Having hatched some black french marans recently, from a number if different breeder, i would say they are one of the hardest breeds that i have bred to find the correct standard. A beautiful but difficult breed to get right especially when you add in egg color and shank feathering.
Garydean26 we were talking about egg size and the next day my lavender Orpingtons started laying humongous eggs! Not sure if this was her first egg or she sudden decided to show me!
Garydean26
Wow! Thank you so much for all that information I learnt so much...actually about breeding in general and goals for breeders. I really appreciate your time
Also what does initial egg size say about the chicken? I thought they usually start small and gradually get bigger? Im new to this breed so more information is always great. Thank you!
It's too early to tell. But does the 1st one have a few white feathers? Correct me experts if I'm wrong but splash or no splash that's not good coloring
Congrats lol! Sometimes you are actually shocked when you hatch what you actually paid for!! Shes laid 3 eggs in 4 days which is much better than i thought for marans. She actually has started laying before my orpingtons of the same age. I guess the inly way to check the genes is to breed...