International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

[KF0002]

NPIP testing done! Avian Influenza clean, Pullorum typhoid pending. What a long day, but I'm glad to have it done!

 

[JacksonPearce]

We recently hatched several marans-- black copper and blue birchen-- from a local breeder. These eggs were to make up for a birchen marans laying hen we bought that turned out to be an internal layer. I had some issues with my incubator that resulted in several eggs from this batch, marans and otherwise, to quit early.

Those that remain are now hatching very staggered, but they are, indeed, hatching. All the chicks seem fine except the marans-- so far, both of the marans have a deformed/tiny outside toe. They've been moving fine and appear to be walking without issue, and we aren't planning to breed these, but still-- does anyone know what's going on, here? I've read some information about fused toe issues in marans, and given that the marans pullet we got from the same breeder had an issue, it seems like perhaps his breeding stock just isn't as good as we'd hoped. We chose him because we got our first BCM from him, and she was gorgeous! Laid beautiful very dark eggs.

Thoughts?

 

[chickengr]

NPIP testing done! Avian Influenza clean, Pullorum typhoid pending. What a long day, but I'm glad to have it done!

congrats!

 

[chickengr]

We recently hatched several marans-- black copper and blue birchen-- from a local breeder. These eggs were to make up for a birchen marans laying hen we bought that turned out to be an internal layer. I had some issues with my incubator that resulted in several eggs from this batch, marans and otherwise, to quit early.

Those that remain are now hatching very staggered, but they are, indeed, hatching. All the chicks seem fine except the marans-- so far, both of the marans have a deformed/tiny outside toe. They've been moving fine and appear to be walking without issue, and we aren't planning to breed these, but still-- does anyone know what's going on, here? I've read some information about fused toe issues in marans, and given that the marans pullet we got from the same breeder had an issue, it seems like perhaps his breeding stock just isn't as good as we'd hoped. We chose him because we got our first BCM from him, and she was gorgeous! Laid beautiful very dark eggs.

Thoughts?

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congrats for the chicks.

I think that marans have somewhat smaller outside toe. the more experienced members will tell you more.

give them some sesame seeds. they do miracles with leg issues at just hatched chicks.

 

[KF0002]

We recently hatched several marans-- black copper and blue birchen-- from a local breeder. These eggs were to make up for a birchen marans laying hen we bought that turned out to be an internal layer. I had some issues with my incubator that resulted in several eggs from this batch, marans and otherwise, to quit early.

Those that remain are now hatching very staggered, but they are, indeed, hatching. All the chicks seem fine except the marans-- so far, both of the marans have a deformed/tiny outside toe. They've been moving fine and appear to be walking without issue, and we aren't planning to breed these, but still-- does anyone know what's going on, here? I've read some information about fused toe issues in marans, and given that the marans pullet we got from the same breeder had an issue, it seems like perhaps his breeding stock just isn't as good as we'd hoped. We chose him because we got our first BCM from him, and she was gorgeous! Laid beautiful very dark eggs.

Thoughts?

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The small outer toe is referred to as a rudimentary outer toe and is not judged against in show so the judges wouldn't hold it against you if you decide to show the birds. It is something that should be culled away from if you have that luxury but isnt a huge deal and is common in Marans because of the feathering on the outer toe. It doesn't mean they were poorly bred or are poor quality, its just another trait we see in Marans that needs to be worked on. No big deal unless it is fused to the middle toe or is completely webbed. Congrats on your babies that are hatching!

 

[OneMountainAcres]

A few weeks ago, I did a trade for BBS orpingtons. The person I traded with included 2 blue birchen marans eggs in the shipment. To my surprise, one has hatched and one is zipping right now! I'm very excited to see how these babies turn out! Just out of curiosity, I'm not actually planning to do this, but what would happen if I crossed them to the black copper marans?

 

[KF0002]

A few weeks ago, I did a trade for BBS orpingtons. The person I traded with included 2 blue birchen marans eggs in the shipment. To my surprise, one has hatched and one is zipping right now! I'm very excited to see how these babies turn out! Just out of curiosity, I'm not actually planning to do this, but what would happen if I crossed them to the black copper marans?

You will get birchens but with gold/copper leakage (probably worse in the males) since silver is more dominant. If the chick is blue or splash then you will get some blue birchens with some gold/copper leakage. You can keep breeding back to the original birchen parent until the copper doesn't show up anymore. Congrats! You are so lucky! I want birchens!!

 

[baunlee]

having a hard time choosing between two black copper back ups. I need to decide soon because I've let them grow out. THey look SO alike and I have not really learned their individual personalities they way I do with most birds bc mr.lee took care of them. Making it really hard to decide who I want when I cant really tell them apart easily.

My journey with the birchens has been a sloww slog. my birchen male keeps photo bombing and being so photogenic every time I want to take pics of the other boys LOL

 

[KF0002]

Here is the cockerel I had posted pics of a while back. He looked pretty good then but now he is looking very hatchet chested (lacks breast depth) and has a high tail. He does have nice grey underfluff though, no white so far so I'm tempted to keep him just for that (for now) until I see better cockerels. This is a perfect example of why you have to grow cockerels out so long. They change a lot.. in my case not for the better.

 

[KF0002]

having a hard time choosing between two black copper back ups. I need to decide soon because I've let them grow out. THey look SO alike and I have not really learned their individual personalities they way I do with most birds bc mr.lee took care of them. Making it really hard to decide who I want when I cant really tell them apart easily.

My journey with the birchens has been a sloww slog. my birchen male keeps photo bombing and being so photogenic every time I want to take pics of the other boys LOL

Post pics and maybe we can help you decide.