Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[Farmer's Granddaughter]

Hi

I am very new here.
I currently have 3 Black Copper Marans that I bought as adult birds. This thread is so large my questions have probably already been asked, addressed or otherwise (with so much information I might end up missing what I need to know

).

Would someone please summarize the desired traits for Black Copper Marans, or please tell me where to get the information?

I have dealt with breeding in several different animals (goats, dogs, snakes...), now I am learning about breeding chickens. I would like to expand my flock, would I be better off purchasing eggs or birds from someone else or would what I know as line breeding be an acceptable practice?

(By line breeding I mean I would hatch some eggs and raise some chicks from my current birds then when they are old enough add some hens back into the flock from that direction.)

 

[okieinalaska]

Here are some photos of my little approx. 3 week old maran chick. Is it possible to tell if she is a pullet or a roo?

She is my favorite and my only maran. She always runs to the side of the brooder box to look at me and she will come out and sit on me while I type on the computer. She is brave enough to walk around and check things out. Her name is Muppet and I am really hoping to get some beautiful dark brown eggs from her one day. What do you think??

 

[VillageChicken]

Farmer's Granddaughter, here's a link:http://www.maransusa.org/varieties/blackcopperstandard.html

 

[VillageChicken]

Quote:
Legs and behavior say cockerel to me, but it's still early. Looks like the comb might be getting a little color already too.

 

[okieinalaska]

Oh poo, that is exactly what I was thinking. She has tree trunks for legs. I tried to tell myself she is just large and lovely.

 

[Farmer's Granddaughter]

Quote:
Thank you very much!

 

[math ace]

Farmer's Granddaughter :

Hi

I have dealt with breeding in several different animals (goats, dogs, snakes...), now I am learning about breeding chickens. I would like to expand my flock, would I be better off purchasing eggs or birds from someone else or would what I know as line breeding be an acceptable practice?

(By line breeding I mean I would hatch some eggs and raise some chicks from my current birds then when they are old enough add some hens back into the flock from that direction.)

Line breeding is done frequently with the marans. . . . mothers to sons and grandsons or fathers to daughters and granddaughters.

Others have no problems buying eggs or birds and mixing lines. Both school of thoughts have their fans.​

 

[jennifersmith326]

I need to post pics of my BCMs. They are growing so fast and are super friendly and very cute. I have 1 I know for sure is a boy but the other 5 I am not sure just yet.

 

[pinkchick]

Quote:
Legs and behavior say cockerel to me, but it's still early. Looks like the comb might be getting a little color already too.

This adorable little chick is a cockerel.

 

[pinkchick]

Quote:
You guessed right....2 boys and 1 girl! WoW they grow fast don't they? Doesn't seem like 3 weeks ago and I know it was.

Thanks for posting them....I LOVE THEIR FEATHERED SHANKS!!!!!