*Buff Orpington Thread!*

[cbnovick]

You're doing exactly the right thing ! I use a 300 gallon Rubbermaid stock waterer which is about 5 feet across as a brooder in my greenhouse. In it is is a very sturdy 3' long branch which has other branches from 4" to 2 feet.. All the chicks fly up and exercise their wings, so NO weak wings, and they all sleep up there once they don't need to be under the lights.

I also use Rubbermaid double walled storage boxes for the babies when they go outside. We cut doors and added ramps. The trick is to then get their tiny little minds in gear to go up the ramps to bed. I have no need for the gym. Lifting all those babies is great for the middle, but plays havoc on the back.

Great idea on the tree branch with varying heights!! I am going to utilize this idea in the 6'x8' grow out run (hoping to have it within a few more weeks)..it will have a 2 ft and 4 ft roost bar but the branch will be great for when they transition from the lamped brooder stage! I can relate that many things about caring for these birds is tough on the back...despite only being 47..."This 'ol grey mare ain't what she used to be!"

 

[Kay1993]

Does anyone have a picture(s) of BO wings at 2-5 weeks old?

 

[jessicaroo]

Does anyone have a picture(s) of BO wings at 2-5 weeks old?

this is my 3 week 2 day old BO

 

[Kay1993]

this is my 3 week 2 day old BO

Thank you so much. I needed a little reference to ID my chicks and was having doubts they were BOs... have to find em' a new home

. Again, thank you!

 

[jessicaroo]

No problem

 

[sarajoy]

I have mostly brahmas, but have one 8 week buff orpington. I have a question - my brahmas at her age were lightly feathered under the wings. She has bare skin, under the whole "underarm" area, not just the crease. The woman I purchased her from showed me her other chicks, and they were all like that. She showed me the "mom" who was more filled out than the juvenile, but still has more bare skin than do my brahmas. Is this normal for the breed, or is this just a genetic variation of this hen and her offspring? I don't have a digital camera or I'd take a picture to show you what I'm talking about. I feel some relief in having seen the wing picture above, as that bird has more "skin" than did my brahmas at a similar age. But my 8 week girl has more than the pictured chick. Thanks for any input. Sara

 

[thedragonlady]

I have mostly brahmas, but have one 8 week buff orpington. I have a question - my brahmas at her age were lightly feathered under the wings. She has bare skin, under the whole "underarm" area, not just the crease. The woman I purchased her from showed me her other chicks, and they were all like that. She showed me the "mom" who was more filled out than the juvenile, but still has more bare skin than do my brahmas. Is this normal for the breed, or is this just a genetic variation of this hen and her offspring? I don't have a digital camera or I'd take a picture to show you what I'm talking about. I feel some relief in having seen the wing picture above, as that bird has more "skin" than did my brahmas at a similar age. But my 8 week girl has more than the pictured chick. Thanks for any input. Sara

The feathering and down under the wings is dependent on how an Orp is bred.
SOP orps will have more underfeathering than hatchery Orps, and the English Orps more still. The down on English chicks is very thick and dense, and they require less heat while young.

 

[sarajoy]

Thank you. That is helpful. Sara

>The feathering and down under the wings is dependent on how an Orp is bred.

SOP orps will have more underfeathering than hatchery Orps>

 

[jessicaroo]

My orp is from McMurray, if that helps you. Anyone know how soon they should show rooster "signs"? I'm hoping I have all hens, they are 4 weeks... Just curious.

 

[Crafty chick]

Jessica~ if you post pics of them, we might beable to tell for you