Buckeye Breed Thread

[Quirky]

Wow, Janet. I think looking at BBB stats is a good idea. It's enlightening to say the least. Thanks for the information.

To David and any others selling anything, which includes me since my husband runs a bicycle business, please please have a written policy for shipping and refunds. It's not fair to make people guess, and it's a red flag for the customer. I usually always look for the policy before ordering anything from anyone. The few times I haven't looked (usually beause I was too enthusiastic about what I was buying), I have regretted not looking. Look, read, and call before ordering if you need clarification about shipping/ordering/refund information.

 

[vmdanielsen]

Quote:
Egg laying would depend on a couple things; feed; clean water; strains; selection; ect.

My Buckeyes have been slowing down lately. They seem to lay better in the cold rather than the heat.

Mitch

Ok another question. My buckeyes laid well all winter. 2 went out of lay in march, but seem in good health(eating, they have good weight, acting normally[except not laying eggs!])). How long should I give them before culling? They are just over a year old.
Ginny

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
Egg laying would depend on a couple things; feed; clean water; strains; selection; ect.

My Buckeyes have been slowing down lately. They seem to lay better in the cold rather than the heat.

Mitch

Ok another question. My buckeyes laid well all winter. 2 went out of lay in march, but seem in good health(eating, they have good weight, acting normally[except not laying eggs!])). How long should I give them before culling? They are just over a year old.
Ginny

Are they in a molt? Is it hot in your area? Things like that are important and effect laying.

Mitch

 

[vmdanielsen]

Quote:
Ok another question. My buckeyes laid well all winter. 2 went out of lay in march, but seem in good health(eating, they have good weight, acting normally[except not laying eggs!])). How long should I give them before culling? They are just over a year old.
Ginny

Are they in a molt? Is it hot in your area? Things like that are important and effect laying.

Mitch

One has all her feathers and one shows some serious "rooster over use" (she is wearing an apron). Both are receptive to the rooster. The other buckeye hen is laying 4 eggs a week. They have free choice organic pellets,oyster shell calcium, grit and of course, water. I supplement with chopped beef heart for added protein. They are pastured behind a fence that I move when the pasture begins to look worn.
Any suggestions?
Ginny

 

[Pathfinders]

Hi folks,

Sorry I haven't been here in a while, have been busy as can be helping do the production on the ABA annual yearbook, and when I don't get a notification there's been a message posted here, I don't come here (and for some reason I haven't been getting notifications.)

Heard some rumors about some back and forth between forum members, and would like to plead for negativity to take place somewhere else, not here. This is a very valuable thread, and contains a ton of info and pictures I'd hate to see lost. I'd also hate to see us have this thread closed.

I've missed any negative postings, they must have been removed. I will just ask that we try to keep things positive here.

I understand not everyone is going to get along all the time, and that problems happen and need to be worked out. But this isn't the place for it.

If anyone would like, you can always email me personally at pathfindersfarm AT gmail DOT com and I will do what I can to help.

Thanks to you all for all the great info you've all shared here.

Cheers,

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
Is it possible that they are hiding the eggs or eating them? Check the distance between the pubic bones to be sure she isn't laying. You seem to be doing everything right, so I can't think of a reason for this at the moment.

 

[vmdanielsen]

Quote:
Is it possible that they are hiding the eggs or eating them? Check the distance between the pubic bones to be sure she isn't laying. You seem to be doing everything right, so I can't think of a reason for this at the moment.

It is just the two buckeye hens that are not laying. I get 3-5 eggs daily from my other hens(a spangled hamburg, a marans, a giant white and a leghorn, [I am a able to identify who laid which egg.The one buckeye who is laying even has a little ridge on her eggs so I can tell it apart from the other buckeyes]).I do feel that I have been trying everything I should. I even tried cayenne pepper as Laura suggested. I have 10 chicks in the basement and my thought is, that if the hens don't come back into lay soon, they will be processed when the new cockerals do. As much as I would like to keep them as pets, I am trying to keep the level of freeloaders down. I think what I am looking for is at what point would a good breeder keep these hens. They certainly don't make good breeding stock if they won't lay eggs!!

Thanks for all your thoughts,
Ginny

 

[Pathfinders]

Ginny, I'm sure we talked about protein right? Making sure your birds are getting adequate amounts of good quality animal protein in their feed, at least 18%?

Do away with scratch, and kitchen scraps. What brand of feed are you using again?

 

[vmdanielsen]

Quote:
Indeed Laura, we have talked about this. I thought that the cayenne was getting things going, but still, no eggs. The protein content of the layer food is only 16% and it is roasted soy. I agree that they need an animal source so I raise meal worms for the chickens' consumption. If I don't feed them meal worms I get beef heart. While I don't think low consumption of protein is the problem, I did price some fish meal. If consensus is that I should try higher protein, I will get some of that and supplement.They get no table scraps, and no scratch. They are behind a fence with a perimeter of 318'. The food is blue seal layer pellets(I think it may be kent feeds in the south, but I am not sure).When I asked at the feed store what the protein source was in their other food, it all appeared to be roasted soy. The hens seem very happy and healthy. No signs of external parasites, poop looks normal.
Thanks,
Ginny

 

[Pathfinders]

Hmm. I'm just at a loss then. I do know the heat will reduce laying, but you've been dealing with this since before the heat came, if I recall. Just odd. If anyone else has any ideas, don't hesitate to jump in on this one!