The Buckeye Thread

[CanadianBuckeye]

Sorry for not being more clear. I think 60 grams is adiquate and perhaps the bare minimum. Somewhat heavier eggs won't do any harm in my opinion but to expect a corresponding egg weight to that of the Leghorn is far more than I would ever aspire from one of these extra large birds, either Buckeye or Chantecler. 65 to 70 grams would be sweet but tops ....for MY purposes.

Thanks Hellbender, that's exactly what I was thinking too, so it sounds do-able-just by selection- I wouldn't want an egg regularly bigger than 70 grams, I think that might be a bit too hard on any chicken. I've seen some whoppers though! Poor birds.

 

[hellbender]

Thanks Hellbender, that's exactly what I was thinking too, so it sounds do-able-just by selection- I wouldn't want an egg regularly bigger than 70 grams, I think that might be a bit too hard on any chicken. I've seen some whoppers though! Poor birds.

 

[Minniechickmama]

In my experience, the slower featherers are the cockerels.
Big eggs are great for hatching from since it allows the chick more room for growth within the eggs. However, as an eating egg, I prefer a medium to large but not excessively large because then the white is more watery.

 

[saltycity]

Saltycity was this cross made to produce layers or for meat birds? If it was for layers, how were they? Truthfully I am a little disappointed in the buckeye eggs I've seen, small with a strange longish shape. I plan to select for egg laying ability in my flock but I have a few crosses planned for a project laying mix as well.

Mostly to produce layers and to satisfy my curiosity. The cockerels were the meanest things (although my only experience with a bunch of cockerels was with Buckeyes) and not particularly meaty. We did, however, keep one cockerel as my husband's pet and is now a rooster. He is beautiful and likes to be picked up and petted.

When I hatched the crosses in 2013, I had (and still have) a mixed flock of Barred Rock, Buckeyes, a couple production RIRs, and now the crosses. I was never very good at keeping track of who was laying what. I plan to hatch more crosses next year.

 

[Justso]

Hey I don't have any buckeyes yet but I want some but can't get them till next summer but the only hatchery with all the breeds I want is meyer did any of y'all ordered some from them can you post pics pls and thx

Where are you located?

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

Here is a picture of one of my 4 week old Buckeyes (from a Canadian breeder).



Some are feathering in very slowly and I noticed they had bald elbow patches. They are red from the sun, the skin is fine, no scabs or pick marks. The bald spots are right at the elbow just under where the shoulder feathers are coming in. I have marked the patches. They don't seem to have been picked, had anyone else noticed these? I am glad my Buckeyes and Dark Cornish aren't feather pickers.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Here is a picture of one of my 4 week old Buckeyes (from a Canadian breeder).



Some are feathering in very slowly and I noticed they had bald elbow patches. They are red from the sun, the skin is fine, no scabs or pick marks. The bald spots are right at the elbow just under where the shoulder feathers are coming in. I have marked the patches. They don't seem to have been picked, had anyone else noticed these? I am glad my Buckeyes and Dark Cornish aren't feather pickers.

I wouldn't worry much about it. The cockerels are normally the slower to feather, but mine lack any tail feathers at that stage on the males and have a more pronounced comb. Give it time
There it no sign of picking either. There is still baby fluff there. If they were bald and lacking feathers I would watch them, but I think you just have a slower featherer. I do like the beak and head on that one.

 

[KlopKlop]

This is the newest addition to my farm, a buckeye rooster that was rehomed from a farm where he had to wear a neckband to keep his crowing down. We have been calling him 'big buck' as he weighs in at almost 12lbs and stands almost to my knee.

Just though I would share as I am just learning about this breed. I'm looking forward to introducing him to a group of my hens so he can lead them while ranging.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

KlopKlop he's huge! 12 pounds is very big indeed. I am sure your hens will find him very handsome.
PS: thanks Minniechickmama, I am keeping a close eye on these babies! I was thinking of gluing a feather from an older chicken onto the bald spot if it was a problem. Glad it's normal!

 

[KlopKlop]

KlopKlop he's huge! 12 pounds is very big indeed. I am sure your hens will find him very handsome.

He was calling out to the ladies tonight. I think he is quite happy to have the band off from his neck. I had never heard of people doing that before. I guess the neighbors didnt like his crow at his old home.