Recent content by BenTN

  1. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    Totally agree with this. I set 40 Marans eggs last year and have 1-2 pullets and 1-2 cockerels I would breed forward. Even with a great hatch rate, you’ll have plenty of culls.
  2. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    this is neat info. I have always thought the smooth colored was sought after in Marans.
  3. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    My 2020 pullets are beginning to all lay. Now to find the one laying those left two...😁 side sprigs or not she goes in the breeder pen this summer.
  4. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    BLC would be Blue Copper BC would be Black Copper
  5. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    He is a good looking dude. My question for the others is this photo. Is this split wing? 80% of my birds have similar wing feathering and I am considering it split wing, kinda hoping it molts out.
  6. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    Thanks! I am hoping the split wing that I am seeing will molt out. The copper is looking very light almost golden/yellow. There are a couple cockerels in the younger hatch who have the richer copper color.
  7. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    A few pics of the Easter hatch Marans. All 11 weeks old now. Split wing still seems to be an issue with this hatch, but I will wait to see what a full molt does down the road with the chosen ones. Pullet #21 Pullet #7 Cockerel #20 Cockerel #unknown Untagged cockerel with great coloring...
  8. BenTN

    Black Copper Maran Eggs Darken during Incubation?

    Normal. If they begin to sweat or smell then you may have a bad egg.
  9. BenTN

    Cross breeding f1 to f1

    You should be able to retain laying characteristics from proven layers. The f1/am should be test mated to ensure he is carrying those same characteristics. You will lose all sex-linking with this cross however.
  10. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    I did a little brooder cleaning and separated hatch 2(KY boy Buster over my two girls). Out 17 I got 8 hens and 9 roos and a few of them not showing split wing. 2 hens and 4 roos look to be feathering out well. A little early to tell on the side sprigs but I am still tickled. Couple pics...
  11. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    not exact ratios. Mostly 22% protein crumbles or meat bird feed and cracked corn. Corn is all carbs. So maybe 75% crumbles and 25% cracked corn. This is something fairly new to me so take it for what it’s worth. There may be better/cheaper ways to get the results we are looking for.
  12. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    I wouldn’t go past 16 weeks if you are going to grill. IMO after 16 wks they are roasters andafter 6 months they are soup. I just sent 11 to fat camp for 4-6 weeks. Kept on high protein and corn until plump.
  13. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    none of the parents have split wing. Buster has half brother who does have split wing and hens have a half brother who also has split wing(my other cock bird). Assuming you are right on with all parents being recessive carries which gave me 100% split wing chicks on first hatch. Is it possible...
  14. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    Well, split wing and side sprigs continue to rule the flock. 8 of the 11 first hatch were boys and all 8 have split wing, 2 with what looks like a side sprig. They are 7 weeks. I haven’t gone over the 3 girls yet but expect similar results. The second hatch of 17 is only two weeks now so will...
  15. BenTN

    International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

    Some fantastic blue in this group. Loving the BLC more and more.
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