I love the fact that the Buckeyes are a heritage bird, but my main reason was for cross breeding to get meaties. Now that I have seen the quality of them I will keep them as pure heritage and also use a few for the cross breeding. Why not make the best use from them?
And the size of the eggs says KEEPERS!  I know these Buckeyes are going to excellent foragers because as soon as the other ones I have hatched (and mean as soon as!) they were pecking around and picking up anything different. And try to catch those babies! They are fast. The bugs and grasshoppers here have met their match!
Buck Creek,  I am really excited to see your chicks, especially the jubilee. Orps are such big beautiful birds and with a jubilee of colors--splendid.
Speckled Hen, you're right there about keeping moving!  And the chickens sure help out with that. No slacking when they are part of it! Tote that water, heft that 50 lb feed bag... wash, rake and CATCH! Ha, catch... I have to share that my Gander decided to challenge me and wouldn't back down. I had to chase him around the yard for 20 minutes before HE tired out. So I grabbed him, hugged him and well...yes I did yell at him. (He is the worst at trying to peck me) then I took LadyHawks daughters idea and swabbed his head in a puddle before I put him down. He probably loved the puddle but it made me feel better. He has been good the last few days!!