UCP Episode 002: Buckeyes – The Feminist’s Chicken!

Buckeye Rooster – by Jeff Lay

On this week’s show in honor of Women’s History Month, I am interviewing Jeff Lay

American Buckeye Club logo

from the American Buckeye Club to discuss the history of the remarkable American chicken breeder, Nettie Metcalf, and her creation of the extraordinary Buckeye Chicken.  Nettie Metcalf is credited as being the only known female to have created a unique breed of chicken officially recognized by the American Poultry Association.  We’re going to discuss all about how Nettie bucked the system with her Buckeye Chicken!  

Nettie Metcalf – creator of the Buckeye chicken breed

In an era when men dominated the official poultry world, this singularly minded woman fought “the man” and left us all with a superior chicken to enjoy even today.  Who doesn’t love a story about the triumph of will-power, perseverance and good, old-fashioned gumption.

Show Notes and Resources:

• The American Buckeye Club (americanbuckeyeclub.org)LINK


• American Buckeye Club Blog LINK


• Backyard Poultry Magazine article about the Buckeye chicken


• American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) page about the Buckeye


• Jeff Lay’s Farm/Ranch webpage LINK

Sally’s Sidenotes:

• The Last Bison Band


• “Switzerland” by The Last Bison Youtube Video


• Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho LINK

More Buckeye Photos: 

Buckeye Hen by Jeff Lay

Buckeye Chicks by Jeff Lay

Nettie Metcalf in historical poultry book