Buckeye Breed Thread

[FlashPointFarm]

Truth!
This past Summer when I was showing them, I couldn't believe how strong the cockerels are. I have LF Gold Partridge Brahmas that tower over the buckeyes, but the Buckeyes are sooo much stronger. I had a much harder time holding the buckeyes than the Brahma's, just because of their strength. Granted, I have tiny little hands, but I'm pretty strong. It was all I could do to hang on to them to keep from kicking out of my hands. One cockerel would kick off his plastic leg band as soon as I'd put it on. They are smart, "beefy", well tempered birds.

 

[cgmccary]

Quote: It is the only breed in the American Class (APA) that has a pea comb.

 

[Arielle]

I live in Wisconsin, we have wet cold rainy weather and a few 100 degree days too. They are very hearty birds!

I recently helped a guy sort his flock of buckeyes, and I was amazed at how tough they are. I'm sure that those of you who have raised buckeyes all know this already.
He had six cockerels that ran loose with no shelter and here in northwest Ohio it's been cold, damp and rainy and they seem to be doing great.
He also told me that on two occasions one of them fought off a hawk.
I knew they were a hardy breed but I was still amazed!
Also the temperament is great, not flighty at all. I was very impressed by this breed

Truth!
This past Summer when I was showing them, I couldn't believe how strong the cockerels are. I have LF Gold Partridge Brahmas that tower over the buckeyes, but the Buckeyes are sooo much stronger. I had a much harder time holding the buckeyes than the Brahma's, just because of their strength. Granted, I have tiny little hands, but I'm pretty strong. It was all I could do to hang on to them to keep from kicking out of my hands. One cockerel would kick off his plastic leg band as soon as I'd put it on. They are smart, "beefy", well tempered birds.

Thank you for your input everyone.

 

[AinaWGSD]

So excited! We just set 16 buckeye eggs last night. Can't wait for these little beauties to hatch out.

 

[Ivagrove]

I just wanted to say that we're having miserable weather here. Eight inches of snow on Christmas night, six inches last night, and tonight it going down to ten degrees. Tomorrow I have to feed and water about a hundred birds in thirty-someting pens and tractors, in addition to goats and dogs and a pig. I'm not telling you all this just to complain, but to say that its going to be a good day because in the house, in the oven, will be a pot with potatoes, onions, carrots, squash, and a BUCKEYE cockeral! You can go up to the city where they got fancy restaurants even with tablecloths and everything else, and you can't buy better eats than that!

 

[mschlumb]

At what age do you buckeye breeders want your pullets to start laying? Is 20 weeks asking for too much or is 24 weeks a more reasonable or realistic goal?
I know big breeds typically do not mature as fast as the lighter breeds so that's why I'm asking

 

[ChickenRose]

How high can hatchery Buckeye fly?

 

[cgmccary]

At what age do you buckeye breeders want your pullets to start laying? Is 20 weeks asking for too much or is 24 weeks a more reasonable or realistic goal?
I know big breeds typically do not mature as fast as the lighter breeds so that's why I'm asking

I have never had one to start laying as early as 20 weeks so yes, it is asking too much. My pullets start laying somewhere from 24-28 weeks with consideration given to WHEN they are hatched.

 

[mschlumb]

I have never had one to start laying as early as 20 weeks so yes, it is asking too much. My pullets start laying somewhere from 24-28 weeks with consideration given to WHEN they are hatched.

Ok, that's kind of what I was thinking. Thank you!!!

 

[cgmccary]

I just wanted to say that we're having miserable weather here. Eight inches of snow on Christmas night, six inches last night, and tonight it going down to ten degrees. Tomorrow I have to feed and water about a hundred birds in thirty-someting pens and tractors, in addition to goats and dogs and a pig. I'm not telling you all this just to complain, but to say that its going to be a good day because in the house, in the oven, will be a pot with potatoes, onions, carrots, squash, and a BUCKEYE cockeral! You can go up to the city where they got fancy restaurants even with tablecloths and everything else, and you can't buy better eats than that!

Sounds yummy!

Here it is just rain, rain and more rain. With the rain, it is either feast or famine. Right now, it is a mud pit around my barns.