Virginia

[Flat Rock farm]

the new ladies enjoying some time checking out the yard

Pocahontas the americauna easter egger --always learning!

They are lovely jmarie

 

[bobbieschicks]

So does anyone in VA have Buckeyes? I'm trying to figure out my chicken plan for going forward. I've checked out the Buckeye thread and haven't seen any VA posters. I'm wondering how well they would do in VA humidity.

I'm trying to find one breed for meat & eggs that's good for free ranging but will handle captivity occasionally and won't fly over the 4' tall fence. And that will not have issues with staying cool in VA summer weather.

 

[Maggiesdad]

No Buckeye experience here, but I'm working on similar goals with Basque Hens... plus I want them to go broody.

I guess it will take a couple of years to tell how I'm doing.

The starter flock I have weathered our heat here in Louisa just fine.

 

[bobbieschicks]

No Buckeye experience here, but I'm working on similar goals with Basque Hens... plus I want them to go broody.

I guess it will take a couple of years to tell how I'm doing.

The starter flock I have weathered our heat here in Louisa just fine.

I've never heard of Basque Hens so I looked them up - they are quite beautiful birds. How would they be in confined areas? Would they try to fly over a fence or stay put in the yard? I ruled out such breeds as White Leghorn because my WLs were constantly flying over things and ending up in my neighbors yard - even though they had properly clipped wings!

 

[Maggiesdad]

My experience so far is that they will stay. I have 4' fencing right now, and I'm in the process of building permanent higher (and covered) fencing to ensure that I'm controlling the breeding.

They stay in the 4' pens, but they would much rather be free ranging. I let my summer's pullets in the garden for fall clean up, and if I come to the far edge (100' away) and surprise them, they will clear 8 feet flying over stuff to get to me. (They really are cool birds personality wise.) These girls are just coming into POL. The year old hens I have can't get that kind of height.


The australorp pullets will leave in a heartbeat. The Basque girls stay.




some of the cockerels bound for the freezer....

 

[Flat Rock farm]

Well bobbieschicks if you ever get the chance to have some Basques get them. They are a delight to own, super friendly and a great dual purpose breed

 

[bobbieschicks]

I'll have to seriously consider them. They sure are pretty and good size for my purposes. We've only been raising chickens about 1 1/.2 years and initially I was hatching eggs to have assorted egg color layers. I've decided I would rather have one breed flock that is good for both meat and eggs. I'll keep my multicolored layers for their duration - but I'm thinking of starting the new flock up in the spring.

 

[steveovergard]

Hi Everyone. I am in Southern Chesterfield County, Just wanted to do an intro. Been doing PCOV and now BYC. We have Coturnix Quail, Cochin, Polish, Silkies, Sultan, Marans.

 

[Maggiesdad]

Howdy and welcome!

 

[localcommotion42]

Hey- I am in search of some help with showing my bantams next year. Where and when do shows occur here in VA?