added to the cross to make a dual purpose breed that would forage well on the farm.  Buckeyes acclaimate well to any setting and are superior thriving birds in cold weather.  They are not the best layers, but their meaty body make them desireable for table use.
     This breed has some history in not only being the first pea combed fowl developed in the U.S., but also being the first breed developed solely by a woman.  Gentlemen, we must take our hats off to the ladies on this remarkable breed.  The Buckeye was accepted into the American Poultry Association in 1904.

     The Buckeyes in the photos on this page are that of Mr. Bill Braden's Line.  Mr. Braden got his start of Buckeyes from Mr. Ron Pierce of Rhode Island.  Over the years, Mr. Braden has bred these birds to their standard.  The years of breeding these birds to a standard have resulted in the Bill Braden Line of Buckeyes.  Due to health reasons, Mr. Braden no longer has the Buckeyes.

       

 The Buckeyes seen in all the photos on this page belong to Mr. Robert McGinnis of Hiwasee Nursery in Athens, TN.  All the hens in the photos are of the Bill Braden Line.  Mr. McGinnis obtained eggs from Mr. Bill Braden Line of Okalhoma.  In his attempt to preserve this line of Buckeyes, predators got all his males.  He obtained a male that is 50% Urch Line and 50% seen in the photo above.  Mr. McGinnis has bred this male back to all Bill Braden Line females.  Robert hopes to make these birds available to the public soon.  However, the preservation of them at his farm is the first priority on the list.  HPBAA wishes Robert the best in this endeavors.  Below is a photo of the chicks hatched from this crossing by Mr. McGinnis.



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