Buckeye Breed Thread

[The Sheriff]

Hi Buckeye people! I have recently moved onto property and would like to expand my flock. Right now I have mostly Icelandic chickens and I am working on breed preservation so I don't eat those eggs and they are confined to a 2000 sq ft enclosed yard. I also have a few free loading layers who no longer lay. I am looking for a breed to house in a separate area, a pasture with lots of forage and hiding places. We have every predator imaginable, but I guess the most serious threat would be hawks during the daytime. We are also looking for a guard llama, a donkey, some goats and sheep to share the same pasture. It is about two acres, give or take.

Would buckeyes be suitable for this situation? I can get my hands on some hatchery pullets and wonder if that would be a good start? I am not interested in showing, breeding or selling hatching eggs. I just want some layers for eggs. I am hesitant to buy the best breeder birds in case this doesn't work out. Any advice you can give me on the appropriateness or lack of for using buckeyes as free-ranging egg layers would be appreciated. They would have well-built, secure housing.

If buckeyes are not the answer, any other recommendations?

Thanks,

Mary

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Quote:
If you're working on "breed preservation," don't get hatchery pullets. Also, if you're working on "breed preservation," wouldn't you want to to breed & possibly show?

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
If you're working on "breed preservation," don't get hatchery pullets. Also, if you're working on "breed preservation," wouldn't you want to to breed & possibly show?

I think buckeyes are a good fit from what you discribed
good luck punky

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Quote:
If you want a Heritage breed, but not about the Buckeye, check out the "Official Heritage Breed" thread at https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=400344

 

[punky rooster]

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[HallFamilyFarm]

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Post a large photo and let us see what you are describing.

 

[jenjscott]

Quote:
Mary, I'll probably get shot for saying this on the buckeye thread, but if all you want are free ranging egg layers, maybe you should look at layer breeds. more cost efficient in the egg laying realm. If you have no intention of harvesting the meat, then a dual purpose bird may not be what you want. OTHERWISE, if you want nice hens that will provide you with sufficient eggs and free range quite well, and don't want to deal with the roosters, then a hatchery bird might be the way to go if you buy sexed pullets. Most breeders' eggs or chicks aren't going to cost you an arm and a leg, but I don't know of any that sell them sexed.

OK, GUYS, LET ME HAVE IT.

 

[cgmccary]

punky rooster wrote:

one of my roosters has black on his chest is this a fault?
punky

It is not a disqualification, but it is not desirable. Buckeyes are not supposed to be anything other than one solid color, mahogany bay, on the chest.​

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Quote:
Mary, I'll probably get shot for saying this on the buckeye thread, but if all you want are free ranging egg layers, maybe you should look at layer breeds. more cost efficient in the egg laying realm. If you have no intention of harvesting the meat, then a dual purpose bird may not be what you want. OTHERWISE, if you want nice hens that will provide you with sufficient eggs and free range quite well, and don't want to deal with the roosters, then a hatchery bird might be the way to go if you buy sexed pullets. Most breeders' eggs or chicks aren't going to cost you an arm and a leg, but I don't know of any that sell them sexed.

OK, GUYS, LET ME HAVE IT.

GET A ROPE!!!!!

Actually, Jen is correct. If what you want is just layers, with no roosters, choose a hybrid sex-link or hybrid layer. You will get more eggs for less feed. If you are set on a Heritage breed, but just want layers, try ordering from either Ideal Poultry Farms, Meyers Hatchery or McMurray Hatchery.

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
??????????????????????

Post a large photo and let us see what you are describing.

him
color on chest

I don't know what this is its behind his wings on both sides

my RIR X buckeye chick

my new buckeye roo's comb

punky