Black Copper Marans - 4+ weeks old

[MissFloridaChick]

Hi everyone,

4 weeks ago I brought home a few baby chicks, including 3 Black Copper Marans. They were straight run and I was hopping my odds would be good. It turns out I might have 2 roosters out of the 3. I am quite certain that #3 is a lady since she has no comb and a bigger tail. I am also quite certain #5 is a male since he has had a comb since week 1 and still has barely any tail. Although I was told #4 was a cockerel because of the comb, he also has the biggest tail. His comb appeared recently, maybe a week ago.

Ultimately, I'll know for sure when I'll hear him (them) sing but in the meantime, what do you experts all think?
I have never had a rooster before and I am not even sure I can keep him (them). If I keep one, any idea what I should expect from a Black Copper Marans rooster?

Thank you

 

[cpegram]

The bigger redder combs are usually an indicator for a roo, I have never had a BCM roo but I just hatched a few myself mainly for hens because I hatched some Lav. Ameraucanas too so I can make olive eggers next year.

 

[RyderTheChicken]

If you worry about the there crowing you can get a crow collar but that's after they start crowing.

 

[MissFloridaChick]

The bigger redder combs are usually an indicator for a roo, I have never had a BCM roo but I just hatched a few myself mainly for hens because I hatched some Lav. Ameraucanas too so I can make olive eggers next year.

That's what I've also been told about the comb. Now, let's just keep my fingers crossed that the lady is indeed a lady haha

Lavender Ameraucanas are also on my list! I'm planning on getting 3 blue ameraucanas this week (or when they hatch) because I so want blue eggs too

 

[MissFloridaChick]

If you worry about the there crowing you can get a crow collar but that's after they start crowing.

I have never heard of this but I will definitely look into it. That seems like an amazing solution. I can't have roosters where I live. Plus they can be soooooo loud and they never stop. But if there's a way to keep their noise down, I'm all in!

 

[Acre4Me]

Last year we got 6 straight run Marans (Black and Blue). There were 3 males and 3 females. In these pics, they are around 6 weeks old. Females have virtually no comb/wattle growth and males are pretty obvious in our batch.

1 male and 1 female:

2 Males and 2 females:

 

[MissFloridaChick]

Last year we got 6 straight run Marans (Black and Blue). There were 3 males and 3 females. In these pics, they are around 6 weeks old. Females have virtually no comb/wattle growth and males are pretty obvious in our batch.

1 male and 1 female:
View attachment 2112535

2 Males and 2 females:
View attachment 2112536

Awwww so adorable! Yes the difference is very noticeable. Thank you for the pictures, they are very helpful! I'll try to see if I can buy an additional Marans pullet so I could at least get 2 and have dark brown eggs more often