Buckeye strains

[Arrowhead07]

I am after a meaty strain. I know the Brown strain is that way, right? What if I have a Brown strain from one breeder, can I use a Brown strain from another without being to linebred? Is there a strain that would improve the meat qualities of the Brown? Jeff Lay is working on a laying strain or has one, Are they really that different in type and kind? The Buckeye eggs I've seen are good size and people say they lay quite well, so is it breed in the breed no matter what?
Any info or insight would be great thanks!

 

[CARS]

I know your answer lies somewhere in the 90 page Buckeye thread. Have you read it yet?

Since it is a simple question, I bet one of the master breeders will chime in with an answer.

 

[Arrowhead07]

I have read that thread. It was long ago and was hoping I would not have to go through the whole thing again. I have a good idea, but its great to hear all the info from breeders whom have done it!

 

[cgmccary]

I am after a meaty strain. I know the Brown strain is that way, right? What if I have a Brown strain from one breeder, can I use a Brown strain from another without being to linebred? Is there a strain that would improve the meat qualities of the Brown? Jeff Lay is working on a laying strain or has one, Are they really that different in type and kind? The Buckeye eggs I've seen are good size and people say they lay quite well, so is it breed in the breed no matter what?

The Buckeye breed is a dual pupose fowl (intended for both meat and eggs), and ALL "strains & lines" should be good for meat fulfilling their dual purpose.

Likewise, all lines and strains are pretty good egg layers as well, and the typical Buckeye hen lays about 150-200 eggs a year. Individual hens may vary with some laying a little more and some a little less.​

 

[Pathfinders]

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As Chris says, the vast majority of Buckeyes are "meaty", with the possible exception of some hatchery birds.

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Yes. I have Brown x ALBC, and started with Brown birds. They are meaty (although I think the ALBC birds are slightly more so.)

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Yes. Honestly, all the Buckeyes in North America are somewhat related. There are strains, for sure. But buying from two different flocks that have Brown blood in them should be just fine.

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Pure ALBC would do that for you, as would any of the strains that have ALBC in them. Dave Puthoff has some very nice birds, as does Chris. Increasing meat capacity can be turbo charged by proper feeding when the chicks are very young, with a high protein feed for the first eight weeks or so. 28% or higher protein is suggested, which can commonly be found in turkey or game bird starter. The ALBC has a lot of great info on their website about how to select for good meat qualities, I encourage you to dig around over there and read everything they've done with Buckeyes.

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I can't speak to Jeff's birds, never having seen them in person.

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Don't understand what you're asking here. Can you rephrase? Buckeyes do lay a good number of medium to large sized eggs, roughly 150 to 200 per year.

Hope this is of some help to you. And as suggested, please feel free to join us in the pinned Buckeye thread, happy to have you there!

Cheers,