Marans - SOP discussion thread - Page 34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debbi 

Chuckey,

 

  Look at the back end of his comb in the third pic. See that bump sticking off the side? That's a side sprig, and is a DQ (disqualifying fault) in ALL breeds. Not a good thing to pass on to future breeders. Also like the others have said, he has an extremely short back and Squirrel tail. Getting a better roo to use will save you much time, and wasted effort and money! Too bad too, he has lovely coloring; that always seems to be the way...

As APA judge, Troy Laroche, told us at the clinic yesterday, colour is easy. The DQs are DQs for a reason - and your boy has 2 biggies. Sprig and a squirrel tail. You really shouldn't consider breeding him. However, if he is all you have to work with you can give him a try but if he spits out junk, be prepared to cull him and the offspring later and start over. You probably aren't doing yourself or Marans fanciers any favours working with a bird this loaded with problems.

Okay I will weigh in because you asked

I like to go over the bird from top to bottom.... First off let me say he is a gorgeous color.  If we stopped at the comb we would be done in my book.  That alone is enough not to breed him.  I would like to say also that he has a long upright body not in keeping with what I personally like to breed for.  The eye color while it is acceptable has black flecks in it that speak of something hidden... that would be another reason I would disqualify him. His beak horn color is acceptable.. Ear coverts acceptable... Length of neck for me is too long..(just an opinion here)  It may appear that way due to the short back and extreme squirrel tail... ( that again is another reason for not using)  His wing appears to be dropped.  He appears to have some enamaline on the earlobs... (could just be the picture)  The tail is short enough with not too long sickle feathers so that is good.   In general he gives the upright appearance that is desireable in other breeds... Like D'Uccle, etc...   His leg color is optimal, feathering is acceptable.  He appears narrow at the keel and that to me doesn't say Meat bird...  When we breed these we must keep in mind their dual purpose.  If I wanted eye candy just to run around the yard for the cat to play with. He is certainly alert and interesting.  I appreciate the opportunity to critique this bird... there may be things I missed or that you disagree with.. that is fine...It is just one persons opinion... and everyone has one.  :)  Again thanks for sharing the opportunity to have a close look.  Hope I helped in some way. 

I will have to say this on the comb....It is prolific... It is like "a little bit pregnant"... You may not see it in the first generation.. then you will get all excited by the cute girls and then WHAM!,  F3 hits you will a  force hurricane SIDE SPRIG wind..... (saving you grief here)  It really sucks!!! 

All the chickies in the house say AMEN!!! :)

Does this picture with labeling help....

Great! I wasn't sure what a thumbprint was. THanks for the pic with labels, Math Ace

Thanks very much.  This has been very helpful and instructive.

I have another one who is younger with the same coloring.  I will look him over and maybe post here for more guidance.

I really appreciate your candor!

Apologies if it has been answered before, but -

What exactly determines a "full" tail? Should it be well expanded, slightly expanded? When viewing from back, should it be a wide V shape or a tight V shape? I'm assuming U is out of the question as it will create too much cushion.

Also, the saddle in males says slightly elevated. Does this refer to a smooth rising transition from saddle to base of tail, or something else? The back in general should be slightly downhill towards the tail, but, I'm assuming there should be a concave sweep/transition to the tail?

Just asking for clarification, I'm working on some illustrations and want it just right.

I recently bought 6 BCM chicks out of supposedly good bloodlines, 5 of them are 5 weeks old, the other is 2 .5 weeks old. On close inspection today I noticed that two of the older birds are showing what was identified in a earlier photo as "mossy"; i.e brown edging on feathers... they both have quite a bit on their wings, and one also has a lot on back of the neck. Is this something that may go away with time? Although I don't really have plans to breed any of them, I had hoped to keep the option open.

I never worry about it at that young of an age. Worry when you see it on a 5+ month old.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChickChickChicky 

I recently bought 6 BCM chicks out of supposedly good bloodlines, 5 of them are 5 weeks old, the other is 2 .5 weeks old. On close inspection today I noticed that two of the older birds are showing what was identified in a earlier photo as "mossy"; i.e brown edging on feathers... they both have quite a bit on their wings, and one also has a lot on back of the neck. Is this something that may go away with time? Although I don't really have plans to breed any of them, I had hoped to keep the option open.

Hi, The Mossy condition you refer to very seldom goes away after the Juve molt. These will be for you eating egg flock. The chick with the brown on the hackle is normal for Black Copper chicks.

I would not use the Mossy chicks for breeders for a possible SOP flock. Don