Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[Zanna]

Does anyone know where the white tail feather issue comes from, is it recessive?

how do people handle this when it shows up only in roosters over 1 year old?

I have a roo that had one feather turn white, then right after that he moulted and
it fell out. BUT now he is back re-feathered after his moult and a tail feather has
started to turn white again. It did not grow white, and you can see that the white
part gets bigger over time and the black part goes away. I am wondering if
it is not the same as growing the white feather from scratch??? maybe having a
damaged feather follicle or something??

I can't help with where it comes from. What I usually do when a white tail feather comes in, I pull it out. If it grows back white I cull. In my experience if it grows back white (always has in my case) it comes back with even more white than the feather I plucked.

I had a cock that I started using for breeding at 1 1/2 years old. White feathers started showing up in his tail and wings at over 2 years old. His best son that I grew out and planned on breeding forward came in with a white tailfeather before a year old. Really liked him so plucked it out just to be sure and it came back whiter. Never used him for breeding and culled the Dad as well.

 

[Wynette]

I agree with Zanna, and I'm unsure where it comes from genetically. I will say that it's not only a problem with Marans, and you often see some posts saying that it's due to wheaten influence in the Black Copper. That's just not true, in my opinion. When you go to poultry shows, check out the other breeds that are black based with "highlights" of color, like our Black Copper Marans. You will note they have the same issue.

 

[Runawaylobster]

I can't help with where it comes from. What I usually do when a white tail feather comes in, I pull it out. If it grows back white I cull. In my experience if it grows back white (always has in my case) it comes back with even more white than the feather I plucked.

I had a cock that I started using for breeding at 1 1/2 years old. White feathers started showing up in his tail and wings at over 2 years old. His best son that I grew out and planned on breeding forward came in with a white tailfeather before a year old. Really liked him so plucked it out just to be sure and it came back whiter. Never used him for breeding and culled the Dad as well.

I agree with Zanna, and I'm unsure where it comes from genetically. I will say that it's not only a problem with Marans, and you often see some posts saying that it's due to wheaten influence in the Black Copper. That's just not true, in my opinion. When you go to poultry shows, check out the other breeds that are black based with "highlights" of color, like our Black Copper Marans. You will note they have the same issue.

thanks for the feedback, so does this known issue typically start with a black feather that turns white, or am i looking
at something else. This boy has his faults (tail a bit too high) but he is built like a brick and his color is nice. I also have his son that i was planning to use as well.... just like Zanna!!

 

[Wynette]

lobster, yes, the feathers begin black and turn white as the male ages.

 

[Maggiesdad]

I've got that problem too... it's called gray hair.

 

[Zanna]

I agree with Zanna, and I'm unsure where it comes from genetically. I will say that it's not only a problem with Marans, and you often see some posts saying that it's due to wheaten influence in the Black Copper. That's just not true, in my opinion. When you go to poultry shows, check out the other breeds that are black based with "highlights" of color, like our Black Copper Marans. You will note they have the same issue.

Had the same thing happen with a lovely German New Hampshire Cockeral. He was culled

 

[Runawaylobster]

I've got that problem too... it's called gray hair.

does this mean that all the hens go get their feathers dyed so i won't notice when they get white feathers!!

 

[Runawaylobster]

Well that is most disappointing... I have some boys growing out but two have flaming orange chests who are leaving soon and one has just a little chest color and looks like a possibility so i guess he is IT for now.

I have a splash roo and two awesome blues... but I have read on here not to use any blacks that come from a blue parent in my black copper flock. If i could do that i would have a zillion choices..

 

[SIMZ]

I've got that problem too... it's called gray hair.

LOL!!

I have a buff orpington rooster that is almost 3. He has recently sprouted a white tail feather in the same way as what one of my BCM males had. Not all white, but has turned white as it grew. He's become a forever pet and isn't show quality, so it doesn't matter, but I sure would be frustrated to start finding white tail feathers in one of my BCM's after that long.

 

[Ihilani Coffee]

I've got that problem too... it's called gray hair.

Yes, but at least you have good coffee.