Buckeye Breed Thread

[Germaine_11.20]

A little off the subject, but what does everyone do when they are having predator issues? My little Buckeyes want and need to free range but the hawks are so bad right now I won't trust anyone out.

The Buckeyes are one of the first to beg to go out to play everyday and I feel terrible. They have the big run--but from all that I have read they really need to free range.

So what do you do?

 

[jenjscott]

They don't "need" to free range. I have the same problem with hawks and most of mine stay in covered pens. Sure, they would like to be out , but they do fine in the pen. Of course, they require a lot more feed.

 

[heritagebirds]

I had a Bald Eagle in my pasture this am...ON THE GROUND.

My free rangers better watch their butts. I was hoping to have everyone in runs by the end of the weekend, I really hope I can get it all done.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

We had a hawk vsiit yesterday. Did a long fly by and then left. Hopefully it will see that the neighbor down the road has better tasting chicken.

Buckeye meat is tough and of poor taste. Not suitable for hawks or eagles! Very difficult to digest. Not worth the effort. Blue Jays and Crows are much tastier

 

[BuckeyeDave]

Quote:
I have 2 Great Pyrenees in the kennel that surrounds the chicken run.

A couple of big white barking dogs is what I use to keep the hawks at bay.

 

[andalusn]

Stopped at the feed store today and there in the peep section were two Buckeye peeps, they came home with me

I have been interested in the breed for a while so depending on how they mature they will join my main flock on heritage breed hens. Spent the afternoon setting up a brooder for them and then covered the bottom with fresh hay that had some very tiny seed heads. The little cuties have been fascinated with the hay seed. I guess at some point they will find the feed and water dish. Any words of wisdom on raising these or just let them be to grow?

 

[BuckeyeDave]

Quote:
Just let them be to grow.

 

[Pathfinders]

I'm with Dave, Livestock Guardian Dogs do a pretty good job of keeping hawks at bay during the day (not so good with owls at night though, but mine are all cooped up at night so the owls only get the guineas.

Just set another hatch of 75+ eggs today, going to start shipping chicks in three weeks! The ones I set last week have candled pretty well, I even put some old eggs in there (can't bear to toss them) and some of them are growing! So don't toss eggs that are more than 7 days old folks, they can still hatch.

 

[Briney Dave]

Sorry to be a bit off topic but

Buckeye Dave: I have tried to reach you by e-mail. The school system has had issues so I can not tell for sure if you are getting the notes. Could you let me know here or by e-mail back if you are getting anything from David Bowers @bellevue city schools

thanks and sorry for the interuption

on a side note we got the americanas that the kids and my wife wanted to raise along with the buckeyes from you. The kids already have them spoilded. They will peep and look up if the kids aren't by enough times to play with them. I get a few friendly peeps feeding and cleaning but the place goes nuts when the kids are interacting with them. Every chick is on a run to them LOL

 

[Briney Dave]

As this thread nears a 100 pages I wonder if its not time to split it. I know it would be some work to do but my thoughts were to have two seperate lines. One that focuses on the breed and care issues and a second more fun line that is more about... hey I have buckeyes, or I want them, or check out the newest pics etc.

I really love this line as it is but for a new person it would take some doing to wade through to find what they are interested in

just something to think about for the mods

I really want to say thanks to the long standing keepers of the breed for taking the time to share here. I know that my family and I have learned a great deal about the breed here and are inspired to keep them as well

David