Black Copper Maran Question Re: Feathered Footed Chicks

[brodysam]

If a chick is born with feathered feet, does this mean that it will have the feathering as an adult, or do they lose them as they age?

 

[Byrdj]

They will keep them as an adult.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Above poster is correct. I am not breeding my non feathered chicks because I am keeping the French standards but the non feathered ones will still lay dark eggs.

 

[RAWR]

they keep them for the rest of their lives lol i love the feathered footed chickens xD

 

[brodysam]

Thank you. I have one bcm hen that has feathers on her feet. Will the rooster have to have feathers as well in order for the chicks to inherit the trait?

 

[drom]

You know, I don't believe so, but I think onthespot knows how the feathered shank genes work. I remember her saying it is not that difficult to introduce the trait to your flock.

 

[Byrdj]

Quote:
Depends on whether the rooster has shank feathering inhibiting genes. If he does, it will take more generations of breeding with feathered birds to get all feathered offsping. If the rooster doesn't have them, most of the F1 offspring should have feathered shanks.

 

[drom]

Oh, that's interesting. Is that gene common at all in Marans?

 

[Byrdj]

Don'y know the answer to that one. You could do a test mating to see if your rooster carries it.

 

[bargain]

My flock is bred to the French standard and all do have feathered feet, their offspring have feathered feet.

It is my understanding that the non feathered foot rooster will not produce feathered feet and I'm just not buying or hatching any non feathered in with our flock. Just call me a purist...

ChicknHorse how are my eggs in your bator going?

Thanks for raising this question! Have a blessed evening.