Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[snowbird]

Donna, Read the first 40 pages of the SOP and then let me know what you really think. Most everything is there in plain view.

 

[dirtylittlefly]

Update! You guys were right, 2 roos and one hen. One is pretty dark, and will be taking a trip to freezer camp soon. Also he's a big jerk and my older hens won't put up with him. The other one is gorgeous, very sweet, and very gentle with his lady friend. It makes me sad to seperate them, but I'm not sure I can truly get away with having a rooster. I'm allowed to have one, but since I live in such close proximity to neighbors I can see the noise becoming a problem. We'll see. Let me know what you think of the color on this boy, If I can get away with selling him instead I may go that route. He's 19 weeks now.

Still curious what you guys think of my boy! Should I sell him, or eat him? I've heard this breed tastes delicious, I'm putting his brother in the crock pot today.

 

[johnderosa1]

I can't really comment on your cockeral... he still looks like he has a long way to go before he is really well feathered out. Mine kept changing right through 5 or 6 months old. I can attest to how they taste however..... pretty darn good! Best out of the different varieties I've culled over the past year. They remained tender through at least 22-24 weeks old, nice big birds and really did taste good. On a separate note, how do you upload pictures to the forum?

Thanks,

John

 

[blackbirds13]

I can't really comment on your cockeral... he still looks like he has a long way to go before he is really well feathered out. Mine kept changing right through 5 or 6 months old. I can attest to how they taste however..... pretty darn good! Best out of the different varieties I've culled over the past year. They remained tender through at least 22-24 weeks old, nice big birds and really did taste good. On a separate note, how do you upload pictures to the forum?

Thanks,

John

8th section in the top menu bar in the reply window. After the double arrow box it is the icon to the left of the film strip (first colored square block). You will be directed to a Browse window that will allow you to upload images from you computer or....

 

[DMRippy]

This is just my opinion and will be my breeding practice on the red on the breast. Since the SOP ALLOWS it to some degree (amount determined by someone but not mentioned in the SOP) and it is not a fault or a DQ I will not cull for it in small amounts. Now after saying that, if I have 2 roos to pick from and ALL THINGS are EQUAL but one has red on the breast and the other does not I will pick the one with the BLACK BREAST.

Others are entitled to their own opinions, this is mine.... to each his own.

Seriously considering GIVING these birds up! The negativity of these birds ever being WORTHY of a regular person breeding them is so off putting, why would you? I need the pens more than I need the headache of getting them PERFECT.

 

[mstricer]

The eggs are just lovely

 

[diriel]

DMRippy,

From about late 2005 to about late 2008 I lived on 1.25 acres out of town and was able to have chickens. We had production RIR's, Ameracauna's, couple of Polish, and finally some NICE Cuckoo Marans. Out of all of them, hands down, the Cuckoo Marans were the nicest birds in all ways! This is the reason you work so hard on them! Admittedly you are working on the Black Copper...but still

Have a good one,
Gary

 

[johnderosa1]

I want to thank all who commented on my questions and appreciate ALL the feedback I've received. Understanding that I made a mistake on my selection based one the APA standards regarding the red on the breast (live and learn). One additional question on the coloration - is it preferable to have black feathers over the ear or do they need to be copper. When I was reading the standards from the Marans Club of America and the Marans Club of France they state that they should be copper. I didn't see anything in the official US standards mentioning this. In the meantime I would like to know if this cock bird is a complete loss or is it possible to pair him up with an all black hen while I wait to upgrade. Here are some pictures of him. Don't hesitate being harsh with your comments I won't be offended.

 

[laughingclown]

I think most of the responses would be this: If this bird is all you have to work with than try a test hatch. Grow the birds out and see what you end up with. Like someone told me, just when you think you may start to figure these birds out, something pops up. So either try it or do an avid search to find another bird. Im trying out a roo that has a lot of red to try and add some color to my girls. Thats the fun of this is trying different things and learning.

Wayne

 

[snowbird]

I want to thank all who commented on my questions and appreciate ALL the feedback I've received. Understanding that I made a mistake on my selection based one the APA standards regarding the red on the breast (live and learn). One additional question on the coloration - is it preferable to have black feathers over the ear or do they need to be copper. When I was reading the standards from the Marans Club of America and the Marans Club of France they state that they should be copper. I didn't see anything in the official US standards mentioning this. In the meantime I would like to know if this cock bird is a complete loss or is it possible to pair him up with an all black hen while I wait to upgrade. Here are some pictures of him. Don't hesitate being harsh with your comments I won't be offended.

From what little bit I have picked up over the years if you breed this Males at all you will get many more of the same. Some are the opinion that if you use him over black females it will even the color out, I have found this to not be true in my own breedings. I would stay away from the brown breasted males. Now if you just want dark egg layers it would not make a difference.

In the Black copper we want a copper ear tufft, this usually signifys that we have the proper color.

The best advice I can give anyone listen to the old timers when it comes to getting started with any breed of chickens. There is good info. out there to be had if we just accept it.