Master Breeder of Buff Rocks and Showman - Robin Ramus

Robin Ramus has kept poultry since he was 11 years old, including his now 'famous' Buff Rock Bantams. And amongst many of his countless wins, Robin tells me understandably his most memorable to date was the 'Best Bird in Show' at the Scottish National around the year 2005 with a Buff Rock Bantam Cockerel. Followed the next year with a son bred off this bird - achieving 'Best of Breed' and 'Best Opposite Sex' to the Show Champion.

In the Beginning

Going back to the beginning, Robin began with Geoff Founds' strain from Nafferton, Driffield – and in all the ensuing years Mr Ramus has only had three outcrosses. It took three years before Robin got his first 'first prize' card. As a teenager our 'Buff Rock Expert' gradually built up to a stock of around 1000 mainly ornamental pheasants as well as ducks, geese, and racing and fancy pigeons. He rented 3 to 4 acres of land and with his friend and fellow show and stocksman, Derek Agar which they 'excavated' to make ponds with a stream running through the land providing a natural habitat for all of Robin's birds.

Robin was a Game Keeper in Northumberland for 8 years - and on the North Yorkshire Moors for 19 years. For the past 15 years Robin has been Manager for the magnificent Busbridge Lakes Complex of Exotic Waterbirds and Gardens near Guilford, Surrey. It is here we find his Buff Rock Bantams close to the lovely house at 'Busbridge Lakes.'

Mr Ramus was the Breed Club Secretary of the Plymouth Rock Club for five years and he also served on the Poultry Club Council of Great Britain for Three years.

Hatching Technique

While chatting to Robin about hatching, he told me he uses an incubator for the first 10 days and then transfers fertile eggs (off only one single mated pen) to separate broodies, so he can keep track of his stock. Chicks that are hatched under these separate broodies have their own breeding card which follows them if they have to be moved to a different shed or whatever, until stock is old enough for Poultry Club Leg Rings, which Robin uses on all his birds. These numbers are all entered into a ledger for ideal records.

As stated, Robin only single mates in his breeding pens. The feeding arrangements for 'Mr Busbridge Lakes' birds are chick crumbs up to growers pellets which are then available ad lib. Mixed Hen Corn to which has added pigeon conditioner (Red Band) and budgie seed is given about an hour before bedtime with, for example, only four to five handfuls offered to an average of a dozen birds so they have to scratch around for it, keeping the bedding well turned over.

Cockerels and pullets are split at about twelve weeks old with the young cockerels having an older cock for company, and more importantly, to act as a 'Policeman' and stop any infighting. When the young cockerels reach the same size as the old cock they are put into separate cockerel boxes with another female for company for a couple of weeks until they settle down ok.

Robin has some outdoor runs which were mainly for his Australorp bantams that he successfully bred and exhibited for many years. In the main the Buff Rock Bantams are kept 'inside' to prevent the sun and rain from bleaching the feather colour.

Breeding Hints

I asked Robin what advice he would give to newcomers to the breed and he said: "I would advise them to purchase the best stock they could find and to study the Standards Book in great depth." This is something I totally agree with - it's essential - facts are facts! If Standards aren't studied, opinions run rife and can be so varied. Robin added: "Never pair two birds together with the same fault - only try to correct one fault at a time Be very cautious about bringing in outcrosses. If outcrossing doesn't work be ruthless with the offspring 'get rid' - try to line breed to get a family likeness and don't worry too much about inbreeding, but NEVER breed brother to sister. Finally, TRY to stick to one breed and colour to achieve real success.

The Future

As to the future Robin hopes to perfect his Buff Plymouth Rocks and would would love to win National Champion, like all of us. He also looks forward to helping his lovely wife Ann continue breeding and showing their border terrier(s).

I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days with Robin and had hospitality second to none with fantastic cooking from Mrs Ramus. The Busbridge Lakes which Robin manages and resides at, are a magnificent spectacle and well worth a visit if in the Guilford area of Surrey. So full of history and brilliant views not to mention all the exotic birds on display and all the water features.

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