Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[Broad St Farm]

Hi all, I've been following the regular Marans thread but thought I'd read over here for a while. I do not think I will be able to read the entire thread from the beginning, however.
Question, I have 2 or 3 pullets that have really nice copper hackles however the copper extends to the tops of their heads as well. Mostly not on the breast, though. One has a few copper spots on her breast but mainly their breasts are black. Would these "over-coppered" pullets be useful at all in a breeding program? I am used to seeing over melanized pullets/hens that are solid black but this is the first time I've had them with so much copper. These are from a different breeder, not ones I hatched from mine. One of the cockerels I got from that breeder looks like he is too dark, would it work well to pair him up with these pullets? These are just 4-1/2 months old so I have lots of time to decide.

Here is a video I found with the copper head and neck. Take it for what its worth.

 

[math ace]

Hi all, I've been following the regular Marans thread but thought I'd read over here for a while. I do not think I will be able to read the entire thread from the beginning, however.
Question, I have 2 or 3 pullets that have really nice copper hackles however the copper extends to the tops of their heads as well. Mostly not on the breast, though. One has a few copper spots on her breast but mainly their breasts are black. Would these "over-coppered" pullets be useful at all in a breeding program? I am used to seeing over melanized pullets/hens that are solid black but this is the first time I've had them with so much copper. These are from a different breeder, not ones I hatched from mine. One of the cockerels I got from that breeder looks like he is too dark, would it work well to pair him up with these pullets? These are just 4-1/2 months old so I have lots of time to decide.

OK Desertmarcy - - - - Y O U know the RULES.... POST a pic to go with the question!

"Mainly their breasts are black"

The above statement means different things to different folks... 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% copper? ? ?

"Over Colored" pullets to a person is another person's "mossy".

Get us some pics and we will be able to give you better feedback

 

[math ace]

Here is a video I found with the copper head and neck. Take it for what its worth.

Any idea why these birds kept shaking their heads?

 

[Broad St Farm]

Any idea why these birds kept shaking their heads?

I dont know, in all fairness I have seen a lot of birds do that. These are from the internet so I dont have a clue. Maybe they have an itch

. One thing that is bugging me though. Washed my boys up for a show coming up. They had these small little black crusty spots on their combs. I scrubbed them of, but they are back. Its like little black scabs, and they are a literal pain to get off! Even scratching with my nail hardly got them to come off. Anyone have this? I know they arent anything living like a bug? I was wondering if they scratched themselves and they bled a little.

 

[Broad St Farm]

Any idea why these birds kept shaking their heads?

You know on second thought. My male was doing that today now that I think about it. (He has the black scabs on his comb, maybe thats why he is doing it, his comb is big) I washed him 2 days ago. Is it possible for them to get water in their ear, I do it when I get water in my ear! Makes sense if they washed their chickens.

 

[math ace]

I dont know, in all fairness I have seen a lot of birds do that. These are from the internet so I dont have a clue. Maybe they have an itch

. One thing that is bugging me though. Washed my boys up for a show coming up. They had these small little black crusty spots on their combs. I scrubbed them of, but they are back. Its like little black scabs, and they are a literal pain to get off! Even scratching with my nail hardly got them to come off. Anyone have this? I know they arent anything living like a bug? I was wondering if they scratched themselves and they bled a little.

Sounds like mosquito bites...

 

[Broad St Farm]

Sounds like mosquito bites...

I hope! Getting pretty cold up here and its rainy. I havent seen a mosquito for a while.

 

[familypendragon]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chad Cool View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wynette View Post

All Marans in America should have feathered shanks.

Any idea where i can get some?

Found a few more places for you to try. I just gave away my FCM roo and he was such a nice guy I just didn't need him for breeding and I am swimming in other roos right now.

http://www.cedarcreekhatchery.com/French-Cuckoo-Marans-1020.htm

And according to this page http://maransunlimited.com/ this person has great FCMs http://www.texasmarans.com/ but the website is under construction.

 

[familypendragon]

You know on second thought. My male was doing that today now that I think about it. (He has the black scabs on his comb, maybe thats why he is doing it, his comb is big) I washed him 2 days ago. Is it possible for them to get water in their ear, I do it when I get water in my ear! Makes sense if they washed their chickens.

It is probably Fowl Pox - do a search and you will see what I mean. I am dealing with this right now. Its carried by mosquitoes The black spots are the dry pox - the head shaking can be an indicator of the wet pox - mine are doing this as well that have the wet form. Its in their throats.

 

[desertmarcy]

OK Desertmarcy - - - - Y O U know the RULES.... POST a pic to go with the question!

"Mainly their breasts are black"

The above statement means different things to different folks... 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% copper? ? ?

"Over Colored" pullets to a person is another person's "mossy".

Get us some pics and we will be able to give you better feedback

OK, OK!! I did take some, but they are worthless. I will try again.