Toad Raising.

[MNChickMom]

Here are some pictures of the Toad 2.0. These pictures were taken May 15 they were 12-15 weeks old.

 

[ijon]

Heritage Buckeyes are some stocky chickens. Are they heritage?

 

[Molpet]

Heritage Buckeyes are some stocky chickens. Are they heritage?

https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/buckeye-chicken

 

[MNChickMom]

I used a roo from Duane Urch's Heritage breed of Buckeyes. My main intent was to get rid of the huge single comb, while maintaining large body size. (Minnesota winters are brutal on combs.) So it was a just a fun experiment for me. I will need to take a newer picture to show the size difference. I believe I was able to introduce some hybrid vigor into them as well as they are much more active, alert and lively than my original Toads. We are entering a heat wave in which the heat index will be near 115 so I am concerned about the heat taking a toll on those weak hearts (inherited from Cornish).

 

[ijon]

I have a fan in my coop. I am using frozen gallon jugs in my waters. Do you use fans?

 

[MNChickMom]

I have a 30 drum fan aiming at half their coop. The can also free range to shade and have ice blocks in their several watering stations

 

[Brooke215]

I used a roo from Duane Urch's Heritage breed of Buckeyes. My main intent was to get rid of the huge single comb, while maintaining large body size. (Minnesota winters are brutal on combs.) So it was a just a fun experiment for me. I will need to take a newer picture to show the size difference. I believe I was able to introduce some hybrid vigor into them as well as they are much more active, alert and lively than my original Toads. We are entering a heat wave in which the heat index will be near 115 so I am concerned about the heat taking a toll on those weak hearts (inherited from Cornish).

I've been following this thread for a long time. I'm so interested in this project! I can't wait to hear about how your chickens handle the heat. It doesn't get quite that hot here, but it can get just over a hundred in the summer. I'd love to be able to start with some toads of my own, but I can't drive that far to get some so I'm waiting until they're a bit more hardy and the eggs can tolerate shipping better.

 

[katefollot]

Ralphie...you're my hero. I love what you're doing and hope to join your cause in Spring of 2019. I love the Toad. The world needs this breed. I've enjoyed following your progress and that of your partners. I live in VA. The "Northern Everglades" region...very hot and humid swampy long summers (not sure why I still live here)...and I'm very interested in experimenting with heat tolerance in the development of the Toad line. I have ideas but my set up needs improvement before I take on a new breed. I'm so incredibly impressed and inspired by what you've done. Congratulations!

Not sure where you are in VA, but we may be able to combine an order next spring if that would be helpful.

 

[duluthralphie]

I've been following this thread for a long time. I'm so interested in this project! I can't wait to hear about how your chickens handle the heat. It doesn't get quite that hot here, but it can get just over a hundred in the summer. I'd love to be able to start with some toads of my own, but I can't drive that far to get some so I'm waiting until they're a bit more hardy and the eggs can tolerate shipping better.

My last toad cock did not handle the heat. I am now down to no boys. They just cannot get rid of the body heat it seems. I am going to put my Buckeye rooster into the pen and go for all Toads 2.0.

The neighbor kid (girl who is chicken crazy and whom I pawn off all my unwanted chicks too) has a couple of toad roosters, and hers seem to be going good. I may need to beg one off her.

 

[Chickenheadmate]

My last toad cock did not handle the heat. I am now down to no boys. They just cannot get rid of the body heat it seems. I am going to put my Buckeye rooster into the pen and go for all Toads 2.0.

The neighbor kid (girl who is chicken crazy and whom I pawn off all my unwanted chicks too) has a couple of toad roosters, and hers seem to be going good. I may need to beg one off her.

What do you mean go for all Toads? Like leave it at that?