Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[sanctus7]

19% protien layers mix that is non GMO from Hylands Feeds (organic). I plan to worm the group this weekend.
When I brought home the first three, one died on the second day (stress?). Then I asked for a rooster and he sold me a "molting" rooster who also was sick (I was too green to know the difference).
After using Tylan and Tetra this winter (so much for organic chickens!) I think we have beat the illness that was punted between the BCM birds.
Let's just say I have learned that I will never buy a live bird from anyone unless I see their coop and I watch the bird closely...NO molting birds..thanks.

 

[Debbi]

You didn't say at what kind of place it was that you bought them, but I'm betting a small animal swap or the likes? Needless to say, you started out with sickly birds, in molt (which is a major stressor for them), plus the stress of a new home, PLUS the ugly winter. That's a lot of stress! They need more protein when stressed too. Mine are molting now, and the weather here has been damp and cold for the last couple of weeks. I have been feeding them Game Bird Grower (non-medicated) at 22% protein, and I also give them black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS), and safflower seeds, along with oyster shell and grit. Then they get treats too, like whole grain bread, meal worms, oatmeal, veggies and fruits, and dry cat food occaisionally. I wouldn't blame the breed for the illnesses you have encountered with your birds. Never buy a poor or sickly looking animal, no matter what the breed or price. You'll end up spending way more trying to keep them alive. Got to a reputable breeder and start with the good stock. As for the inbreeding, if this was the case, yes, it can weaken the immune systems, lower egg production and color, and produce all around inferior birds.

 

[math ace]

Quote:
I like the look of those bird feeders .. . . .. WHERE did you pick them up at ?

 

[Batty about Banties]

So sorry if this has already been discussed but was wondering if Cuckoo Marans lay the really dark eggs like the Black Coppers.......was thinking about getting some next week but wanted to make sure of the color.

 

[flgardengirl]

Hi Batty! The cuckoos do not generally lay as dark as some of the other types of Maran although, I did see these awesome dark cuckoo eggs entered at the Newnan GA show lol. In genereal the gold cuckoos seem to lay darker than the regular cuckoos. I think this is because some of the golds have been crossed with black coppers to get the gold gene. It does depend alot on who you buy your hens from. If you get cuckoo hatchery Marans you usually end up with light egglayers. Try to get your cuckoos from a breeder and ask to see the eggs the hens are laying before you buy them or thier eggs (if you are buying eggs for incubating).

 

[Debbi]

Good morning all

The rainy, gray weather is still here, but tomorrow and Sunday are getting into the 70s with...wait for it, SUN!!

Of course, we won't get away with that, because Monday they are calling for severe weather, and Tuesday the possibility of snow!

I SO want it to dry out so I can till my garden.

Yesterday was the first time I let all the big chooks out of their run into the yard. I've been very leery as there seems to be a family of Cooper's hawks that have moved into the area, and are on chicken patrol every morning. I had let Pip out before as a "hawk test bird", figuring if the nasty little so and so got taken by a hawk, he may make a believer out of one?

No hawks ever appeared for Pip, yet when I let them all out yesterday afternoon, all of a sudden there are THREE Cooper's sitting in the tree line vocalizing. So, I sat out with the chooks to keep watch, they had a blast in the now thick grass, and the hawk's stayed in the woods. The boys were very watchful and kept the pullets all together. Amazing how their instincts kick in. They even all got along with my many

yard cats. I'm thinking the cats may have helped to keep the hawks at bay as well? After about an hour of free ranging, they all filed back into their run, like, "ok, we're done, close the door".

We will definately do that again tomorrow when it is more pleasant for me to sit outside with them.

 

[math ace]

Quote:
I'll send you the ONE tomatoe plant that I could not plant today because my garden(s) are so full that I could not find a single spot to squeeze in Just ONE more tomatoe plant

 

[gilavina]

Quote:
I'm right there with you Debbi! I'm beyond ready to till and just when the soil starts to dry out...it rains or snows again. Its downright depressing. I've been trying to busy myself with garden related things, like putting up fence, planting seeds inside etc to distract me, but I stare at the garden everyday, just wondering when I will finally be able to plant things.

That's funny you mention Cooper's Hawks. I had to look them up this winter because I kept seeing a pair in the old cemetary that borders our property line. I didn't know what they were, but they have pretty much decided this is where they want to stay....I do notice my boys do a really good job of keeping their girls safe too. I also saw a vulture the other day...flying about 20' in the air over my back yard. I don't know what he was looking for, but I came out of the main door of the barn and had a shadow cast over my face...when I looked up it took me a second to comprehend...he was absolutely massive...well over 6' wingspan. it was crazy to see. After he saw me he took off. It really does make me grateful that the backyard and the outside runs are predominantly covered with trees. Keeps the hawks and other flying predators from diving into the pens...

 

[pinkchick]

Hi Bravo!

You asked about the taste of the Marans eggs in an earlier post....I don't think they taste any different than any other egg, except a store bought egg.

 

[pinkchick]

Morning Everyone!!!!!!


I woke up to it not raining this morning and it's still not raining and I think that I see some strange yellowy glow and even more strange.......some blue sky.

Then check out egg I am getting from my darkest laying Black Copper gal. She is laying these a couple times a week and on the other days she lays a purple almost white egg. Silly bird!