Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[ashandvine]

If the standard calls for light feathering down the outside of the shank and outer toe than why such push for heavy feathering. Don't misunderstand that do or don't I like feathered shanks. I do. Just asking for clarity. Is this a point of general opinion or one where I am not understanding the terminology?

 

[math ace]

If the standard calls for light feathering down the outside of the shank and outer toe than why such push for heavy feathering. Don't misunderstand that do or don't I like feathered shanks. I do. Just asking for clarity. Is this a point of general opinion or one where I am not understanding the terminology?

The standard specifically calls for...
Shanks -- medium length, stout, and straight; lightly feathered down the outer sides.
Toes -- four long and well-separated toes on each foot. Outer toes lightly feathered, middle toes free from feathers..


To understand "Lightly feathered", it is easier to start with what is considered "HEAVY FEATHERING".
The cochins or brahmas are heavily feathered on the shanks. So, that is NOT our goal with the Marans. However, what we do want is a solid line of feathering without gaps. We want a solid line of feathering right to the tip of the outer toe. To get that solid line of feathering, the feathering will be heavier than "scarce" but not as heavy as breeds like the cochin...

 

[Wynette]

If the standard calls for light feathering down the outside of the shank and outer toe than why such push for heavy feathering. Don't misunderstand that do or don't I like feathered shanks. I do. Just asking for clarity. Is this a point of general opinion or one where I am not understanding the terminology?

This has been a point of contention from the beginning. I was told by the judge who judged that very first class of Black Coppers right after approval, and he stated "Langshan-type" feathering is what he personally would deem as perfect for our Marans. I later e-mailed and got a couple of pictures of actual birds for examples - I'll try to find them in a bit & post them.

The problem with the feathering is that the shank feathering should be a straight line down the outside of the shank; i.e., you should not see any shank scales between the feathering (no "gaps" in feathering). it seems that when you get a bird with "enough" shank feathering, it does end up being somewhat thick rather than light. Also, when you get them with ample feathering on their shanks/feet, it seems they most always have a stray feather or stub on the middle toe, which is a DQ. Many folks say "just pull those feathers" before a show. I guess that's fine for some, I prefer to breed away from middle toe feathering rather than fudging a bird for show...although apparently it's a fairly regular practice among folks who show.

 

[Wynette]

Okay, here are the two pictures that were sent to me when I asked if there were examples of proper shank feathering. I've been seeing more and more VERY heavily feathered shanks/toes and personally don't like the look for Marans and I don't believe that was the intention of the SOP. What folks are calling "street sweepers" is just too long for Marnas - the feathers on the feet in particular appear to be getting much, much too long.

 

[math ace]

Also, when you get them with ample feathering on their shanks/feet, it seems they most always have a stray feather or stub on the middle toe, which is a DQ. Many folks say "just pull those feathers" before a show.

Check on this Wynette... I believe the middle toe feathering is a FAULT only.

 

[Wynette]

From the SOP (but perhaps on feather legged breeds it's reduced to a fault rather than a DQ - I breed away from it, and will not show a bird with this defect, so I have not had firsthand experience with this issue while one of my birds was judged):

A complete description of all disqualifications and defects found in poultry is
given in the AMERICN STANDARD OF PERFECTION. The most common
disqualifications are:
1. Stubs or feathers on shanks or between toes.​

 

[abmaddox1981]

Hey guys! I'm thinking about getting BCMs, are there any reputable breeders in Georgia y'all know about? Or anyone here local to me to sell or swap? I currently have silkies, austrolorps, rir, and ee's. In a few months I will have silver gray dorkings.

 

[salt and pepper]

Hey guys! I'm thinking about getting BCMs, are there any reputable breeders in Georgia y'all know about? Or anyone here local to me to sell or swap? I currently have silkies, austrolorps, rir, and ee's. In a few months I will have silver gray dorkings.

I know of one in clermont, and his birds are gorgeous, and very nicely priced, here are pics of his stock, I'll message you the info if you decide to go to him.

 

[abmaddox1981]

I know of one in clermont, and his birds are gorgeous, and very nicely priced, here are pics of his stock, I'll message you the info if you decide to go to him.
That's awesome! My in-laws live in Lula, so I could scoot up to clermont when we go up there. It'll be a little while since I just got the dorkings and my husband decided to incubate 20 eggs.....Chicken Math....I am such a victim!

 

[salt and pepper]

I believe he does his last hatch of the year in july or august, so he usually has a contineus flow of chicks untill that point, he also sell some starter pullets in the spring. He also sell BOs, ameraucanas, speckled sussex, and heritage rhode island reds, All good quality birds, he's the only breeder I will get chicks from. I'll PM you with his contact info.