Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[Chad Cool]

Is it safe to feed "game Bird Feed Starter" to Day old chicks the crude protein is 28%.

 

[Blarneyeggs]

I have a question...how do I breed away from the 'halo'? I would think, chose only roos with no halo, although I've not had one of them yet (I'm still building the barn). Do I have to bring in a different line? And all their issues?

 

[SilkiesForEver]

I want to know if my Maran "style" is correct, as I'm trying to train my eye.

(All these pictures are gathered off the internet. I do not claim to own any.

)

What I think see on this bird is a halo, but really nice build. Is that correct?

Now also, on Maran cocks, I prefer a long back (not so tight of a U shape), a large based tail, with short lesser sickles, and curved sickles.
Such as this (although not quite as small/pointy),

Is this close to the standard? Should I change my preferences?

 

[marquisella]

Quote:
I agree with you. I don't see a squirrel tail, and I also thought it was an unfair picture to judge, that is why I didn't say anything...He looks to have more substance to me than the other roo.
You are right about keeping a backup. Learned my lesson early on.

 

[Broad St Farm]

I want to know if my Maran "style" is correct, as I'm trying to train my eye.

(All these pictures are gathered off the internet. I do not claim to own any.

)

What I think see on this bird is a halo, but really nice build. Is that correct?

Now also, on Maran cocks, I prefer a long back (not so tight of a U shape), a large based tail, with short lesser sickles, and curved sickles.
Such as this (although not quite as small/pointy),

Is this close to the standard? Should I change my preferences?

Both examples are nice birds. The top one is an older picture of an original Black Copper from Bev Davis herself. This bird is eye candy. One of the reason for such large comb and wattles and a little lighter hackle is she lives in Florida. I love that picture. The bottom picture is nice. Could use a bit more coloring on his saddle feathers. Reminds me of one of my males.

 

[Broad St Farm]

I have a question...how do I breed away from the 'halo'? I would think, chose only roos with no halo, although I've not had one of them yet (I'm still building the barn). Do I have to bring in a different line? And all their issues?

If you are not having those issues, I wouldnt be concerned with it. Keep doing what your doing and get the type down first. Im not stating this as fact, but when I see the halo effect on a lot of birds here, thier color balance seems to be out of whack. A lot of them are over melanized with dark eyes or mohogany back and saddles or a lack of color all together. You may just have to breed in numbers until you find the perfect balance and breed it forward. Something I wish I had the space to do. If you go outside your lines, do it carefully because your sure to bring in different issues. Again these are my ideas and opinions.

 

[SilkiesForEver]

Quote: Really? Wow, fantastic. My pair of BCM chicks came from Bev Davis' line.

 

[Broad St Farm]

Really? Wow, fantastic. My pair of BCM chicks came from Bev Davis' line.

Just remember. Only time you can truly say they are from a line is if you get them directly from the person whose line they are from. Once another breeder get their hands on them and breeds them, they are no longer their line. So If I got my birds from Bev Davis and breed them, I then sell offspring to you, I would not call them Davis birds.

 

[happyfrenchman]

Game Bird chow for chicks?..... I have used turkey chow but it is only 19 percent protein. I give it to molting birds too. I know the chick starter is usually 18 or 19%... I am just guessing an opinion because I have never done it, nor have I heard of it done, but it would probably be alright... 28% I would keep a close eye on their droppings. I suppose a mother bird in the wild would be dropping bugs and stuff in front of them. Chick starter is medicated sometimes... but so are turkey pellets. That stuff is expensive no? I am curious to see how it goes.

 

[SilkiesForEver]

Quote: I heard that once a breeder breeds the birds for 2 or 3 years, then it is considered their line..

The lady I purchased them from got her birds from Bev Davis. She went through quite a long process to get them too. I am unsure whether she has added another line into her flock, but I'm fairly positive she has kept them pure.