International Black Copper Marans Thread - Breeding to the SOP

[Punkybrewster]

What are some other breeds that you recommend? I was thinking of getting some brown leghorns for white eggs. I have whiting true blues for blue eggs.

Ive got whitings on order for may. I think I will like them better than Ameracaunas. They were too fussy in their laying for me.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Haha.
Sorry. Im reading like 100 pages and liking them! I didnt think of what that would mean to y'all!

No worries here. It's nice to see ya back and doing good.

 

[Punkybrewster]

The funny thing is that a lot of Marans breeders end up with Legbars. I have never entirely figured out why.

I didnt like legbars.
Auto sexing meant so many culls. Everyone wanted pullets. The ones I had laid a very, very light blue. Almost white. The cocks were agressive too. Wasnt impressed.

 

[Punkybrewster]

I think this might be Chanel’s darkest egg ever, I’m so glad she’s back in lay. Her daughter should start in a few months time, still got some growing to do (she looks a lot like her mum).View attachment 3719760View attachment 3719762

Woah!

 

[Punkybrewster]

Wife is making eggs for dinner one of these night and she's using all of Angels 1st 18 eggs..View attachment 3720346

These are beautiful!

 

[Punkybrewster]

View attachment 3720415
What humidity should I shoot for for Marans eggs?

I do 100 degrees,
35% then 50-60% at lockdown.

Whatever works best for you and gives good hatch rates.

 

[Punkybrewster]

do they have 1 or to chalazae (those cord like things that keep yolk in the center)? if just 1 then infertile. fertile eggs have 2 chalazae.

Ive never heard of this. I am going to pay attention to this when I get the chance.

 

[Punkybrewster]

Is there a spot in this thread telling us what we should look for when selecting a rooster? I have four to choose from to add to my breeding program. Thanks!

The best advice I can give is to start on page 1.

There is so much valuable information!

 

[Punkybrewster]

I think of all 4 of my roosters this is my best guy so far! What do you think of him? I know he’s still young. My one hen s had to be culled today leaves me with one more hen…

Nice looking cockerel. Correct eye color, nice copper coming in early, nice legs too. Let him grow some more.

 

[Punkybrewster]

Stress causes this? I thought maybe it was just bad genetics?

Yes, that is parasitic white. It is fairly common but undesirable.

Folks work to breed it out of their flocks if they are breeding towards Standard of Perfection and show.

If it doesnt bother you and dont plan to breed and sell, you can ignore it and do nothing. He is a nice looking Marans.