The Buckeye Thread

[Pathfinders]

Do you know if this person responds quickly? We're driving about 4 hours to central Alabama and I would love if I could get some Buckeyes on the way.

I see you're set to get some birds from Chris, good luck!

 

[MunchiesChicks]

I want to start off right.

How long do I need to "quarantine" my new Buckeye(s)?
If I want to show, what should I feed them (brands), how much, special conditioners? Earliest show is Feb.
How often do I trim nails and beak and should I be doing that with my regular flock?
How do I introduce my new chicken to an established flock?
I'm sure Ill have more questions but this is a start.

Thanks

 

[Apdeb]

The rule of thumb on quarantine is 2 weeks
In ct i have to have permit and not released until state vet tested which is happening oct 17 birds arrived sept 29th. How old are birds your getting showing is a personal thing!!! Different birds mature at different times!! I got flack for showing my pullet at 4 months but it was a local show and i was testing waters with a strain that has never been shown!!! If yours are from a proven show breeder than rule of thumb on that is when they are fully feathered out!!! This depends on breed but with heritage birds between 5 and 6 months!!!

 

[aoxa]

They do better when they are fully mature in show (in any breed), but can be shown pretty much any time. You have less chances of winning with a young bird under 6 months unless it is a remarkable specimen.

I like how quickly the buckeyes mature.. at least my buckeyes.. They are very large and full. My Rocks are so slow to develop in comparison.

 

[OHhappychicks]

Thanks for the replies regarding maturing.

I'm getting excited waiting on my first egg from her. I only have one buckeye hen right now. My roos do have plenty of room outside to get away from each other, but I'm concerned about inside. It is fairly large, but we have a light on a timer that comes on early and we do not let them out until daylight, so that is when I'm going to be concerned!

But like you said, Pathfinder, time will tell!

 

[Pathfinders]

I want to start off right.

How long do I need to "quarantine" my new Buckeye(s)?
If I want to show, what should I feed them (brands), how much, special conditioners? Earliest show is Feb.
How often do I trim nails and beak and should I be doing that with my regular flock?
How do I introduce my new chicken to an established flock?
I'm sure Ill have more questions but this is a start.

Thanks

Actually, I suggest quarantine for at least four weeks.

I have a number of articles on showing on my website, see them here:
http://pathfindersfarm.com/Articles.html

Trimming nails and beaks can vary, depending on the bird as well as what kind of pen they're in. Just keep an eye on them.

Introducing new birds to an established flock is best done at night. For some reason chickens who wake up together fight much less than if you try to put them together during the day (never recommended.) Just be sure the new one has plenty of room to run away as the other birds establish his/her place in the pecking order. And keep an eye on them for the first week or so, letting them out into their run as soon as the sun is up works well to reduce fighting.

Keep the questions coming, it's why we're all here, to learn from each other!

 

[Pathfinders]

Thanks for the replies regarding maturing.

I'm getting excited waiting on my first egg from her. I only have one buckeye hen right now. My roos do have plenty of room outside to get away from each other, but I'm concerned about inside. It is fairly large, but we have a light on a timer that comes on early and we do not let them out until daylight, so that is when I'm going to be concerned!

But like you said, Pathfinder, time will tell!

I love your avatar! Is that an old postcard?

 

[MunchiesChicks]

These are my Buckeyes I got from Chris McCary yesterday! I went thinking I was just picking up a few chickens. The bonus was spending 3 hours learning about the breed, understanding differences with the backend structure for females and how it affects egg laying, coloring, standards, tips on showing, NPIP and just tons of info.

So I have two cockerels one for show and the other just because I loved his disposition but he was under 7lbs. The pullet is from pathfinders line and very sweet and pretty.

They ended spending the night in the bathroom as my waters spilled and I had some wet poopy birds when I got home. With the tropical depression pouring down and a 12 hour trip, yea. Ughh but all my chickens take showers when they get messy and I haven't had an issue. In fact most of then stretch their necks and flap and do the same when blow dried. It was just easier for me too.

Looking forward to growing my Buckeye flock and my first show!

 

[Blueface]

over 2700 birds; Champion American and Reserve Champion Large Fowl. Well over 100 birds in the American class. This win should unofficially provide enough points to earn the 1st ever Grand Master exhibitor of the Buckeye Breed; as well as Master Exhibitor in general.

OSUman ;"Ill be waiting to see your name on the Master breeders list... for a long long time I reckon." (Urch thread; page 18, April 2013) Make sure you check and sorry to keep you waiting so long!

 

[Pathfinders]

Congratulations on your win.