French black copper Marans

I think it can be tricky because marans cockerels are sometimes SO obvious, and sometimes not. First picture here is my BCM roo when he was 9 weeks. Also pictured is his sister (presumably) who died young.
20180526_135209.jpg


Next is my pullet, Gretchen, when she was 5ish weeks and I was taking lots of photos because I was nervous she was going to be a cockerel.
20200501_113954.jpg
20200501_114029.jpg

Finally, a couple of white marans who I ordered straight run. I thought I had one of each, but.... Surprise, they were BOTH cockerels. 6 weeks old here.

20200531_123434.jpg


Looking back with 20/20 hindsight, I guess I'd say pay attention to comb color, not size. I can see a little pink on that smaller white roo, and Gretchen's comb was slightly larger for her age, but not real pink.
 
These are my Marans when they were 7 weeks old, they were all pullets (they are beautiful hens now) and I guess you could tell because their combs were tiny and yellow, while males at this age have larger reddish combs... but I can't sex chickens, this is just what I've been told! Hope this helps!
20200417_170222.jpg
20200414_171145.jpg
DSC_1429.JPG
DSC_1474.JPG
 
I’ve got one that has a pronounced dark comb, and two that have small pink combs and three who’s combs are still small and yellow. They hatched February 16th. Only the one with the largest comb is showing any real dominance and only by jumping up on the waterer. I’ve been told that the roos will start crowning around 5 weeks, but no one is making more than a peep.
 

Attachments

  • 9C3F4F5C-D031-4EAB-B04D-3A886CED448A.jpeg
    9C3F4F5C-D031-4EAB-B04D-3A886CED448A.jpeg
    925.3 KB · Views: 72
  • FEE4561F-36DF-4D73-9DD7-2590F5F2B9FE.jpeg
    FEE4561F-36DF-4D73-9DD7-2590F5F2B9FE.jpeg
    489.4 KB · Views: 74
Based on combs I woud say that you have 3 pullets and 3 cockerels, but I'm new to this and I could be wrong! Hope some expert will join for some more informed opinions!
 
I’ve got one that has a pronounced dark comb, and two that have small pink combs and three who’s combs are still small and yellow. They hatched February 16th. Only the one with the largest comb is showing any real dominance and only by jumping up on the waterer. I’ve been told that the roos will start crowning around 5 weeks, but no one is making more than a peep.
They definitely won't crow at 5 weeks. More like 15 weeks, but it depends on the guy. I'd say anywhere between 12-20 weeks is normal range for first crowing.
 
They definitely won't crow at 5 weeks. More like 15 weeks, but it depends on the guy. I'd say anywhere between 12-20 weeks is normal range for first crowing.
I thought it was a bit odd that they would crow so young. My other roos crowed around the 15-20 week range.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom