Marans - SOP discussion thread - Page 3

Yeah, you'll often see a total carnation comb, and I agree that it's a sure indicator of Pene blood. There are so many breeds that have been mixed in, the indicators are seemingly never-ending. And could fill up a whole 'nother discussion board. Suffice it to say, that's why I also don't like heavy feathering, and etc. My old-blood birds have very light feathering, and when I see heavy feathering, for instance, in supposedly same-line birds, of more "modern" breeding, I have to question where it came from.
Thank you for clearing up how the sprigs behave. I assume the full carnation combs behave along the same lines as the regular sprigs? Because it seems most of our sprig problems (single or double) stem from the crossing with carnation combed birds?
And, as for the tail description, right on! Sometimes my proper terminology is lacking, so bear with me. 
Now, I'm heading out... for real! lol

Wynette, if anyone has drawn one than I would love to see a drawing of the "ideal" Marans... In all of the colors... Just a color pencil sketch, or something?

Anyone good at drawing here? I know that we have some good realistic chicken artists on BYC.

To see some Marans that are good type I would recommend going to the French Marans site would post the link but do not know how. In the USA we only have one color we know what it should look like and is the BC. Ask 10 people what a Marans should look like and you will get 10 different definitions.

The hackle striping I have found interesting, as well. Keeping an eye on the differences produced by, for instance, two boys with similar body color and undercolor, but very dissimilar amounts of lower hackle striping. (One less striping, and ample back color; and one less ample back color, and wider black striping, for instance. Both of these males have about the same amount of minimal breast color, and similar color tones.)  One would assume that less striping might give better color in female offspring, but I haven't personally seen this born out, yet. Conversely, my most strongly colored hen tends to throw males with strong black striping in their hackles. Go figure. So, my verdict is still out.
It does seem that many black copper males who are carrying wheaten, often tend to lack the amount of striping you will find in those who don't. Black coppers carrying brown tend to have black striping, but often show the straw color.
(I haven't gotten into test breeding any females yet; but a common problem is the too-dark females. Is the general consensus that this may often be a sign of E (as opposed to ER)? On known wheaten carrying females, what is the usual result in hackle coloring? Has anyone experienced overly dark-hackled females, in particular, in possible wheaten carrying females? Brown carrying females often show "nice" hackle coloring, but you can often catch some straw and mossiness. Butt fluff will often also look "sun-bleached".)
For tail-sets, I am lucky enough to have a range, so, when I have a high tail, I try to pair it with a lowish tail. My preference is for a nice tight tail.
Haven't had a huge problem with the combs points, yet. Usually range from five to six. But, trying to breed away from combs that are what I would consider oversized/too floppy.
I tend to dislike birds showing heavy foot feathering. My strong personal preference is for light foot feathering.
Egg shape.... I have had sperical eggs before, but didn't go out of my way to breed for them. I do try to keep egg color good. I don't know how else we'd get it back, without selecting for it? Maybe will try for it, once there is a better handle on all the other myriad faults floating around in our beloved breed? 

Hi all,

  I was wondering, not being a chicken show person, when I read this in the SOP, "(See General Disqualifications and Cutting for Defects.)" is this referring to the APA? Don't have an SOP book, so can someone explain to me (without copyright enfringement!) what the General DQs and Cutting for Defects are? I'm aware of the brown wing triangle in a BCM male, and stuff like side springs, but what else is there? Thanks!