Chicken Breed Focus - Buckeye

[sumi]

The Buckeye is a breed that originated in the state of Ohio. Created in the late 19th century, Buckeyes are the only American Poultry Association (APA) standard breed of chicken known to have been created by a woman, Mrs. Nettie Metcalf, and the only one in the American Class to have a pea comb. The breed's name most likely derived from Ohio's nickname of "Buckeye state", and their rich mahogany color is said to resemble that of the seeds of the Ohio Buckeye nut. They are a dual-purpose chicken that have a decent laying ability and strong meat production characteristics.

The Buckeye male weighs an average of 9 lb (4.1 kg), and the hen 6.5 lb (2.9 kg). Its primary color is a rich mahogany bay, with a bar of slate color on the feathers close to the body. The Buckeye shows some traits of game fowl in its frame and disposition, being assertive in character and a very good forager. They are known for their friendliness and are wonderful with children. Despite its game heritage, it tolerates confinement well, although it will be much happier and produce better if allowed to range on grass. A good meat producer and layer of between 150 to 200 eggs per year, the Buckeye is a dual purpose chicken well–suited to small farmyard and backyard flocks. The Buckeye breed has also been gaining popularity in the exhibition world and gained possibly it's first ever Grand Master Exhibitor (Joe Shumaker of Shumaker Farm) in 2014.

Details:
Breed purpose: Dual purpose
Comb: Pea
Broodiness: Average
Climate Tolerance: Cold
Egg Productivity: Medium
Egg Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly
Breed Size: Large Fowl as well as Bantam



Chick by Shumaker Farm


Hen by @goodb


Pullet by Shumaker Farm


Rooster by Shumaker Farm

Breed Review: https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/buckeye

Breed Discussion Thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/803253/the-buckeye-thread/0_30


Do you own Buckeyes? Are you a Buckeye breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

We have a bunch of other awesome breed-focus threads for you to enjoy. You can see all of them here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-project.975504/

 

[BlackBriars]

I started with day old hatchery buckeyes last June.
Here they are today at 11 weeks 4 days old.

































I have 23 pullets and 6 cockerels. I'm hoping there are a few good enough for breeding to build my flock.

Meat and eggs is the goal.

 

[goodb]

Those are good pictures and as long as you aren't going for perfection, what you have will work for your goal. Just remember, these birds take longer to grow so the meat will be tougher.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Those are good pictures and as long as you aren't going for perfection, what you have will work for your goal. Just remember, these birds take longer to grow so the meat will be tougher.

Let's qualify that statement... they take longer than the Cornish Crosses, but I have found that the Buckeyes reach a suitable size for a good table bird much sooner than other dual-purpose breeds I have raised. They are putting on the muscle as they grow right from chicks, and you can feel a difference. Other DP breeds I have raised may appear heavy, but under their well developed feathering, they still have a bony feel with little muscle. Of course, running around outside will make any bird tougher than the fat, lazy CRX.

The Buckeyes are a perfect for Northern life. Living in Minnesota it gets a little chilly in Winter, and the Buckeyes have been the best-suited breed to our climate that I have raise thus far. It is what attracts many folks in our region to them.
It is a wonderful thing to see that the Buckeye is a breed that is growing in popularity among those looking for a sustainable breed for meat and eggs, and these definitely satisfy that!
I have enjoyed these birds for over 6 years and have been happy to share them with numerous people from 4-Her, to private breeders, to those looking for a calm, friendly breed to lay eggs for them.

 

[Blueface]

I tend to agree with ^^

 

[Blueface]

2015 has been a year where I haven't exhibited due to the AI outbreak. I figured after a great 5 year run and accomplishments, a break would be a great thing. 2016 will be a new year and I can't wait to show the young males I raised this year along with a couple of my young cocks! Really exceptional type birds for the breed.
It surprises me that more people aren't contributing to this thread considering the "interest" and "love" for this buckeye. 2008-2013 the discussions regarding the buckeye were colorful to say the least. Multiple internet jockeys debating many different views and concepts surrounding this breed. Some actually useful and others hogwash. The depth in content, heated discussions, crying and behind the scenes lobbying where a weekly occurrence. Like any breed, I feel that there were a great deal of "fad propagators" more so than actually breeders that cared more about the online drama than the breed itself on both sides of a debate. Still today I believe the overall health of the buckeye is struggling and until people concentrate on that, the breed will never get passed the other more established breeds. When bred properly, the buckeye can easily trump any breed in the American class. That coupled with great table attributes and above average egg production truly makes for an exceptional breed!

 

[Timbuck]

I have had Buckeyes for a few years now. Not only do they handle the northern winters well, but also the Southern summers. I also raise Buff Orpingtons. The Orpingtons, even with full comb, pant long before the Buckeyes.

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[rehdancer]

Can anyone direct me to a breeder in northern Midwest? Thanks in advance !

 

[N F C]

Can anyone direct me to a breeder in northern Midwest? Thanks in advance !

From what I've read, Buckeyes originated in Ohio. That's where Meyer Hatchery is located so maybe check there.

Also...

 

[Sadness Child]

I have a Buckeye cockerel, who has been just the greatest so far, he is very nice, he is a great protector (I saw him chase a big squirrel away today), and other than hormones he is nice with the girls.
Here are some pics of him from chick to now.