Buckeye Breed Thread

[Blueface]

Buckeyes hatching all over the place! I have 4 out from Mr. Lay and 2 out from another line. The Lay biddies seem so much darker than the other line, I don't think I'll be needing to band them to be telling the difference. Which is better, darker or lighter chicks? Will post pictures when I can!
Thanks, Susan

You hold onto them Lay biddies and make sure you mark them! They'll probably be better quality than the majority of other "lines" you'll find out there! Darker birds are better IMO! The majority of people feel that way (maybe not on here, but out at the shows.....that is the way it is!).

 

[hiwasseenursery]

Why would anyone want to make a 'laying line' out of a dual purpose breed? Isn't that what the hatcheries do to sell more chicks? But hey, if he can get $10 a chick at least he makes them sound 'special'

 

[Pathfinders]

Buckeyes hatching all over the place! I have 4 out from Mr. Lay and 2 out from another line. The Lay biddies seem so much darker than the other line, I don't think I'll be needing to band them to be telling the difference. Which is better, darker or lighter chicks? Will post pictures when I can!
Thanks, Susan

What is most important, IMO, is to breed birds that match the Standard. You can find it here: http://www.americanbuckeyepoultryclub.com/Standard.html

 

[AinaWGSD]

Why would anyone want to make a 'laying line' out of a dual purpose breed? Isn't that what the hatcheries do to sell more chicks? But hey, if he can get $10 a chick at least he makes them sound 'special'

I tend to agree, making a laying line sort of changes the purpose of the breed. However, I believe what LeBlackbird and Bluface are talking about is not a "laying line" bred for better laying ability over dual purpose qualities but a line of birds that originated from a breeder with the last name of Lay (ie, Mr. Lay). Like the Brown line or Urch line or ALBC line.

 

[Pathfinders]

I tend to agree, making a laying line sort of changes the purpose of the breed. However, I believe what LeBlackbird and Bluface are talking about is not a "laying line" bred for better laying ability over dual purpose qualities but a line of birds that originated from a breeder with the last name of Lay (ie, Mr. Lay). Like the Brown line or Urch line or ALBC line.

Actually, Jeff Lay has said for years he's been working to increase the ability of his birds to lay more eggs. I don't know what sort of things have been traded for that increase, never gotten any of his stock.

 

[LeBlackbird]

Alright, I ended up with 7 Lay chicks and 4 of the mix line (currently nicknamed "the lighter line"). The Lay babies certainly seem to be a bigger and more enthusiastic bunch than the others are. I'm very happy I ended up with way more Lay birds, everything I've heard about them makes me excited to see what they grow into
In any sense, I'll be working toward an exhibition-related goal, at the same time taking advantage of the buckeye's dual purpose traits. I would love to see more buckeyes in the shows around here!
Thanks for the standard Pathfinders, I'll be getting my new SOP book eventually! When I come out of shock from seeing the price tag, LOL

 

[karenbrat1]

Why would anyone want to make a 'laying line' out of a dual purpose breed? Isn't that what the hatcheries do to sell more chicks? But hey, if he can get $10 a chick at least he makes them sound 'special'

If you will look at the photos of Jeff Lay's birds on his site and on the American Buckeye Club's website, blog, and yahoo and FB discussion groups, you will see that he does breed to the Standard... but has also worked very hard to increase laying ability, along with it. Just because a bird is bred to the outward expression of the standard does not mean it is a productive layer or has good egg qualilty. I bought some Wyandottes a few years ago from show breeders and they were not very good layers, and their eggs were misshapen and much more thin shelled than my other breeds' eggs.

And please note, Jeff's prices for chicks and eggs INCLUDE the shipping box, pad, and postage. I have paid $10 each from other breeders for chicks and poults PLUS $40 boxing and Express shipping charge on top of that.

In addition to reading the Standard, check out the ABC's blog page for Understanding the Standard http://www.americanbuckeyeclub.blogspot.com/p/understanding-sop.html . Lots of photos of real chickens to illustrate what to look for and what is NOT good.

 

[Blueface]

Wapakoneta was fun!

 

[Blueface]

Alright, I ended up with 7 Lay chicks and 4 of the mix line (currently nicknamed "the lighter line"). The Lay babies certainly seem to be a bigger and more enthusiastic bunch than the others are. I'm very happy I ended up with way more Lay birds, everything I've heard about them makes me excited to see what they grow into

In any sense, I'll be working toward an exhibition-related goal, at the same time taking advantage of the buckeye's dual purpose traits. I would love to see more buckeyes in the shows around here!
Thanks for the standard Pathfinders, I'll be getting my new SOP book eventually! When I come out of shock from seeing the price tag, LOL

The "lighter line" .....hahahaha......and probably always will be. Good health of the breeding stock and proper breeding often effects the vigor of the offspring......proof is in the pudding! Did you say "bigger".....imagine that.

 

[DarkRedBird]

Wapakoneta was fun!

Just so it is not my computer screen or my imagination, I have to ask if those ABPC sponsored buckeye BB and RB trophies are orange. They sure look orange to me!