*Buff Orpington Thread!*

[Beth K.]

Hey, I have 6 straight run buffs from Cackle Hatchery and one (I think it's a male) has fuzz about halfway down his shanks on the outside. Is he really a buff or is this just some funky genetics popping out? He's 6 weeks old. The fuzz hasn't been replaced by feathers yet.

 

[AK Baha]

Hey, I have 6 straight run buffs from Cackle Hatchery and one (I think it's a male) has fuzz about halfway down his shanks on the outside. Is he really a buff or is this just some funky genetics popping out? He's 6 weeks old. The fuzz hasn't been replaced by feathers yet.

A pic may help.

 

[Aamanda]

Hey, I have 6 straight run buffs from Cackle Hatchery and one (I think it's a male) has fuzz about halfway down his shanks on the outside. Is he really a buff or is this just some funky genetics popping out? He's 6 weeks old. The fuzz hasn't been replaced by feathers yet.

If you got em from Cackle you probably have more than one Roo. But we would love pics!

 

[buffalobillh]

I'm getting closer to starting my backyard flock. I'm considering some combination of Buffs, Australorps, Red Stars. My only concern is the Buffs being picked on, even though the other two are not the biggest bullies in the yard. I do not yet know if I will have a coop/run or a tractor. When I'm outside working or cooking, I'd likely let them range about. Anything I should be aware of with trying to combine these three breeds?

Thanks!

Bill

 

[Beth K.]

Oh, I know I have 2 other roos. Here are the pics.



Hope you can see it.
Here is a full view of him.

 

[chickydee64]

I'm getting closer to starting my backyard flock. I'm considering some combination of Buffs, Australorps, Red Stars. My only concern is the Buffs being picked on, even though the other two are not the biggest bullies in the yard. I do not yet know if I will have a coop/run or a tractor. When I'm outside working or cooking, I'd likely let them range about. Anything I should be aware of with trying to combine these three breeds?

Thanks!

Bill

If you are starting with chicks..it would be nice get them together and about the same age so they can grow up together..
As far as combining.........I have a little of everything in my layer flock.. I am picky to have only docile breeds. That is more for me..
Do not want to spend my time and energy on flighty birds............Most of my chickens are Wyandottes, Orpingtons, and barred rocks.........
Also 1 Australorp, a few EE'S..... Good Luck

 

[buffalobillh]

Thanks!

Yes, I plan to order chicks and start them all at once. I also don't want to chase any rogue hens around. LOL My kids are older, but having breeds that are calm, fun, and sometimes like pets is the ticket for me.

 

[informative]

Yes. If you want friendly chickens that seem very easy going and hardy I would avoid Australorps and Langshans and stick with ones like Buff Orps and Buff Sex Link (like Red Star or Golden Comet types).

Just my two cents. I found the Australorps to be pretty standoffish and the Langshans are both standoffish AND flighty they get up pretty high sometimes so I have to worry about if they clear my fence ever.

They are also food aggressive and will sometimes peck at my feet and hands looking for treats. The Buffs and Red Stars never do this and have what can only be called "manners"

 

[thedragonlady]

Hey, I have 6 straight run buffs from Cackle Hatchery and one (I think it's a male) has fuzz about halfway down his shanks on the outside. Is he really a buff or is this just some funky genetics popping out? He's 6 weeks old. The fuzz hasn't been replaced by feathers yet.

Most hatchery birds have been crossed with heaven knows what. Those downey feathers may molt off, or they may grow real feathers. You never know, because you can't know what was in the stew pot.

 

[Aamanda]

Most hatchery birds have been crossed with heaven knows what. Those downey feathers may nmolt off, or they may grow real feathers. You never know, because you can't know what was in the stew pot.

Oh I cant help it. Have to throw in my my two cents. Another thing about Cackle is that they don't actually see the breeding birds. They get shipped thousands of eggs twice a week that go in the bators. The eggs are labeled by the breeder. If the breeder raises more than one breed there is always a chance of crossbreeding. The breeders are only concerned about getting out as many eggs as possible so they cull according to laying. Not Breed standard. AAAAANNNDDD that's about 2 cents worth so ill hush before I get into trouble again.