Im not sure if it's the picture or what but that rooster looks like it has brown feathers in the vent area? Makes me think wheaton influence. Black coppers should not be showing any brown in that area. I also agree that his back is rather short and comb could use some work. Very nice size on...
Well I would have to say they would be fine eating the shrimp shells. The birds eat small rocks that will grind up pretty much anything they eat. I would think that the "raw" shrimp shells would actually be pretty healthy for them but I'm not certain. If they are cooked they may not have any...
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This is a Quote from Illia explaining the genetics of it. from another topic and here is the link to that topic
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=391363&p=1
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No. A blue cuckoo will be barred on every feather. He's got some gold showing up in his wing and...
So if its not a cuckoo then what is it? Unfortunately there aren't any marans that have only barred hackle and saddle feathers. Its either a cuckoo or its mixed up.
Chef
How are you trying to develope them? Are you just interested in the dark eggs or are you trying to breed to a standard?
If that first pic is of a golden cuckoo he is not very good quality at all IMO. The second cockerel you say is a blue copper looks like he may be a blue birchen that is...
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Problem is you are not going to be buying these birds directly from these breeders so you will be getting someone elses line like iilia said. You can find nice birds at that price range but you should do your research first so you now what to look for when buying. Good to see the parent...
If it where me I would just put them all in the hatcher. I bet they will be ok. You should be able to keep it on lockdown until they all hatch. JMO... Good luck!
Chef
Are you only feeding her those things you listed? If that is the case I would say that is the reason. She needs more protien in her diet. If you are not going to buy chicken feed (lay feed) I would suggest canned cat food. She should start to gain weight when you increase the protien level. Good...
No it's nothing to worry about. They are just fat hogs that are always laying down. Just wait until you butcher them they will be completely bald on their bellies. Good luck!
Chef
I don't have much experience with them but I think you may be able to get them to be friendly enough to handle them but I don't think your gonna get the fight out of them. There are some who can be more docile then others but it's just instinct. Jmo
Chef
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Ya it looks like it may be a boy. Are you sure it's a BCM though and not a silver birchen? I see a lot of what appears to be white or silver feathering. I see that same thing in some of my silver blue birchens. If it's a BCM that's an awful lot of white feathers.
Chef