Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[Keara]

Hi I have been lurking on this forum trying to learn from you all; so many traits that are undesirable in this breed! I would appreciate a critique of my BCM rooster please. I got him and 6 BCM hens about 3 months ago from someone who had far too many birds in too small an area and they were all going through a hard moult, mites and other issues. He has fermented feed on his comb and chest here. Thanks very much!

Just a few quick comments on your rooster...... beautiful size on him but...... His feet are not feathered and they are yellow. Legs should be feathered all the way to the end of the outer toe. Foot color should be dark slate the Yellow is a DQ. A close up image of his comb is in order as I fear from your last photo it may have side sprigs. If he does have sidesprigs that is a DQ aws well. DQ = Disqualification for showing

 

[Turkeytruff]

hi thanks for this.

His comb is fine; I will try and get a better picture on the site, am having computer problems.

Yes, he has slightly yellow feet on the bottom although his legs are grey/black and yes that is a DQ. He has a few tiny feathers on parts of his legs but that's it. Do you (or anyone else) know if yellow feet are recessive genes and can be bred out? Of the 6 hens I have, 5 are overmelanized (all black with beetle green appearance in the sun) and 1 has dark eyes, and at least one's tail is higher than the 45%. I know I have a lot to learn but appreciate the advice!

 

[Keara]

hi thanks for this.

His comb is fine; I will try and get a better picture on the site, am having computer problems.

Yes, he has slightly yellow feet on the bottom although his legs are grey/black and yes that is a DQ. He has a few tiny feathers on parts of his legs but that's it. Do you (or anyone else) know if yellow feet are recessive genes and can be bred out? Of the 6 hens I have, 5 are overmelanized (all black with beetle green appearance in the sun) and 1 has dark eyes, and at least one's tail is higher than the 45%. I know I have a lot to learn but appreciate the advice!

Yes yellow feet is recessive and I myself am working at breeding it out of my birds. I am starting by test mating my roosters against a yellow footed breed of hen. If any of the chicks have yellow feet the rooster is a carrier. If I hatch enough eggs of this cross I should have 50% chicks slate feet and 50% yellow feet. Later I will get a yellow footed rooster and single test my BCM hens the same way. Culling all carriers of the yellow foot gene.

I have had luck breeding heavy feathered legs/feet to slight feathered legs/feet with good results.

Good luck!

 

[canesisters]

Quote:

Well thankfully he's just eye candy for my girls - and an alarm system if needed. LOL I really appreciate all the kind comments. Makes this chicken mom proud to have to find out that my "oops roo" turn out to be mostly a good roo.

 

[ashandvine]

FWIW I like his hackles a LOT! The feet part stinks but I like the rest of him I am pretty new though as well.

 

[Turkeytruff]

thanks - that is helpful!

 

[Chickengirl1304]

Do any of you ever have any luck candling your black marans eggs? I'm incubating some and only can tell if it's clear or a blob. I can see the air sacs though

 

[Zanna]

Do any of you ever have any luck candling your black marans eggs? I'm incubating some and only can tell if it's clear or a blob. I can see the air sacs though

Nope I wait till day 18 and candle. If the eggs look all black inside with a small aircell, I lockdown. If not, they did not develop.

 

[Chickengirl1304]

Nope  I wait till day 18 and candle.  If the eggs look all black inside with a small aircell, I lockdown.  If not, they did not develop. 

Haha that's my plan :/

 

[MARANMAN2011]

What do you guys think of this new roo i got from a man that has roo and hens with Cottage Hill bans on their leggs. He does have feathered leggs you cant see in pic.
Thanks