Buckeyes vs. partridge chanteclers- which one?

I have been researching cold hardy breeds, and I can't decide which one would be better. I am looking for an egg layer rather than a meat bird. I have no interest in showing- I am after production qualities. I like the look of the partridge chantecler, but I have read that their egg laying capabilities aren't great- smallish eggs...... I like my eggs in the 60-70 gram size range. I have also read that the buckeye has a good temperament but I haven't seen much info on the personality of the partridge chantecler. if you have had both breeds, which one did you prefer and why? I can only get hatchery buckeyes locally, nobody seems to be breeding them in Ontario (that I have found). I have located a hatching egg source in the Maritimes for buckeyes, and there are a few breeders of chanteclers in Ontario. But, which one? Any thoughts?

ive never had the partridge chanteclers but have heard they tend to go broody often.  in my opinion, buckeyes are less prone to broodiness and if your primary goal is egg production you will appreciate this.
our buckeyes are very calm and docile which also contributes to steady egg laying.  we can move them to a different pen with no slow down in egg production which often  happens with other breeds.  we did raise white chanties for a few years and we did notice that difference.

mirycreek, thanks.  Where did you get your buckeyes?

My PCs have lovely personalities. They do go broody, which is nice if you want them to self-propagate, but lay like a hot damn through the winter.

authenticfarm, how's the egg size?

There aren't many Buckeye breeders around.  Miry Creek (looking after Chantecler Eh's line), me, a few others in the west.  I tried to pick up various lines over time as people sold out.    I think you can get some from Performance Poultry in Ontario (through Ideal in US).  So that's a limiting factor. Many more PC's around I think.  But as with all breeds some lines of the same breed will produce and be more satisfactory for your needs and tastes than others.  Some people cull for egg production, others are happy to let things unfold as they will.  Some only keep layers in their prime, others keep birds throughout their lives.

My Buckeyes lay all winter.  This time of year there is a dip in production for a few weeks but once past the shortest day eggs are coming on strong. No extra heat or light but an insulated well ventilated coop with deep litter.

I love love love my Buckeyes and they love me, come running full speed to me when I go near the coop. Greatest trouble is not stepping on them.

Have never kept PCs.

Derbyshire wrote:authenticfarm, how's the egg size?

My mature girls lay good sized eggs. Some L, some XL. Pullets lay about a medium to start, but lay really well through their first winter - handy, since my older girls usually take a break at that time. I find I usually have one or two hens who will sit on the eggs to keep them warm, as well, so I don't get many frozen eggs. I do give them supplemental light in the winter, so I get eggs.

I can grab and handle mine at any time - grabbed my rooster this morning to move him to a different pen - but the line I have now aren't huge pests. I like my birds to do their own thing, but be easy to handle when needed, if that makes sense. I have a couple of Ameraucana and Easter Eggers that are always at risk of being stepped on. Drives me nuts.

Heda G, thanks. Actually both breeds sound good.... so I might just get both :-) I think I will get the Buckeyes as hatching eggs from Les Farms in New Brunswick. They have some spectacular barred rocks too....I have never hatched eggs before so I'd prefer chicks, but if eggs are the only way to get quality buckeyes I'll go that route.

Definitely get both and find out which you prefer! And let us know!

authenticfarm, you're not helping!!! I am trying to limit the number of breeds LOL that darn chicken math!!! I have whittled down my list to 6 breeds...... I am trying for 3.........ha haa haaa!!!! But, no matter what. I'll keep everyone posted- I don't have chickens yet but I plan to next spring.

mirycreek wrote:ive never had the partridge chanteclers but have heard they tend to go broody often.  in my opinion, buckeyes are less prone to broodiness and if your primary goal is egg production you will appreciate this.
our buckeyes are very calm and docile which also contributes to steady egg laying.  we can move them to a different pen with no slow down in egg production which often  happens with other breeds.  we did raise white chanties for a few years and we did notice that difference.

Totally agree with Mirycreek on this. Her farm has some nice buckeyes and her Son was focusing very hard to make the breed as it should be, he went away to school, and she kind of took over the project, smiling....teasin' ya, Miry, but true. I obtained hatching eggs from her Son in the year of 2010, those eggs came all the way from Saskatchewan to the Armstrong IPE show that year. I worked on breeding the breed for a few years, and then had to make a choice, as to properly focus on breeds, I could only have two. I chose what I breed, cochins and buff orpingtons. A good choice for me. Anyways, my buckeyes that I had so lovingly nurtured and grew on and out are scattered around my area in the Okanagan, and up north, to another forum member, Heda Gobbler. The buckeyes are a most wonderful breed. And yes, never did have a broody one, good production, good sized egg, I have no recollection of the size, but I would venture around the 60 gram mark or larger, I do remember thinking that the size of the bird was not large, but the eggs were. They are a very friendly and curious breed and love to free range, but also take well to confinement. They are not angry at all, roosters were always gentle with the human kind and the gals too, and they are absolutely beautiful. There is nothing more pretty in a colour in the chicken breed, than that dark mahogany that some breeds share, like the Rhode Island Red, just like the Buckeye, that gleams in the sun and is the prettiest of the pretty browns. There. My experience given to you. Because of temperament, I would certainly choose buckeye, but then, that is me, smiling....you will have to make up your own mind, but then that is how we roll. Have a beautiful day, CynthiaM.

Nicely said Cindy! I certainly benefited from your Buckeye efforts!

Thanks CynthiaM ! Buckeyes do sound like a wonderful breed. I am so glad they didn't go extinct and that they are available. Now all I have to do is convince one of you to mail me some hatching eggs....... same for the partridge chanteclers!