So I was reading through the reviews of buckeyes on this site and more than one person stated that they have "Champion blood lines". I am confused as to what that means. I was unaware of any "champion buckeye blood lines" even existed. I have done tons of research on this breed and dont know of any that would be considered champion blood lines. Could anyone enlighten me on this. I would think that you would have to place a whole row multiple years in a row in large american classes in order to make this claim. Thanks for the imput.
Buckeye Breed Thread
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Many Buckeyes have now went on from Best of Breed to win Champion American Class and even Reserve and Best of Show at some shows. Thus, champion lines.
How many shows do you have to win to be able to claim a champion title? I just want to understand more about showing and breeding and being able to have records and such. I guess to be able to back up that reputation.
Interesting question JoshU. For what its worth, here is my take;
What are "champion" buckeye bloodlines? When I consider the term "champion", I would assume that it is a well established bloodline that has withstood the test of time and breeding that regularly rank high in poultry shows that draw large entries in that specific class and overall show for that matter. To my knowledge there isn't a single buckeye bloodline that has won in serious competition consistently over several years. You may get a few birds that do well in smaller shows. Very few buckeyes have really ever made it to champion row and actually the champion of the class in larger shows over 1000-1500 birds. There has only been one buckeye recently (maybe ever) that has made it all of the way to "Champion Large Fowl" in an APA sanctioned show and there were only around 100 large fowl birds or so in the entire show. My daughter's 4-H Jr fair has more large fowl birds in it. It's hard to consider county fairs or even many of the APA shows with less than 25-30 birds in the American class serious competition. The APA doesn’t even award exhibitor points for classes less than 25 entries. Usually, the bird that is the best condition will win the class even if there are defects present. Next time you read about a buckeye winning the class; ask the person how many birds were in the class. You more than likely won’t get a response because the truth will come out regarding a smaller class/show.
I wouldn’t even consider the birds that Sydney and I work with a “champion” bloodline. Sydney does well with them, but there is still a very long river to row and years to develop consistency. Consistency leads to “champion” status and there is no consistency in any of the buckeye bloodlines anywhere. To prove my point, just look at the differences in opinion between many different breeders and judges alike regarding the interpretation of the SOP’s broad description of the overall feather color of the body and the wings, the shape of the head, the station, the tail carriage, ect. In today’s day and age with all of the differences in opinion; the SOP will probably never become more "defined" for the breed, so there we are. I would put the idea of “champion” in the same category as “certified heritage”. Just a way to sell more birds! Honestly, I don't think there ever will be a "champion" buckeye bloodline, just people who know how to get a bird ready for show.
I agree. Otherwise I think this could hurt the breed. Newbies buy these chicks expecting champions. Then when they show thwyget discouraged from the breed because they were advertised as champion. Its very misleading to call them champions after winning a small show. Just my oppinion. Its the same with other breeds as well. If you dont put the work in you cant expect good breeding.
And bluface3 I think that yes the sop is kinda vague. But if you research the beginning of the breed you can get a better description of what these bird should look like and go after that. It still fits todays sop but gives more detail of the coloring and such.
I think this discussion is interesting having bred horses for some 25 years. Novice breeders are swayed by what they think the terms mean; experienced breeders fully understand the terms.
ANy one who has breeding for a long time knows, that you have a better chance of producing champion stock if you breed to champion stock. The buckeye is still low in numbers, so even a small show with only 20-30 birds and the top bird was a buckeye that day, kudoos to that bird and breeder. THat day, that bird DID earn more points than the other entries and that should not be negated. Of course, in a very large show of 1000 entries, the value of highest scored bird has more value.
But just remember, number two, three and fourth place have value too. As a breeder of horses, I can't breed to the top horse if it's the father or brother to a mare I already have. And I don't breed my birds that way either.
If a bird won, give him the credit he deserves. ANd when young stock are bred from the champions, yes, to me that is champions lines. I have such a mare, and hope to have such a chicken someday.
All in my humble opinion and experience.
ANy one who has breeding for a long time knows, that you have a better chance of producing champion stock if you breed to champion stock. The buckeye is still low in numbers, so even a small show with only 20-30 birds and the top bird was a buckeye that day, kudoos to that bird and breeder. THat day, that bird DID earn more points than the other entries and that should not be negated. Of course, in a very large show of 1000 entries, the value of highest scored bird has more value.
But just remember, number two, three and fourth place have value too. As a breeder of horses, I can't breed to the top horse if it's the father or brother to a mare I already have. And I don't breed my birds that way either.
If a bird won, give him the credit he deserves. ANd when young stock are bred from the champions, yes, to me that is champions lines. I have such a mare, and hope to have such a chicken someday.
All in my humble opinion and experience.
there are those that would debate the history aspect of the breed description. the only SOP that the judges are required to go by is the current issue.
I understand and agree. But when one claims heritage stock but their color looks nothing like the heritage bird i dont get it. The color of Nettie Metcalfs birds still fit todays sop so i will strive for that coloring. I believe in a dark garnet red like hers. My oppinion of coarse.
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