The Buckeye Thread

[CanadianBuckeye]

Here's my pick of the litter, a cockerel from the second group of chicks. I only have one pullet I think, but of the cockerels, I like him the best (I know it's too early to tell for sure, but I am practicing my judging!)
He's around 7 weeks old here.

 

[BlackBriars]

Very nice! I like his color tone and it looks like his tail feathers will be colored nicely also.

My chicks are 7 weeks today. I fear my best cockerel is going to end up being a little light in color.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Here's my pick of the litter, a cockerel from the second group of chicks. I only have one pullet I think, but of the cockerels, I like him the best (I know it's too early to tell for sure, but I am practicing my judging!)
He's around 7 weeks old here.

What makes you think cockerel?

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

There's one

What makes you think cockerel?

There's one chick that has a flat, yellow comb, with finer legs- the others have well developed combs that are redder- and these ones are the ones sparring- so my assumption is that I only have one pullet and the rest are cockerels. No?

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

I have a question about my 11 week old cockerel. His tail feathers are black, but dull. His mixed brothers, from the same hatch (possibly Buckeye/ sex link crosses? not sure) who are also red with black tails but are definitely crosses, have lovely, shiny black tail feathers. All the roosters have tail feathers about the same length but it looks like my Buckeye is a bit behind (not as many growing saddle/hackle feathers yet) . Will my buckeye ever have shiny tail feathers, in the next moult, or will they stay dull?

 

[hellbender]

There's one

There's one chick that has a flat, yellow comb, with finer legs- the others have well developed combs that are redder- and these ones are the ones sparring- so my assumption is that I only have one pullet and the rest are cockerels. No?

No.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

Hellbender, great!!

I'd be so very happy if I got more than one pullet!! Woooo Hooo!!!

 

[Minniechickmama]

Maybe it is just the age and angle, it looks more pulletish around the head to me. Time will tell though. But sparring can fool you too sometimes, or at least in my line, the females sometimes get in on the action too. In fact, they dominate when in a mixed flock. I have been able to keep my adults separate this year, but when I do set them out with others, those hens make sure everyone knows who's yard it is. LOL

 

[Minniechickmama]

I have a question about my 11 week old cockerel. His tail feathers are black, but dull. His mixed brothers, from the same hatch (possibly Buckeye/ sex link crosses? not sure) who are also red with black tails but are definitely crosses, have lovely, shiny black tail feathers. All the roosters have tail feathers about the same length but it looks like my Buckeye is a bit behind (not as many growing saddle/hackle feathers yet) . Will my buckeye ever have shiny tail feathers, in the next moult, or will they stay dull?

Get good side shots to show us. He may have gotten his tail peck so doesn't look as flashy? Maybe not. They are still very young to start making many calls about them. I have some that are about 14-weeks and some have long (too long) tails and others are just getting their sickles starting to come and the main tail is even still just in the early stage. I believe you have one more molt, maybe two for yours before you will see their permanent (for this year) feathers. Once the girls are getting to Point of Lay, you will know what the colors are. However, here is the curve, after they molt the first time as adult, you will see what they really have for color, some may surprise you.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

minniechickmama, thanks. I will try to take pictures of the differences in tail colour. It is very interesting watching them grow, you are right, they seem to change a lot from week to week. It's interesting to see the differences in the two buckeye lines I have , the older ones are shy and hang back, the younger ones are definitely more assertive. I haven't mixed the groups yet, they are still getting used to each other through a fence and I think I'll give them another week or two.
I've been removing the mixed roosters from the older flock as they get obnoxious. Three have gone, but the ones left seem to have inherited the buckeye temperament and are still sweet and mellow.