The Buckeye Thread

[Arielle]

Many of our mutt hens are back laying-- nice to get those fresh thick orangey yoks-- made scrambled eggs this morning and used up the last of the commercial eggs which pale in comparison--

 

[Minniechickmama]

I have been getting just enough eggs the last few weeks to have for our own household use. I started getting a few more this last week, but this stinking weather is going to jack that up again. However, I am looking forward to the somewhat rising temps after Wednesday and think I might start getting enough to start up the incubators again.

 

[Marengoite]

This seems like a good time to ask this; buckeyes are a wonderful breed of poultry. For those that breed and maintain this breed; what are the traits or the reasons why you've decided to keep them?

I love their calm, even temperament and reliable egg production. Kind of odd for someone who likes Hamburgs too and they are wild & crazy. For dependable Little Red Hens with roos that aren't going to flog me when my back is turned, Buckeyes are the best.

 

[Marengoite]

Nice conversation! With the new year, resolutions are in order! What is everyone's New Year's resolutions for their flock of buckeyes? We all have ideas and dreams of want directions and goals we want for our flocks. Share some of them!

Dog-proof pens. Also want to go from portable to permanent. I like having birds around and what they add to the place as far as eggs and compost, so now I'm trying to settle on what a permanent arrangement will look like. That's my goal for 2014. And once I get the pens in place, to build up a solid flock.

 

[chickensnew2me]

My wife and I decided to raise some chicks this past spring, started with some RIR. We had never heard of Buckeye chickens. My wife, being an Ohio native, Just had to have some. So, I got her some for Mothers Day. We absolutely love how they come running every time they see us. They are so personable. We have a park bench in the yard and when we go out to watch them, at least 4-5 of them perch on the arms or back of the bench while we are out there. Not to mention how they look. They are truly beautiful birds. They are now a permanent fixture on our small farm.

 

[knittychickadee]

Yes if you go out to sit in the yard you will have a Buckeye perched on your lap and they will 'talk' your ear off too. It always cracked my hubby up when they jump up there and then nod off to sleep like its the coziest bed.

 

[Arielle]

Quote:
I was introduced to the hamburgs via the "extra' chick in my McMurray order-- I was facinated with him from the beginning. He was a late bloomer compared to my other cckls. but he was a stunning bird. Small , very small compared to the real SSH I saw at a show. SSH are a breed I keep coming back to. WHat fencing will keep them in??

Domestic dogs are the biggest problem for farmers. I"m reworking my fencing also: perimeter of electric fencing. Still thinking about a LGD.

 

[Minniechickmama]

I had GP Hamburgs for the first couple of years I had chickens, they were my oldest's pick for showing. They were not friendly, but also not the flightiest birds I have ever had. But, one day when the wind was howling, the temp was around zero, I opened the coop to feed and water and one of those girls came flying out, never hit the ground , flew around the brooder house and up 25' into a Silver Maple about 20-yards away. She stayed there for most of the afternoon too. I figured I would hear her fall out when she became a hensicle, but she came down after a while and went to eat and drink then back to her coop again later in the afternoon. It was then, I discovered the true meaning of 'flighty'.

I love my Buckeyes, for almost all the reasons anyone would like them. They are not the flashiest breed, but they are a solid bird with the kind of beauty you see in something that is simple yet unique. Although my birds are friendly compared to other breeds, I have never had them jump up on my lap or come and want to cuddle. Maybe it is because I don't do that sort of things with my birds. They aren't shy, but they aren't aggressive. I like that well enough. I also like the way they have that same sort of primitive, dinosaur-ish resemblance like Cornish, with the deep brow and wide head and alert eye. It is like their appearance says, "Yeah, I am bad---, and I know it, but I don't have to prove it to anyone."

 

[slfarms]

[quote name="Minniechickmama" url="/t/803253/the-buckeye-thread/1710#post_

I love my Buckeyes, for almost all the reasons anyone would like them.  They are not the flashiest breed, but they are a solid bird with the kind of beauty you see in something that is simple yet unique.  Although my birds are friendly compared to other breeds, I have never had them jump up on my lap or come and want to cuddle.  Maybe it is because I don't do that sort of things with my birds.  They aren't shy, but they aren't aggressive.  I like that well enough.  I also like the way they have that same sort of primitive, dinosaur-ish resemblance like Cornish, with the deep brow and wide head and alert eye.  It is like their appearance says, "Yeah, I am bad---, and I know it, but I don't have to prove it to anyone."
[/quote]

Love that description. I couldn't have said it better. "I'm bad and I know it". That is the game coming out with the Cornish influence. I love the game eye on the birds. It pierces through you, like they know what you're thinking and are two steps ahead.

But, with those influences they maintain the sweet non flighty dispositions.

I'm stuck on them forever lol

 

[Arielle]

I agree great description. lol

I'm trying to sort out what I think of SSH. I need to rethink everying. Trying to get a better handle on the number of birds I have. TO have meaningful breeds. Wonder if SSH will survive predators better--- also looking at white CHantecler.

Basically my family needs to eat MORE chicken!! lol We already eat a lot of it.

Just heard that Americans eat more chicken than beef now. Actually I thought the surpassing of beef had happened long ago--- chicken is so much cheaper per pound than beef. DOn't get me wrong-- beef is my fav but it is no longer affordable at $7 a pound. We eat a lot of chicken and turkey and duck. Duck is $60 at Christmas time--makes my muscovy valuable dinners. lol