International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

[kcrandall]

Beautiful pullets and the cockerels look good.  I will get some pictures too!

Oh yes, yes...show me some pics of gorgeous Gabby!! I look forward to seeing your new boys too.

Goodnight,
Keith

 

[KF0002]

how old can be marans eggs to incubate? it is really hard to collect enough from 1 girl only.

If you only have one hen I would collect for 2 weeks. You should still get a good hatch rate. After two weeks the hatch rate goes down considerably. I prefer to set weekly and have noticed that I get the best hatch rates that way. But I still get a decent hatch when we collect for 10-14 days. Store in a cool area, and turn daily or at least every other day prior to setting. Good luck!

 

[KF0002]

Here with another question for everyone.

I would like to hear what everyones systems are for taggin and recording data from you chickens. Anywhere from lineage to lay dates, lay numbers etc..

I admit, this is a very weak area for me. I do like to record loads of information. I don't use any type of taggin system or software. Only record on my calendar and in a notebook. I know there's got to be better ways and I'm very interested for those willing to share.. as much detail as possible please.

<3

I keep a binder and it has all of our marking and banding records in it. As chicks hatch they are toe punched. Each line or mating has it's own distinct toe punch mark that is recorded. As the chicks get older they are leg or wing banded. The band number, toe punch, hatch date, line, mother/father, etc are all recorded.

For example, we have several strains of American Game that look similar to one another. Like the Kelsos, they are wheaten, straight combed, and yellow legged. But our Hatch/Kelsos also come wheaten, straight combed, and yellow legged. They have to be hatched separately and marked with a different toe punch to know which is which. Same with the two lines of Black Copper Marans I will be hatching. Both sets of chicks will look the same at hatch.

I also like to use zip ties for chicks to mark them. The small ones work great for chicks and come in many colors. I'm using zip ties right now on my Legbars so I can determine if the autosexing is correct, pink for the girl and blue for the boys. You have to change them frequently as the chicks' legs will outgrow the zip tie pretty quickly.

Here is a toe punch chart I have saved on my computer. There is also one on the back of the egg color card from the Marans of America Club. You can buy a toe punch on ebay or maybe at your local farm supply store. I like to order from Wood Enterprises and they sell them on their website. That is where we order our spur saws, meds, water cups, etc.

With toe punching chicks you just have to monitor the punches and make sure they don't grow up. Some have to be re-punched as they grow.

 

[Red Banks]

Quote: I am working outside and of course Gabby is underfoot and constantly talking. It is hard not to like Gabby. She has changed but still a pretty hen.When I want to take a picture and they are pecking at the ground I make noises to get their heads up. Puts them at alert and sometimes it is not the best view for tail, etc....

 

[Red Banks]

Informal pictures of some of the hens also Antonio (bottom)
and Claude.

 

[Red Banks]

More Pics - Antonio and a Gabby Look alike. I have several "Gabby"s.

 

[chickengr]

More Pics

thank you for the pics. I have been too busy and tired lately and I did need a fairy tale for a good night.

 

[Red Banks]

Quote: Hope it is a happy ending fairy tale. Do you have eggs from France yet?

 

[pioneerchick816]

I am working outside and of course Gabby is underfoot and constantly talking. It is hard not to like Gabby. She has changed but still a pretty hen.When I want to take a picture and they are pecking at the ground I make noises to get their head up. Puts them at alert and sometimes is not the best view for tail, etc....

I think Gabby is beautiful

as are all your Marans!

 

[Red Banks]

from the French Forum Marans Aspiran.