Marans Question About Different Types

[Calebs Acre]

I was asked by a friend to raise some Marans for her because she likes the dark eggs. But, in my first few days of research, I have been unable to ascertain the differences between the difference colors, especially regarding value of the birds.

Now, I have figured that egg color and type is important. I also understand that egg color has to be an "average", not just based on one of two isolated eggs produced. I guessed that buying birds or hatching eggs from reputable sources is also the best way to get good stock.

But, it appears that the Black Copper is the Marans variety worth the most money, if you are selling chicks or eggs? Is this true?

Since I have such limited space, I prefer to invest in the rarer, or more valuable breed. It seems like raising them is quite a labor of love since responsible breeders have to learn genetic improvement.

I'm hoping to learn more via advice, suggested sources, etc.

Thanks to all!

 

[monarc23]

from what I have seen so far the black coppers do seem to be the ones producing the darker eggs of the varieties there are. Im no expert still learning and none of my birds are laying yet, but so far from what i've seen online it looks like the BCs are the darkest....but that still depends on breeder to breeder

The prices range widely from what i've seen as well...

 

[Calebs Acre]

I've seen places where all of the birds/hatching eggs sell for the same price, then with auctions, it seems that there is a "run" on the BC Marans. I don't know if it's just a "trend" or something more to it.

 

[halo]

I think you need to be very careful if investing in the Black Coppers. Apparently there are some errant genes running thru the breed now, and unfortunately, due to their popularity, breeders havent been culling when they should. Ive even heard reports of bad chicks from some of the most "popular" sellers. Prices have come way down on them, too, if you check ebay.

Personally, I decided to get wheaton marans, and am thrilled with the quality of the chicks and the eggs that Ive received. I havent seen the run on the wheatons as on the coppers, either. The chicks Ive hatched have been perfect, and the eggs they came from were gorgeous.

If you decide on Black Coppers, just be very careful who you get them from, and read up on the breed characteristics to insure that what you hatch out is representative of the breed.

 

[Calebs Acre]

Thanks, halo. I actually like the splash and the cuckoos, if I base it on colors. But, as I was asking, is the run on the black coppers for any specific reason, or just a popular "trend"?

I know that the Marans breeders have traditionally, at least the reputable ones, been very selective, which is something I highly respect.

 

[halo]

I would assume it started because of the dark eggs. When they were starting to auction them on ebay, the prices went crazy. So people bought them, bred them no matter what the color of the egg or the look of the bird, found pictures of eggs to post that were as dark as possible, and started selling. Here's whats on ebay right now:

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZcopperQ20maransQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ

Its virtually impossible to know which ones are the best. Id look for recommendations, if I were you.

 

[Calebs Acre]

Yep, I've seen them on eBay, but, truthfully, unless someone actually recommends a seller, I won't spend the money. With so little space, I can only have so many birds and I don't want to have to keep reducing the flock because I keep getting things I don't want. LOL. You know what I mean.

I have a house full of babies peeping all night and trying to drown themselves, so I don't sleep so well. I have no idea how these baby ducks (I have several groups of them) can manage to take a "drown-proof" waterer and NOT turn it over, but still get their entire floor like a swimming pool EVERY DAY and NIGHT!!!

EVERYONE might go out today if it gets up to 80...even the newer ones. Then I can sleep.

 

[millebantam]

If you are serious about raising quality BCM's, and are limited in space available, it would be essential that you spend the extra money and buy started birds rather than eggs. Purchasing feathered birds ensures that you will recieve what you paid for, and you can see the quality of the stock. Your only concern would be the quality of the eggs that your hens will produce.

I have seen first hand, and have spoken with many others about the junk that you can get from buying hatching eggs, even from "well known" breeders. It is my observation and opinion that there are far more breeders selling substandard hatching eggs than there are responsable breeders selling quality eggs.

If you want as close to a guarantee as possible on the quality of what you are investing in, DO NOT BUY HATCHING EGGS!

 

[Calebs Acre]

That is great advice! As I said, I am not yet totally commited to this because I don't fully understand it yet. As you signature says, it sure SEEMS like a "bandwagon." I've jumped into too many things blindly and something seems a little "off" about this one. Almost like the housing market before it crashed, or something like that.

I PREFER started birds, but so many people refuse to ship. I am not close to many breeders of much of anything, so shipping is always essential. But, I might talk myself out of this phase before I get in too deep. Hence, the thread.

 

[Hozer]

Considered Welsummers?

Dark eggs without the hype.

I have been told better layers and the color does not peter out so quickly in the laying cycle.