We have two chicks, Aster and Ivy that I just can’t tell what breed they are. I’m positive they are either Americanas (the more domesticated less pure version of the Araucana) or the Sicilian Buttercup. The Araucana is known specifically for their more wild nature and laying of colorful eggs which is, as far as I’m aware, as unique trait in the modern chicken world. Araucanas originated in South America and the more common American mix is more often called an Americana or Easter Egger because of the use of their blue, green and even pink colored eggs for Easter. Buttercups are thought to have originated in Sicily, they are reported to be very rare and very unique thanks to a comb that is only found in this breed of chicken. The comb is sort of cup shaped, hence the name Buttercup. It’s actually rather impressive and sets them apart visually quite a bit when they are fully grown.
While I think multi-colored eggs seem fun I’m not particularly excited about trying to get Araucanas out of the trees when they decide to sleep, and Buttercups combs are so striking it would be a fun addition to the eye candy my little flock already has.
Aster and Ivy are beautiful chickens. When they were young they very much resembled a small woodland bird, like a baby Wren or a full size Chickadee. You can see now their obviously more natural game bird appearance compared with the others, they also tend to be more active and hyper than most of the others. Now in this intermediate stage they could rather easily pass for either an Araucana/Americana or a Buttercup.
(Pictures of Buttercup and Araucana chickens stolen shamelessly from Google Images - Please click the images to see the source)
Details that might help: neither chick has a practice of flapping her wings while chirping, which makes it seem unlikely that they could be italian, neither breaks into sensual dancing so lessens their credibility as latin. They do however get rather passionate over various things, but that could go either way. I leave it to you. Leave a comment to let us know what your vote is:
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