Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[One Chick Two]

Here's an update on the 2 BCM's I got as extras when I order my Buff Brahmas.

Pullet


Cockerel

They look cute! This is exactly what my guess would be as well.

Some lines you can fairly accurately guess the males from the females early on- this line seems like it may possibly be like that. I see what seems like obvious signs on both of them- pullet has a slightly darker face/ smaller/ darker beak bridge and comb, growing in tail fast. Male, has wider, lighter beak bridge and more developed comb, more facial white, less developed tail.

These are the same signs that also held true for our main line- which showed the males from the females quickly, and accurately (we haven't had any surprises yet), but the signs don't always hold true for every line though- Some lines don't necessarily show signs quickly, and some seem to have more female looking cockerels, even well into the juvie stage.

We photograph all our chicks weekly from newborns, with lots of closeups so the progress is tracked. I suggest that you try something similar so you see the changes they go through.

 

[NestingHillsSC]

I take lots as they grow. LOL

 

[Euarto Gullible]

Can somebody tell me what's going on with the gold on his chest?

 

[Hillbillyred]

Hi there... my Black Copper marans must lay a "wet" egg and then move them around with their feet because by the time I get to the coop the eggs always looks like this... even if I get there right away. The other breeds eggs look fine and don't have these scratches. They lay all in wood shavings and I have tried straw too with the same problem. Any ideas on how to get a cleaner looking egg? Thanks!

PS. Our BCM is our best layer and lays the largest eggs. She is also the friendliest with people but the bossiest with the other hens.

 

[One Chick Two]

Hi there... my Black Copper marans must lay a "wet" egg and then move them around with their feet because by the time I get to the coop the eggs always looks like this... even if I get there right away. The other breeds eggs look fine and don't have these scratches. They lay all in wood shavings and I have tried straw too with the same problem. Any ideas on how to get a cleaner looking egg? Thanks!

PS. Our BCM is our best layer and lays the largest eggs. She is also the friendliest with people but the bossiest with the other hens.

Pedicure time. lol

No, we have one who does this too. She's always rough with her eggs.

 

[DMRippy]

Hi there... my Black Copper marans must lay a "wet" egg and then move them around with their feet because by the time I get to the coop the eggs always looks like this... even if I get there right away. The other breeds eggs look fine and don't have these scratches. They lay all in wood shavings and I have tried straw too with the same problem. Any ideas on how to get a cleaner looking egg? Thanks!

PS. Our BCM is our best layer and lays the largest eggs. She is also the friendliest with people but the bossiest with the other hens.

Marans eggs are wet when they lay them and very easy to scratch.

 

[desertmarcy]

Can somebody tell me what's going on with the gold on his chest?

It is quite common to get over coloration on the chest of the Black Copper Marans, mostly on the males. If they have a lot of it when young, then usually will have way too much when mature, so I cull them for this since I want my breeders to have solid black breasts. A little bit of color is okay, but strive for 10% or less. Basically it is color in the wrong place on the bird and you just have to breed away from it.

 

[Euarto Gullible]

It is quite common to get over coloration on the chest of the Black Copper Marans, mostly on the males. If they have a lot of it when young, then usually will have way too much when mature, so I cull them for this since I want my breeders to have solid black breasts. A little bit of color is okay, but strive for 10% or less. Basically it is color in the wrong place on the bird and you just have to breed away from it.

So if this was your bird, and it was 12 weeks old, would you cull or keep to wait and see?

 

[desertmarcy]

So if this was your bird, and it was 12 weeks old, would you cull or keep to wait and see?

For me, a lot depends on what else I have to work with and how they compare. I can't tell you just based on that one photo because I'd be looking at the whole bird, looking at other traits as well. Anything that is a disqualification would rule him out, like no foot feathers, roach back, sprigs on comb. I have seen worse at that age. He is still very young. A lot changes before their first adult molt.

 

[snowbird]

Quote: This male has a few unwanted things going on. The shafting would be a cull point for me, along with the copper in the breast, he needs more toe feathering.