Buckeye Breed Thread

[jenjscott]

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I was just looking at mine yesterday, Har, Check out the amount of feathering on their back and see if it coordinates with the pink in their comb. I think the pink combs don't have the feathers up the middle of the back, while the white combs have the strip of feathering up the middle of their back coming in. It may only last for a day or two, see if you think there is a correlation.

 

[BuckeyeDave]

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I have not found a reliable way to sex buckeyes. With their pea combs the comb growth thing really isn't a good barometer, even at 3-4 months it is sketchy for me. If anyone knows a trick please let me know.

 

[BuckeyeDave]

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It isn't the post office's job to keep the chicks warm, the hatchery should have spent the extra $2.00 and put a heat pack in. In the extreme cold I put 2 in and cover half of the holes, I have had great luck with shipping in the cold.

In the heat, the whole box of chicks turns into a bowl full of jelly, I do not ship past mid June.

In the cold one of my shipments might lose 4-5 chicks at the extreme, in the heat all 28 are lost. Not good for either party.

If they would have included a 72 hour heat pack it would have saved them money (replacement chicks and shipping) and you frustration.
http://www.cutlersupply.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_101&products_id=939

Peace,
Dave

 

[har]

Quote:
I was just looking at mine yesterday, Har, Check out the amount of feathering on their back and see if it coordinates with the pink in their comb. I think the pink combs don't have the feathers up the middle of the back, while the white combs have the strip of feathering up the middle of their back coming in. It may only last for a day or two, see if you think there is a correlation.

At this point I don't see any correlation between the feathers up the back and the combs some have more feathers and some don't. Are yours the same age as mine?

 

[jenjscott]

They're pretty close, I took a closer look today, and I guess it was just wishful thinking. I definately have some combs pinker than others, but the correlation just is not there. I'm thinking about marking my guesses to see how it turns out.

 

[Freeholder]

I've pretty much given up on trying to guess gender on chicks until they are pretty well grown, for most breeds (it is possible to tell with a few breeds, such as the Salmon Faverolles -- I've ended up with three cockerels and two pullets out of those five babies). You just have to be patient, although I know it's hard sometimes.

I've got the flu (good excuse, LOL!) and don't feel like re-reading all of this thread -- has anyone seen Buckeyes from Sand Hill? Can you tell me how they are, and where they got them? I'd like to order some chicks from Dave, but have to wait a bit and see if I have any money left after making a few other needed purchases with my tax 'return.'

Kathleen

 

[cgmccary]

Sandhill's stock came from Duane Urch originally and so are good birds. Buckeyes are an easy breed of chicken to keep, maintain and breed. They breed true with little variation. Since they come in one shape, color, variety, one kind of comb-- IMHO, they are easy.

There are some Buckeye owners out there who claim to be breeders and are trying to breed their Buckeyes to be more "rectangular" in shape (to look like a RIR-- they've actually said this) and to be highly prolific layers (300 egg range)-- in other wrods they want a "production Buckeye." As long as you stay away from those so-called breeders (who are a very small minority), you will be alright. Sandhill is not such a place.

 

[Freeholder]

Thanks for the info about Sand Hill's birds! That's good to know (maybe I should have ordered fifteen of them, and only ten of the Leghorns, LOL!).

Kathleen

 

[Arrowhead07]

Some have ALBC strains, what does that mean? ALBC is an organization, but do not raise birds right?

 

[Chipper]

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If you go to their site you can learn more about Buckeyes and the work ALBC has done with them.Here is the link: www.albc-usa.org