Carm
Junior Member
Posts: 58
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Post by Carm on May 18, 2014 9:10:00 GMT -5
The last judge said my birds could be a bit bigger. What are different options for more size? These are LF buff orpingtons. I think they have been fed fairly well, have basically been on free choice feed all of their lives and always above average protein levels. So I am thinking it is genetic. My lines come from the 2 breeders with probably the biggest orpingtons in Ontario, Homer and Westgate. Is there a breeder or line in the US known for tremendous size? Is there a cross to a different breed that would help? I know some white orpingtons have a shot of Rock in them for size. I have time and patience to breed up with something else, but there aren't many breeds bigger than orpingtons. The birds I have shown meet the standard weights, the judge just wanted to see them wider and have an overall appearance of being larger even if not heavier. Thanks
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Post by sgtilton on May 18, 2014 15:06:35 GMT -5
I am interested in this topic too. All I know to do so far is keep them on chick starter until show season (October/November). The chick starter growth crumbles seem to help them grow pretty big and healthy, and I don't ration it out. I make sure they have an ample supply 24/7 so they can eat what they want. I'm just starting my orpington career though so I'm anxious to see what other people do.
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Post by d12chandler on May 20, 2014 18:35:33 GMT -5
Big is always better. I think some of the bigger buffs I have seen is US was Triple T, Doug Akers, and Fred Farthing (which was Terry Britts line). I know you have to hatch very early and get alot of growth before hot weather. Another think is what people use to weigh there birds, theres a breeder over east that said there buff male weighted 17 lbs. I would have to see it to beleive it. There is Alan Armall (don't think I spelled his last name right) in PA and also Bill Bacon in PA that has big buffs. I know Alan got a English male from Heirloom to add new blood. He said his buffs was bigger that the new English birds. My buffs are fairly big but not great on size. I feed baby chick starter year round, thats all my chickens get. It's 18% protein and that should do it. I tried feeding some gamebird starter ones and I didn't think they did as will. There is alot of talk about birds being to big, until the judges start DQ for overweight I wouldn't worry about it.
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Post by harrys on May 21, 2014 11:31:08 GMT -5
Carm, I PMed you.
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