Buckeye Breed Thread

[kathyinmo]

I have a question about feed. I have these new Buckeye chicks. Is it okay to feed the higher protein game bird feed to them, along with their hatchmates .... Orps?

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

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Day 24 is here and I have 16 Buckeye chicks. Pretty happy and excited about that. Thanks to you all for your support and help. With getting 16 chicks that means I got at %50 hatch. I'm happy with that maybe I can do better in the furture. FYI Meyer hatchery sells chick and chicken boxes, haven't seen that before.

That is great news Har! As for ordering chicks from a hatchery, I would not, unless you just want layers. Hatchery birds are smaller and not bred to the Standard like a breeders birds. If you want some chicks from a hatchery, try Superior Farms. APA Judge Danny Padgett is their manager. He keeps only breeders that conform the the Standard.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

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I personally hate to buy several types of feed. In years past i bought game bird layer ad starter for everything. I would keep a medicated chick starter for the first two weeks, then switch to game bird feed.

 

[jenjscott]

I start and keep mine on 30% game bird starter for the first 8 weeks at least. It gives them a good fast start. Then they get that mixed with a 19% game bird grower. At 16 to 20 weeks everybody goes on laying pellets mixed with some 30% to bring up the protein.

 

[kathyinmo]

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But, will it be okay for the Orps that I have with them?

 

[BuckeyeDave]

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I ship chicks, I have ship dates after early April available.
www.buckeyechickens.com
Let me know if you are interested.
Peace,
Dave

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

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Quote:
I ship chicks, I have ship dates after early April available.
www.buckeyechickens.com
Let me know if you are interested.
Peace,
Dave

I have some of Dave's Buckeyes, via Jen. They are worlds nicer than hatchery stock. His grandchicks are growing like weeds. Very friendly and curious. Can't wait to get them out of the brooders and into a coop that I can get into with them. I think my son's Buck is actually one of Dave's birds. (not certain, as Buck was an extra male Jen had). In any case, Buck is from Dave's line and is true to type, weight and color of a Buckeye. I have hatchery quality Buff Orpingtons. Not a one even near the Standard. Beautiful birds, but lack a few pounds to be show quality. Buck, and his hatch mates were all , in my opinion, par to the Standard.

 

[sekinkead]

Kathy, I have had my first batch of Buckeyes, Orpingtons and Ameraucanas all on 24% protein feed and they are all 10 weeks old and seem to be fine. They have been moved down to a 20% now and will probably go to 16% in a few more weeks.

 

[kathyinmo]

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Oh, thank you! That's what I needed to know!

 

[CARS]

Could one of you help with this question: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=297344