Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[snowbird]

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From what I can see I would keep #1 and #2 with #2 being my choice by a lot, I really like the back on these two real wide and long. #2 has the very best type of the group. Don

 

[ruth]

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I'm not sure if this is a game and/or an inside joke because I've seen everyone else answer "all pullets" and I wouldn't want to spoil it - but if it's serious - I see all roos. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see a pullet in the group. Based on my own birds, as soon as that tail goes up and those feathers at the base start to droop and hang down - I know it's a roo. I don't even look at the heads anymore - just the tails. I don't have a single female that has feathers at the base of the tail that hang down on either side - all go straight and stick to the body. So - that's just my way of telling what's what - don't know if that helps anyone else or not.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

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I'm not sure if this is a game and/or an inside joke because I've seen everyone else answer "all pullets" and I wouldn't want to spoil it - but if it's serious - I see all roos. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see a pullet in the group. Based on my own birds, as soon as that tail goes up and those feathers at the base start to droop and hang down - I know it's a roo. I don't even look at the heads anymore - just the tails. I don't have a single female that has feathers at the base of the tail that hang down on either side - all go straight and stick to the body. So - that's just my way of telling what's what - don't know if that helps anyone else or not.

OMG, really? I don't think anyone was joking. (gulp)

 

[ruth]

Quote:
I'm not sure if this is a game and/or an inside joke because I've seen everyone else answer "all pullets" and I wouldn't want to spoil it - but if it's serious - I see all roos. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see a pullet in the group. Based on my own birds, as soon as that tail goes up and those feathers at the base start to droop and hang down - I know it's a roo. I don't even look at the heads anymore - just the tails. I don't have a single female that has feathers at the base of the tail that hang down on either side - all go straight and stick to the body. So - that's just my way of telling what's what - don't know if that helps anyone else or not.

OMG, really? I don't think anyone was joking. (gulp)

In that case - SORRY !!! They all answered with a smilie icon so I wasn't sure.

Notice the close-ups of the tails - they don't go straight up and the feathers at the base don't hang down.

As I mentioned, I now use only the tail shape and feathers around the base to I.D. my young birds. So far I haven't been wrong yet.

 

[poularde]

Hmmm... that is interesting Ruth. I have never looked at the feathers like that. I will have to try that. I had 5 chicks that judging by there combs and wattles I saw two roos and they all ended up being pullets. I will have to check the feathers out on my birds now.

 

[ruth]

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I found out I couldn't tell squat from the combs and wattles when they are young but those tails are dead give aways now.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

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OMG, really? I don't think anyone was joking. (gulp)

In that case - SORRY !!! They all answered with a smilie icon so I wasn't sure.

I've posted these pics of my flock from 2009 before and every time I do I have to battle people on Craigslist and E-Bay who feel the need to steal them and represent them as their own - but these are good photos of what the hen's tail should look like (or at least what it looks like in my flock). Notice the close-ups of the tails - they don't go straight up and the feathers at the base don't hang down.


http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/chicklady/myflock1.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/chicklady/myflock3.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/chicklady/myflock2.jpg

As I mentioned, I now use only the tail shape and feathers around the base to I.D. my young birds. So far I haven't been wrong yet.

Oh yes, I see exactly what you mean and I know what you're referring to on my birds. I did notice the tail feathering yesterday when taking those photos and talked myself out of the idea that they could possibly be males.

(no happy faces here, but the breeder will be thrilled b/c she just lost her Main Roo). Thanks Ruth for sharing those pictures, they're very helpful.

 

[ruth]

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In that case - SORRY !!! They all answered with a smilie icon so I wasn't sure.

I've posted these pics of my flock from 2009 before and every time I do I have to battle people on Craigslist and E-Bay who feel the need to steal them and represent them as their own - but these are good photos of what the hen's tail should look like (or at least what it looks like in my flock). Notice the close-ups of the tails - they don't go straight up and the feathers at the base don't hang down.


http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/chicklady/myflock1.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/chicklady/myflock3.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/chicklady/myflock2.jpg

As I mentioned, I now use only the tail shape and feathers around the base to I.D. my young birds. So far I haven't been wrong yet.

Oh yes, I see exactly what you mean and I know what you're referring to on my birds. I did notice the tail feathering yesterday when taking those photos and talked myself out of the idea that they could possibly be males.

(no happy faces here, but the breeder will be thrilled b/c she just lost her Main Roo). Thanks Ruth for sharing those pictures, they're very helpful.

You're welcome - but hey, I could be dead wrong also so don't act hastily. Wait till you are sure. I like to wait till they hop up on the fence and start crowing.

 

[Zanna]

Ruth, what an incredible flock!!!! I can't wait to get my chickies from you

Thank you all for the valuable input on my young roos, I am glad I have 2 decent prospects, I will give them more time and post more body pics at a later date.

Math Ace, here are some close ups of the heads, gosh it is sure hard to get decent pics..............Also, as you know, sun/shade, etc. changes colour slightly.

Roo #1

Roo #2 This guy does have some feathering on his legs but it is very minimal.............

 

[ADozenGirlz]

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Oh yes, I see exactly what you mean and I know what you're referring to on my birds. I did notice the tail feathering yesterday when taking those photos and talked myself out of the idea that they could possibly be males.

(no happy faces here, but the breeder will be thrilled b/c she just lost her Main Roo). Thanks Ruth for sharing those pictures, they're very helpful.

You're welcome - but hey, I could be dead wrong also so don't act hastily. Wait till you are sure. I like to wait till they hop up on the fence and start crowing.

I won't take any drastic measures and shall await the eggs.

<sigh>