Black Copper Marans discussion thread

[DMRippy]

So the ones that I have because have no leg feathers are not showable then? So when looking for these look for the ones that are French BCMs?

There are many things you need to look for. Read up on the SOP thread that Wynette started. Read it lots of time and make notes or print it out. Some things will not show till later, like white feathers or side sprigs. I cull at hatch for none feathered leg, middle toe feathers and anything I don't like. Look the parents over if you can, compare them to the list and your notes and THEN make a decision on what to buy. If you are wanting to show you will have to buy lots of chicks as only a small amount will be show quality. I had 6 roos and only 2 look like breeders and only 1 could I show. It does the breed quite the disservice to show birds with DQ and to breed them knowing that.

 

[Arielle]

So the ones that I have because have no leg feathers are not showable then? So when looking for these look for the ones that are French BCMs?

The APA decided to follow the French breeding rather than, I think, the English breeding. Often the English will alter a French breed to suit their tastes. THe English (?) bred out the leg feathers. Which makes a whole lot of sense to me. To me leg feathers are one more thing to drag thru the mud.

If you enjoy a clean legged bird, then do get the clean legged birds. It's what you enjoy that is important.

As for showing, yes it must have the proper leg feathering to meet the APA standard and to be shown. I have FBCM and I don't show. I only bought these for their eggs and then found out they had just made APA, so now I feel obliged to breed to the APA.

Many of us have varieties that are not APA approved yet. ANd we enjoy having them anyway. I hope you will continue to enjoy the birds you have already. You can always add more!

 

[3riverschick]

The APA decided to follow the French breeding rather than, I think, the English breeding. Often the English will alter a French breed to suit their tastes. THe English (?) bred out the leg feathers. Which makes a whole lot of sense to me. To me leg feathers are one more thing to drag thru the mud.
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Yup. The English usually yard their poultry. The feathers got dirty and were a nuscience so they bred them out.The French usually free-range their poultry so the feathered legs/feet weren't a problem for them.
Karen in western PA, USA
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[Arielle]

Quote: My birds free ranged all winter and wore their feathers to nubs. Now that they are penned for the breeding season, the feathers have re-grown, their pen is muddy and their feet and feathers are muddy. YUCK! Just because it's the original doesn't mean it's useful.

The English altered the fur on the French Angora rabbit , too.

 

[Jenikate]

Jumping in very late on this thread as it seems...
I just started a new flock a few weeks ago and have been wanting a BCM....and wanting one as "true" as possible. (I had them as a child and fell in love with the breed).
After weeks of trying to look locally, I did find a local breeder that had 2 week old Black Copper Marans that are Cottage Hill rooster over Wade Jeane hens. Is this a good/true line? I bought just one to try....hoping it is a hen, but ok if not. Just looking for anyones expertise on the cross.
Thanks all!

 

[Arielle]

I'm not an expert, but I recognize these names as two of the lines that are long time breeders of FBCM.

 

[chicks@feathers]

the eggs that i hatched the weatons from was some that i bought to get some new blood but i dont think im going to mix them in with mine my roster is FBCM I have never got weatons out of my Rosters or hens just from some eggs i bought but here is a better picture of my roster

 

[chicks@feathers]

This is a picture of one of my hens

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Jumping in very late on this thread as it seems...
I just started a new flock a few weeks ago and have been wanting a BCM....and wanting one as "true" as possible. (I had them as a child and fell in love with the breed).
After weeks of trying to look locally, I did find a local breeder that had 2 week old Black Copper Marans that are Cottage Hill rooster over Wade Jeane hens. Is this a good/true line? I bought just one to try....hoping it is a hen, but ok if not. Just looking for anyones expertise on the cross.
Thanks all!

"True" may be in the eye of the beholder. Every country has its own version of "true". Loads of folks selling Marans like to say they are from such and such lines. Be careful with that too. How many generations back??? Even one generation removed can pump out garbage. Especially with a breed as new as Marans. Do some research and buy from a reputable breeder. Decide what you want and then judge the birds you see. Also, Marans are ALL about the egg colour. Make sure to ask to see their egg colour.

 

[jmanderson777]

Looking for sexing help. What do ya'll think 2 roos or roo and pullet? 9-10 weeks old. The first one really has the copper coming in right now.