The Buckeye Thread

[Blueface]

I see knock kneed birds as having a poor foundation. If the foundation is compromised; the bird is compromised and useless, IMO.

 

[slfarms]

What is the standard weights for NHs? Are they supposed to be that big 10.5 lbs as a cockerel? Seems big to me. Why are people breeding birds so big? A few posts back; I read a breeder showed a 9.5 lb buckeye cockerel which is 1.5 lbs bigger than they are supposed to be. Should a bird be at least close to the SOP weight to be considered good type?

In regards to the buckeye cockerel at 9.5 lbs page 33 of the sop states any breed that deviates more than 20% either up or down from the weight listed for the breed is a Dq. For a buckeye cockerel the weight is 8lbs per sop. The DQ deviation is 1.6 lbs. So that male was in range for DQ.

NH cock- 8.5 lb
NH cockerel- 7.5 lb
NH hen- 6.5 lb
NH pullet- 5.5 lb

 

[Blueface]

So that NH cockerel is 3 lbs over sized? WOW.......for breeders......when is TOO big TOO big? I have a bunch of very nice buckeye cockerels that range from 7 lb 13 ounces to 8 lb 3 ounces of which all are (+/-) 3 ounces. All of which are excellent SOP weights. What is to be said if a bird that is a pound or better over sized is picked over a bird that is of perfect SOP weight if all other things are equivalent?

Recently; that little buckeye cockerel that won the class out of 163 american birds and earned Reserve Grand Champion LF (a decision made by a panel of 4 judges in good standing) at a show exceeding 2700 birds was criticized for lacking type. His weight was 7 lbs 15 ounces. I wonder if such comments are made out of jealousy or are people actually expecting these birds to be bigger?

 

[fowlman01]

That brings up a good point. Why aren't judges dq'ing the breeds being shown with knock knees or obvious faults like that? A breeder should also see that in their stock.

Is this being caused by too much inbreeding through the years?

My bucks don't have the issue but, I've seen some at shows that have the issue already. My assumption is small gene pool and bad culling practice?

I'm still learning so Walt and blueface weigh in please.

you believe to much of what you read online. I have yet to see a knock kneed New Hampshire and I think I can safely say that I see more of them than anyone posting in this thread. If any bird is knock kneed they should be disqualified period. I find it interesting that judges are only credible if they say something you want to hear. LOL! I haven't even seen a New Hampshire that had legs straight but close together. It makes me laugh when I see intelligent people believe ridiculous online info.

Walt

 

[fowlman01]

I see knock kneed birds as having a poor foundation. If the foundation is compromised; the bird is compromised and useless, IMO.

I agree with that. This is nothing new.

 

[Blueface]

you believe to much of what you read online. I have yet to see a knock kneed New Hampshire and I think I can safely say that I see more of them than anyone posting in this thread.

Come on over to the east side; you might see a few

 

[fowlman01]

So that NH cockerel is 3 lbs over sized? WOW.......for breeders......when is TOO big TOO big? I have a bunch of very nice buckeye cockerels that range from 7 lb 13 ounces to 8 lb 3 ounces of which all are (+/-) 3 ounces. All of which are excellent SOP weights. What is to be said if a bird that is a pound or better over sized is picked over a bird that is of perfect SOP weight if all other things are equivalent?

Recently; that little buckeye cockerel that won the class out of 163 american birds and earned Reserve Grand Champion LF (a decision made by a panel of 4 judges in good standing) at a show exceeding 2700 birds was criticized for lacking type. His weight was 7 lbs 15 ounces. I wonder if such comments are made out of jealousy or are people actually expecting these birds to be bigger?

You will never find where I showed an overweight New Hampshire, just said I had one here and anyone who knows chickens knows that large fowl will tend to become small if you don't have some big ones for breeding.

Edited by staff

 

[fowlman01]

Come on over to the east side; you might see a few

I doubt it unless they are hatchery birds. I have been on the east side and will be again in mid January.

Edited by staff

 

[Blueface]

anyone who knows chickens knows that large fowl will tend to become small if you don't have some big ones for breeding..

Really?!?! Thanks for the information, I've never noticed that problem in the 24 years of breeding poultry. I'll admit, I don't quite have the years on me that you do but things may change....who knows?!?! I have always found that if your breeding pens are set up right and if you have good selections; it's entirely possible to maintain a flock without it decreasing in size.

 

[slfarms]

you believe to much of what you read online. I have yet to see a knock kneed New Hampshire and I think I can safely say that I see more of them than anyone posting in this thread. If any bird is knock kneed they should be disqualified period. I find it interesting that judges are only credible if they say something you want to hear. LOL! I haven't even seen a New Hampshire that had legs straight but close together. It makes me laugh when I see intelligent people believe ridiculous online info.

Walt

Actually I haven't been "reading to much online". I have seen knock kneed bucks and other breeds at shows in Indiana and Ohio.

If I believed everything I did read online there would really be unicorns lol .

I asked for your weigh in which should show you that I do want your thoughts on the subject.

Thanks Walt