Are French Marans supposed to have vulture hocks?

[crystalchik]

I have a Black Copper Marans roo that has very prominent vulture hocks. The other 7 do not, and I read that they are supposed to be "lightly feathered" in the feet... can any one tell me what this means? "Lightly" feathered??
Thanx everyone!!

Crystalchik

 

[onthespot]

vulture hocks are a fault.

Lightly feathered means not profusely feathered like cochins and mille fleurs. It means modest length feathers down the outside of the shank and the top surface of the outer toe. The middle toe should not have feathers, but some of mine have a few tiny feathers on their middle toes. On my birds, the feathers of the shanks are short and lie close to the leg. On the feet they flare out a little and are sort of like ornamental fringe, a tad longer at the point where the foot meets the shank. Hope this helps.

 

[Krys109uk]

Vulture hocks are a recessive trait. They are probably a result of outcrossing a few generations ago.