Marans on ebay

[coopist]

It's the one that lists "Sport" Marans, as if "sport" were a recognized variety rather than the outcropping of a genetic oddity that COULD be used for a new variety. I laughed out loud when I saw that one, especially since the birds are all different, odd-colored and clearly not purebred. I'm not sure if it's ignorance or greed on that one, probably more ignorance than anything.

 

[Frogtown]

I just looked at that post, and several of those hens looked like welsummers.....

 

[opihiman911]

I bought my first batch of eggs on ebay from someone who had 100% positive feedback. I was supposed to get pure buff orps and austrolorps. I hatched them and they were mostly mixed orps/austrolorps with a couple that look purebreed. What he didn't tell me is yes, he had pure breed birds, but he let them mingle so they were some pure eggs, some mixed eggs. Not that it really mattered to me, I was just looking for some good eggs from a good shipper.
I have gotten some great deals on Ebay, and it is really helpful for me since I live on a small island with limited variety of goods that are generally expensive. But, it is buyers beware. While I personally have never been scammed outright, there have some shady characters who I avoided.
Aloha,
Cory

 

[Oblio13]

I just sent a message asking "What exactly are 'Sport' Marans?"

I'll post the response.

 

[KKluckers]

Ive learned total buyer beware. I have seen where someones says they have SQ or a certian breed and I get a picture......ummm...well I dont think so. A picture is worth a thousand words. If someone will not give pics or acts shady I will not deal with them. I just feel sorry for the people that buy crosses not even knowing because they are new and dont know any better. It pays to do your research.

 

[Oblio13]

Well, here's the response to my query:


Dear oblio13,

That is the breed, not just something i came up with.

- dprather1968

 

[Eryn]

It is funny, he says it is a rare breed yet when you do a google search for Sport Maran the only thing you find is his ebay listings!!!!!!!

People do anything to make a quick buck! Be careful everyone is you are shopping on ebay!

 

[KKluckers]

If you want true Marans buy them from Bev in Florida or Ray Valentine hatchery. Least you know you are getting decent Marans.

 

[Frogtown]

Not all marans have white legs. If you look on feathersite, several of the black coppers and blacks have slate or black legs.

 

[NYREDS]

As a general rule EBAY is not the place to go for quality birds-I'm sure there are exceptions so please don't jump down my throat.
There recently were some "Rhode Island Whites" there that had single combs-trying to be helpful I contacted the seller and told him they were probably hatchery White Rocks as R I Whites are rose combed.
Let's say I got a less than cordial reply and s/he keeps listing them as R I Whites.