The Buckeye Thread

[CanadianBuckeye]

Does this brand of feed provide adequate vit. E and selenium? Unfortunately it doesn't say what the amount is for Selenium.

 

[Minniechickmama]

I think the two are either the same or combined, but this does do the trick. What I was using was 14Iu/lb, this has 21 or 24, depending on whether you feed Egg or Finisher. Last year I think I had 2 chicks that showed signs of it and that was it.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

Great, thanks, I will check my feed to be sure it's enough.

 

[Minniechickmama]

That problem may be just something that happens with the line of Buckeyes I have.

 

[MelissaZeno]

I have a Buckeye hen and she is still molting, she also appears to have grown a spur. If she had another spur on her other foot it may have been broke off. Are either of these things something to worry about?

 

[Minniechickmama]

It is not uncommon to find hens who sprout spurs, but it isn't desired. As for the molt, when did she start? Some birds are slow molters and are often not as good of layers as those who are faster molters. Is it possible that she is missing feathers because she is being overbred by a rooster?

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

I was wondering if there are any negative traits that are more difficult to breed out than others. For example, excess cushions, eggs that are too long, narrow backs?
Since it's likely that all of my breeding birds will have faults of some sort, how could I find out which ones I can live with for a generation or two, and ones that would be really bad to propagate?
I read that it only takes a generation or two to ruin a good line of birds, it must be super easy to go downhill fast with far less than perfect breeders. Now I'm spooked! Help!

 

[Minniechickmama]

What you are willing to accept in your breeding plan is up to you.
Remember, the goal is to create a better bird next generation. So, look at the negatives and positives of both the male and female and see what they can correct or what they may make worse. Honestly, if both male and female have a narrow back/body, I wouldn't breed them together, you will just get more of the same. Each breeding should either be complimentary or should enhance an already good quality.

If you have only one male, he may not be suitable for every female you have. This is where you have to analyze each bird and see how they might work together. Being this is your first year breeding these ones, you may see things next gen that make you ask "WT-" happened there?! You won't know until you start breeding. Somehow identify who the parents are, many of us use a toe punch, which is easy to do. Breeding is a numbers game and the more you can get out the higher your chances of moving forward, but be picky.

In 2014, I didn't keep a single male that I hatched. I had no regrets, each of them had something I was not willing to accept in the flock. When you are starting out though, it is tough to make those decisions on what you are willing to accept, especially when your options are so limited.

So, my advice, pick the ones with the least faults who will compliment each other. It might only be a trio, but hatching every egg they give you and see what results you get. You might get a couple worth keeping. In the meantime, keep trying to get better stock to build from. I will be trying to get some stock up to Canada this year, and I think Shumaker said the same. For now though, ask yourself what you are willing to allow and what needs to be eliminated and go from there. Only you can make that call especially since you are the one who can put your hands on the birds and feel what they are and open their wings and such to examine them thoroughly.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

Thanks. This gives me some very good information on how to start. I'll try to match the best hen to my rooster and we'll see how it goes.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

Woo hoo, another of my Buckeye hens has just started to lay (8 months). Great big egg, 62 grams, very dark brown.

It's another long egg, seems to be the shape that' all these hens are laying- I'm hoping the long shape will become rounder in time, but I haven't seen improvement in the eggs from the other hen that's been laying for a month.
Is it possible that my hens are too fat? Does that change egg shape? How can I tell if my hens have correct body weight?