Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[robnms]

Hello to everyone, I haven't posted in a while here but I'm always LURKING....

I'm about ready to give up on breeding a consistant line of black coppers. Can anyone honestly say that they have a line that breeds true?

Can someone answer some questions as to who's lines have these traits or faults?

Short squatty body type?

Tall lean body type?

Small eggs?

Medium eggs?

Duck sized eggs?

The most leg feathering?

The least leg feathering?

What line has black eyes?

Mostly black hens?

What line has the best copper coloring?

How many different lines are there that everyone knows about? names would be great along with characteristics.

Has anyone else noticed that mixing these "best" lines causes more problems than you started with?

What line throws the wheatons and whites or sports?


I know that's a lot to ask for but maybe we need a sticky for this info. I can't be the only one who needs this info.

 

[math ace]

Quote:
I am using floating catfish pellets to boost the protein. It is like dry dogfood in texture, so it is too hard to give to the chickens straight.
I take a big GULP type cup and fill it half with the pellets and half with water. . . . Then I go about my normal clean, feed, water, routine.
After 5 - 10 minutes the pellets have absorbed all the water and are now soft. I just throw a couple of handfuls out to each coop. I do this a few times a week.

The protein level is around 35% and the fat level is low . . .like around 5%. One of the main ingredients is chicken by products. . . .
The package does not list the salt content, but I did contact the manufactures of it and they gave me what the salt was and it was minute, very minute.

I am using this instead of BOSS because it is low in fat while high in protein. Plus, it is cheaper. .. . .around $20 for 50 lb bag.

 

[Velvet Hairpiece]

Hello BCM people!

Would it be appropriate to post pictures of a bird I'm trying to find out if she's a BCM or not? I posted on another BCM thread and the people there never even acknowledged that I posted anything... so I don't want to waste anyone's time!

Thanks!

 

[geebs]

post away!!!

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
Hmmmm, and I thought they were supposed to be "sparsely" feathered.

 

[Chicken Boy-17]

Nice!

 

[geebs]

Kathy.... that IS sparsely feathered.... There is no feathers on the other toes... I too have to admire the feathering.... It is exceptional looking and likely to have some left after the first molt.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
Only the Game Bird Chow Startena is 32%.
Purina Game Bird Chow Maintenance is 12%
Purina Game Bird Chow Conditioner is 19%
Purina Game Bird Chow Layena is 21 or 22%

I use the Game Bird products. They are pricey though, at $15.50 a bag.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
To me, sparse means, "not thick or dense," few and far between.

 

[Kensfarm]

Are these Black Copper Marans turing out any good. The place I got them from could not guarentee they were pure, but was was fairly positive they were from the marans.

Anyhow even though I wont be showing these, I am curious if they have good looks or coloring.
They are 9 weeks old today

Thanks