International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

[kcrandall]

@kcrandall Thank you very much. That’s kinda what I figured. I’m such a weenie about doing it, but I will because I know that’s what’s best for him. I want some his chicks this spring for sure!

You’ll do fine and he’ll be the healthier for it. After 2 mild winters I guess we were due for a cold winter but it certainly doesn’t make chicken keeping easy.

For future reference, I’ve heard that rubbing a generous amount of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the combs and wattles before a hard freeze will protect the comb / wattles from frostbite. I haven’t done this myself but it makes sense...I’ve heard of swimmers lathering themselves with petroleum jelly prior to swimming in cold water to protect their skin and retain heat.

Keith

 

[KF0002]

View attachment 1233232 View attachment 1233231 @kfelton0002 Ok. I just took these at noon today. Should I just let him alone & let it happen on its own or just take care of it & take it off? I’m one who I usually don’t interfere or step in unless absolutely necessary. I don’t have a problem with dubbing him though. Second pic, if I should, should it be cut along the blue line or the green line? And should I worry about his wattles or just leave them be?

You could leave it be for now and just watch it as long as it stays dry and he isnt acting like it is bothering him. I agree with Keith though in that you are running the risk of the bird developing gangrene and becoming septic the longer the necrotic comb is there. If it starts to slough or look moist, or he begins to appear like he feels bad and might be developing an infection I would snip it off. Again, I agree with Keith in that his wattles dont appear bad enough to dub at this point.

For aesthetics, dubbing along the green line would look best with intact wattles purely for balance of the look of the head. You want him to stay nice to look at. He is a very handsome rooster. If his wattles were worse and had to go, then I would trim the comb along the blue line.

 

[KF0002]

Here is what poor Griffin looks like. His comb and wattles both have to go, like yesterday.

 

[Richard Pryor]

My hens started laying a few weeks ago. Very impressed with the color.

 

[pioneerchick816]

Here is what poor Griffin looks like. His comb and wattles both have to go, like yesterday.

View attachment 1233606

Poor guy! Hate it for them. None of my girls with larger combs had any damage at all. Do the Roos not tuck under at night like the hens? And my hubs will help me get the dubbing done

 

[kcrandall]

Here is what poor Griffin looks like. His comb and wattles both have to go, like yesterday.

View attachment 1233606

Poor Guy, looks painful! He’ll be getting a Mohawk for sure.

 

[kcrandall]

My hens started laying a few weeks ago. Very impressed with the color.

Very nice! It’s a good idea to identify and tag which hens lay the darker eggs so you know for sure who carries a good dose of the dark egg genes.

Keith

 

[horsesNchicks]

horsesNchicks,

How old is Pierre? It would also be helpful if you could give us pictures of him in a natural stance from the side, front and rear so we can see him from different angles.

Pierre looks young - 16-18 weeks old - so he still has some growing to do. Here is what I see from your pic:

1. Good eye color
2. Good comb but not great - straight, lobe is well lifted above back of his head.
3. Head - Good Shape / Strong
4. Good beak color - horn colored.
5. Good copper ear tufts - sign he’ll add copper to his female progeny
6. Good red shoulder (upper part of wing) - I would like to see more red in the shoulder but he’s young so he should color up some more. Solid, well red shoulder indicates he’ll add good color to his offspring.
7. Copper flecking on the breast - good trait for a breeder Cock, another rsign he’ll add copper hackles to his female progeny.
8. Copper Hackles / Saddle Feathers are just OK - Cooper color appears to be on the gold side of the spectrum but that could be the sun affecting the color. Another pic w/o direct sunlight would be helpful.
9. Good type - rectangular body slightly tilted towards the back.
10. Nice long back.
11. Tail Angle is good
12. Nice slate shanks / feet.
13. Feathered shanks / feet are lightly feathered - need more feathering on the feet but not a major issue.

Keith

Thank you, I read the SOP but that helps so much. He is 17 weeks old. I will get better pics when he is a little older. He is the sweetest.

 

[horsesNchicks]

Keith did a great job describing your cockerel! It always helps the thread if you post pictures front, back and side. If possible a close up of the head. Can't wait to see Pierre as he matures. Thank you for posting.

I will thanks

 

[chickengr]

View attachment 1233232 View attachment 1233231 @kfelton0002 Ok. I just took these at noon today. Should I just let him alone & let it happen on its own or just take care of it & take it off? I’m one who I usually don’t interfere or step in unless absolutely necessary. I don’t have a problem with dubbing him though. Second pic, if I should, should it be cut along the blue line or the green line? And should I worry about his wattles or just leave them be?

I feel like crying! such a beautiful comb. I don't have chickens to fix comb. not a single one.