Cubalaya Thread For Sharing Pics and Discussing Our Birds

[gallorojo]

Yes, a lot of people do just that, no supports, just wire. I don't trust that here. We just get a ton of snow sometimes, plus, I want the pens to stand up to a bit of weight. Like chickens sitting on them, etc. from what I can tell, the farther south you go, and the more secure your yard is, the lighter you can build your pens. But it comes down to what you feel will work where you are.

 

[cubalaya]

oh, i put the hoop house in a pole shed so they are out of the wind and rain. on warmer days i can move it to fresh grass and let them scratch. in the spring will put a tarp on top and leave it out of the shed.

 

[wood&feathers]

Cubalaya, you keep those in a larger building, more predator proof?

I know you have the same assortment of predators as I do, from weasels, coons and bobcats up to black bears. No way could I use unsupported hoop houses.

I really like the 2x4 wire for runs. It won't stop weasels, but we are on top of a mountain and I've only seen one in 20 years up here. Mostly they haunt the bottoms.

 

[cubalaya]

weasels are scared of lights and barking dogs. i have a night light in front of the shed. do i have doubts about hoop houses? yes. nothing is completely predator proof but after seeing carr's setup for moveable breeding/broody pens, will give it a try.

 

[spike4a202]

I have read the past 92 pages and I want to check my understanding before I dive into this breed.

According to a few very wise individuals that have given their time to post on this thread Cubalayas are very good farm / homestead birds because they excel at foraging, predator avoidance, very hardy, and broodiness. They are good enough at laying and are edible. They are also very pleasing to the eye.

A good way to start is to purchase chicks from Ideal and/or Sandhill but you must order early and be patient. A better and faster way is to make friends with one of the top breeders (hopefully nearby).

I think this will be the perfect breed for me because of the above traits and because I really like game birds (I have a flock of 25 American game fowl now) but there are a few game traits I can do with out. Fighting to the death, sharp spurs, public perception, and man fighting. The Cubalayas seem to be without these problems.

A few downsides noted were slow growing, need to hatch large numbers to keep quality up, and getting started can be difficult as there are few breeders.

I am open to any and all comments or advise. Please let me know if I missed anything or made a mistake. If the above is mostly true I will start ordering some BBReds and in the future have some great photos to share.

 

[gallorojo]

I think you have done a good job researching the breed. Your info is right on. I want to add that Zach Rose, aka cubakid on BYC, llives in CA, he has some of the best around, and has many strains and colors. Try to get in touch with him. If he doesnt have any now, be willing to wait. You want a good male from him. On the meantime, sure, place yourself 2 hatchery orders for next spring, grow them up, keep the best overall, and work on getting a great breeder male to improve your hatchery females. If you do that, you would have a good start.

 

[cubalaya]

your best bet in california would be zack(cubakid). i even talked to him about getting a bb red male but shipping to va from cali is a little risky. try to get a trio (stag and 2 pullets) from him and some from sandhill preservation. select the best hens from them and maybe a male and you are set.

 

[spike4a202]

Thank you both. I am sure you saw some things that were familiar as I copied most of the info from your posts of the past few years. I am hoping to meet cubakid tomorrow at the Ventura Seaside Feather Fanciers Poultry Show. I have sent him a PM.

 

[wood&feathers]

Good luck with the birds, I think you'll love this breed.

 

[Jungleexplorer]

Well well! Look who I caught on camera trying to get into my new pigeon coop. I converted my deer blind down by my pond to set this temporary pigeon coop up just to try to train some pigeons to stay around our farm since I have about 6 acres of wheat planted. With in a few days I started losing some. It was the fox.