Golden Cuckoo Marans

[Our Roost]

Well, here in th U.S.A. Michigan, I purchased 5 golden cuckoo Marans and some of which are black with the copper gold head also. I'm bummed out! These birds do not repeat color wise 100 percent. Yes, there is the feathered and non feathered leg version. Here we have the non feathred birds. Crossing the bloodlines may give you a mixed batch. The genetic traits come from one gene each of the parent birds. My guess, depending on how many you hatch out, will be some of both. The black copper Marans traits seem to dominate the color schematics of the golden. Enjoy!

 

[freddyyoung]

Would you say to keep the feathered or non feathered?

 

[Our Roost]

Well, both in my opinion. Are you breeding for perfection or features? Cuckoo Marans come in and with many variables. An awesome breed used in the creation of many others. Each strain can be uniquely different. Colors, feathers, bantams, and full sizes are among many.
I have Belgium Malines with feathered legs and find the feathered legs a delightful appearance to the breed. Your choice!

 

[freddyyoung]

Yes I think I probably will, although I do find feathered feet much prettier!

 

[Our Roost]

Good! Now you have a plan. Good luck on the coloring.

 

[freddyyoung]

Will I get 100% golden cuckoo maran chicks if I breed the cock and two hens? Thanks

 

[Our Roost]

ki4got sent you this private message on BackYard Chickens, December 19, 2:33 pm

golden cuckoo = barred black copper... so breeding the golden cuckoo roo to a black copper hen will give you barred 'golden cuckoo' hens to breed back to the original roo will give you 100%.



This was the recipe I got from a BYC friend who knows her stuff! Hope this helps.

 

[freddyyoung]

I am picking up a golden cuckoo cock today, and I have a choice of two, they are both about twelve weeks and one of them has better colouring, but one has a better body structure, which is the most impirtant if it's going to be used for breeding?

 

[Our Roost]

In a previous post to you, I mentioned that one gene came from each bird. I am wrong on that statement. 2 come from the male and one from the female that she passes on down to only her male offspring. So restating this tells you that hereditory traits of the male will be more dominant in the offspring? The crazy thing about cross breeding chickens to acquire specific characteristics like color and such, is that you never know what lies beneath from a previous generation that could pop up at any time! When we cull out or select premium stock for breeding purposes, we try to strengthen the bird and breed to achieve a standard of what that breed should truly look like and perform.
Both of the birds you mentioned acquiring have features that you like, but are lacking one or the other. To me personally, body structure is more important than coloring. Use a good colored hen to breed it with and the color should improve in a few of your next male offsprings. Passing on characteristic features and traits is not a perfect science or scientists and farmers would have already created it! Truthfully, not many people attend or show birds to be judged for ribbons and bragging rights. Its more about keeping the breed pure and strong to avoid extinction from dying off.

 

[freddyyoung]

If you bred a golden cuckoo cock to a cuckoo hen, what would you get? Thanks