The Buckeye Thread

[cluckcluck3499]

I have a question. I got 4 buckeyes and one is almost feathered at 6 weeks while the other 3 aren't. They were supposed to be all hens but does early maturing mean anything? Thanks in advance

 

[Minniechickmama]

I have a question. I got 4 buckeyes and one is almost feathered at 6 weeks while the other 3 aren't. They were supposed to be all hens but does early maturing mean anything? Thanks in advance

Those would be the cockerels in my flock.

 

[007medic]

Is any one else out there pullet heavy in their hatches this year? Usually things even out to a 50/50 or close to it for hatches at our place. Got a really heavy cockerel year about 4 years ago that was close to 70/30 ratio, same thing this year but with the pullets. Thoughts?

 

[clucknbell]

I will be picking up my first buckeye chicks on Monday, but have read through this thread that they require a higher protein feed. My choice seems to be Farmer's Helper Ultra Kibble for chicks (http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/farmers-helper-ultrakibble-for-chicks-36-oz) which shows a 32.23% protein. My other choice is Manna Pro Gambird/Showbird Starter at 24% (http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/manna-proreg;-gamebird-showbird-feed-5-lb) All other choices are adult food like Dumor's Winning Show Feed at 22% ( http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/dumorreg;-winning-show-poultry-feed-40-lb). Which one is best? I have Dominques coming as well with this batch- will this work for them as well?

 

[slfarms]

I will be picking up my first buckeye chicks on Monday, but have read through this thread that they require a higher protein feed.  My choice seems to be Farmer's Helper Ultra Kibble for chicks (http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/farmers-helper-ultrakibble-for-chicks-36-oz) which shows a 32.23% protein.  My other choice is Manna Pro Gambird/Showbird Starter at 24% (http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/manna-proreg;-gamebird-showbird-feed-5-lb)   All other choices are adult food like Dumor's Winning Show Feed at 22% ( http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/dumorreg;-winning-show-poultry-feed-40-lb).  Which one is best?  I have Dominques coming as well with this batch- will this work for them as well?  

Go with the Manna Pro or Dumor. The other is too high in protein and will start to damage organs and they will poop out excess protein.

 

[clucknbell]

I went with the Manna Pro, but wasn't sure if I was good or needed to go higher or lower. On page 2 of this group there was someone doing a 30% feed for chicks up to 8 wks and wasn't sure if that was something I needed to consider as well. Will it hurt if I feed the same thing to the Dominique chicks that are arriving with them?

 

[007medic]

Cluck, there's differing opinions among posters on the percentage of protein that is best for growing chicks. My inquiries to the Poultry Science departments of the Universities of Arkansas and Auburn have assured me that there is no threat of organ damage in Buckeyes with the higher protein feeds. That doesn't mean that all breeds are okay with the higher protein, slow growing/finishing breeds like Jersey Giants, Bramas and White Faced Black Spanish that take two years to reach their full maturity would be harmed.

Some breeders swear by 22% others 24% and others still 28%. I would strongly suggest you choose a feed that has some animal protein as opposed to feeds that are solely vegetable protein or supplement with animal based protein. You'll find by experience what works best for you and your set up.

It would be a good idea to get a digital scale with a tare function so that you can track the weight of your chicks as they develop. At 8 weeks your chicks should average 2lbs for cockerels and at 16 they should average 5lbs. If your chicks aren't making weight, I would suggest a change in feeding programs as you go forward. Keep in mind that if your chicks are ranging, they're going to hustle a lot of their own protein. The main thing is that your chicks develop to their full potential.

 

[Blueface]

This whole debate on feed seems to be neverending. I certainly love Mr. McCary's endless ramblings in the recent poultry press...take it from a guy that has put more buckeyes on Champion Row than anyone!! They don't need ultra high protien as chicks! 22% protien does the trick! The rest is wasted and that "protien" costs you all more money....money that is wasted! If you flip a couple more pages in the ol' press you'll see some buckeyes that were started on 22% and they look ok to me.
And for the record....I'm not attacking anyone.....I'm trying to save you all some money that is literally being crapped away!
This ideology ALL started with the ALBC's "gold" standard breeding program?!?! Rest assured my birds are lacking that "gold" standard DNA and appear to be doing just fine.
I encourage people to implement a little common sense and think for themselves. I too have followed up with well recognized poultry vets like Dr. Marsh of OSU as well as professors at OSU and they highly recommended refraining from protien diets above 24%, stating that it could cause problems!
As for feeding mature stock, anything above 18-20% is again a waste. I try to keep my feed around 18%.

 

[Blueface]

Here is a bird that started out on 22% protein.

.

 

[buckeyechicken]

These Buckeyes and 5 Australorps are on a 21% feed and their weight gain is running right on. They were just put in this grow out pen.