Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[Runawaylobster]

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oooooh, i find this so encouraging, a 6+, how awesome!!!! although the slowdown in egg laying is a bit of a downside. I have been reading about all your single matings, that is really awesome, i am planning to start that with my F2 when the F1's start laying shortly.

 

[pinkchick]

I have a Father and Daughter BCM that I purchased last Fall at a show, wanted the Dad and the Daughter was part of the deal.  She lays a 4.  Because I was doing lots of single matings this year figured breed her back to Dad and see what happens.  One of their daughters just started laying and she lays a 6 +.  Obviously the genetics are there in this case.  Also noteworthy is that this particular now hen lays 5-6 eggs per week.  My girls that lay less eggs per week have darker eggs and I think the reasoning is that if they stay in the hen longer, they get more paint.  Can anyone else comment on this?

I believe that the fewer eggs they lay per week and the longer the egg is in the oviduct...the darker the eggs are. My Splash Copper hen that is 5 years old, lays about 3 eggs per week. She takes her sweet time when she is in the nest box and doesn't let anything disturb her. She has always been my best layer and she has consistently given nice colored eggs. Infact, the older she is getting the darker her egg is. Weird, huh?

Other hens I have had that do not take their time and lay more than 3 eggs a week have not been consistent with color.

Congrats on the increase in egg color Zanna...it's exciting to hear about your progress with them.

 

[Wynette]

Just thought I'd post a pic…They looked so cozy together, I see that this boy's eye is too light, his lady's eye is too dark, and the straw color…..

Blarney, this male does not have straw hackle. It appears he "may" have the halo effect going on, but it also could be the flash from the camera. He does have good color balance, which is nice to see. You're correc that his eye is a bit light, but it's not "out of the realm" of correct. If he's nice otherwise, I certainly wouldn't cull on that point alone.

 

[Chad Cool]

what do you think about my hen. BCM she don't look 100% marans because the comb and the wattle right

 

[Wynette]

Hi, Chad - it's tough to see in the picture what sort of comb she has - is it a single comb? To me, she looks like a Black Copper marans. Make sure the comb is a single. Sometimes, the females have very short combs, not tall/large like the males. When I clicked on the photo to enlarge it, it DOES appear that she's got a yellow cast to her legs...is that correct? If so, that would be something to breed away from - I would personally not use her for breeding if she's got yellow in her legs. Her eye color, shank feathering, and hackle color look good. (personal opinion here).

 

[Chad Cool]

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what color should her leg or shanks be?

 

[Wynette]

Quote: slate.

 

[Chad Cool]

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Yes she has a singal comb. What advise do you have for ordering eggs off EBay? Or do you know any breeders saling eggs or chicks right now?

 

[snowbird]

Hi, Chad - it's tough to see in the picture what sort of comb she has - is it a single comb? To me, she looks like a Black Copper marans. Make sure the comb is a single. Sometimes, the females have very short combs, not tall/large like the males. When I clicked on the photo to enlarge it, it DOES appear that she's got a yellow cast to her legs...is that correct? If so, that would be something to breed away from - I would personally not use her for breeding if she's got yellow in her legs. Her eye color, shank feathering, and hackle color look good. (personal opinion here).

Wynette, I see the yellow or willow green legs also on the pullet.

 

[Chad Cool]

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What does this indicate?