Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[snowbird]

The pics turned out ok in the dark, the green and purple sheen are brilliant in the sunshine but I think the pics show it well enough. These are both young pullets, first pic. pullet one has no green sheen, only the purple (compare to the green sheen on the cockeral next to her), second and third pic are of the same pullet, she has purple and green.

Quoted from the SOP: "Black Birds, Plumage: Surface -- lustrous greenish black. Undercolour--(except where otherwise specified) dull black in dark-legged varieties, slate in yellow legged varieties." BCM's are not in the current SOP and I do not know whether they are listed under the Black Varieties or not but I would guess so, anyone???

I have found some interesting info on the Purple barring and the green feathers. If anyone has the Principles and practice of Poultry Culture by JOHN H. ROBINSON look on page #529 It also talks about the White Tail Coverts and the white in Hackle undercolor. It is not breed specific, and is a very old book. If anyone is interested I can write out what it says for all.

 

[marquisella]

Quote: Take all water out until the last 3 days.

 

[PAchickensgalor]

How old is he and did this just show up? I had a roo come in with two white feathers at the base of his tail when he was 2 1/2, no sign of any white prior. I culled him. To date (5 years), I have never had a youngster with white at the base of tailfeathers.

I don't know how old he is. I got him from a breeder in November. When I got him home I noticed a small amount of white near the base of one of the tail feathers. Over the winter the white has become more pronounced and now appears to be in 3 tail feathers. I will definitely look closer next time. Also, this proves what I've read earlier..........that its better to wait for a few molts to pick out your breeders.

 

[Zanna]

I have found some interesting info on the Purple barring and the green feathers. If anyone has the Principles and practice of Poultry Culture by JOHN H. ROBINSON look on page #529 It also talks about the White Tail Coverts and the white in Hackle undercolor. It is not breed specific, and is a very old book. If anyone is interested I can write out what it says for all.

Please!!!

 

[snowbird]

Please!!!

Zanna, Some of this goes against what I have always bred for in Marans.
"Black stock that has not been very carefully bred for color is usually a brown Black. Breeding from the blackest from of such Brown-Black birds develops the Standard Jet black with the green surface,sheen, and Brown casts eliminated. After this stage of development has been reached it becomes necessary to check the intensification of Black by breeding with a Standard bird of one sex a mate of the other in which the Black is dull yet free from pronounced rustiness. If two jet Black birds are mated, further intensification of the Black seems to bring it to Disintegration, and brings out the Purple Barring, which is a most objectionable character"

There is also something on the White tail Coverts and the white hackle undercolor, will post later if anyone would like.

 

[Zanna]

Zanna, Some of this goes against what I have always bred for in Marans.
"Black stock that has not been very carefully bred for color is usually a brown Black. Breeding from the blackest from of such Brown-Black birds develops the Standard Jet black with the green surface,sheen, and Brown casts eliminated. After this stage of development has been reached it becomes necessary to check the intensification of Black by breeding with a Standard bird of one sex a mate of the other in which the Black is dull yet free from pronounced rustiness. If two jet Black birds are mated, further intensification of the Black seems to bring it to Disintegration, and brings out the Purple Barring, which is a most objectionable character"

There is also something on the White tail Coverts and the white hackle undercolor, will post later if anyone would like.

Hmmm, trying to wrap my pea brain around this....... my pullets with the nice green sheen are full siblings to the pullet with the purple sheen (same as barring??). So, what to think?? Both parents have nice green sheen, don't have the cock anymore but still have the hen and have a full son who has nice green sheen.........

And, what to think about birds that have both the purple and green...........

Would also like the info on the White tail Coverts and the White hackle undercover if you would be so kind

 

[snowbird]

Hmmm, trying to wrap my pea brain around this....... my pullets with the nice green sheen are full siblings to the pullet with the purple sheen (same as barring??). So, what to think?? Both parents have nice green sheen, don't have the cock anymore but still have the hen and have a full son who has nice green sheen.........

And, what to think about birds that have both the purple and green...........

Would also like the info on the White tail Coverts and the White hackle undercover if you would be so kind

Zanna, I believe we should keep this in mind when mating up the pens and see if it really has anything to do with the Marans. i guess the only way to find out is to do some test matings. I believe the Brown-Black they were talking about is the Brown soft feathering we see on the BC Marans,

 

[Zanna]

Zanna, I believe we should keep this in mind when mating up the pens and see if it really has anything to do with the Marans. i guess the only way to find out is to do some test matings. I believe the Brown-Black they were talking about is the Brown soft feathering we see on the BC Marans,

Yes, and test mating is happening as we speak Thank you for your time and input!

 

[Turkeytruff]

Take all water out until the last 3 days.

thanks for the advice - I have emptied the water reservoir.

I use zip ties until I know more about what I am doing and what to breed/cull for.

Are the black bars down the middle of the hackle on the cockerel above acceptable?

Does anyone know if the black bars down the middle of the hackles are acceptable or is it a DQ - thanks for the advice, just trying to learn the best standard.

 

[Zanna]

There was a discussion about this recently, I think on the Marans thread?? I believe this is desirable colouring but please do not quote me, I would like to revisit this discussion but can not find it. The search engine for the threads and I do not get along

Referring to the black bars in the hackle feathers. Anyone else remember this discussion?