Black Copper Marans

[MissDeb]

Hi everyone!

I have some 7 week old BCM's from the Wade Jean lines. I noticed almost all the pullets are all black? Is this normal? I only have one pullet that has the copper feathering down her neck. I have 3 Roo's that look correct. But Im just curious why most of the pullets are all black? Will that change as they get older or do I cull those guys when they get older.


Thank you!

Debbie

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Their coloring will probably come in a bit later. Mine have done the same thing as well as some roos that are not coloring up but staying black and others that have mostly all colored up. Everyone is about the same age, too. I just keep watching mine to see what they will do. I know I like the darker roos better than the ones coloring up as far as conformation and temperament.

 

[millebantam]

I've got one of those sparsley colored roos too. He is about 14 weeks old and is enormous compared to his hatchmates. He is already the size of my adult roos. He has little, but nice copper coloring in his hackles and saddles, and small patches on his shoulders. The rest of the birds that hatched from the same eggs are "normal". I'll just keep watching to see what he turns into.

[/img]

 

[tfpets]

If you have the space and the patience, it is really best to wait until at least after the first molt to see what their true color and conformation is going to be.
When I first became interested in the Marans I noted that mine had the early white feather in the wing - an unacceptable fault in an adult marans - and was told by the original breeders - oldtimers in the lines (Dick Dickerson, Ray Valentine and the likes) that they do not show their full plumage and coloration until then. I have sure seen that to be true! What beauties!
I have had an all black pullet not start getting her copper neck feathers until six months, then they started coming in quickly.
So I guess I would take the wait and see! They do get prettier as they grow!