Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Organics North]

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Is he getting enough protein in his feed? Feathers look "thin" to me.
No expert here but he looks like a he to me.... hehe he....

ON

 

[Germaine_11.20]

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Boy do I know that feeling! I can't get any good pictures of my chickens!!! I'm trying a new aproach to chickens with my FBCMs. My layer flock I tried to raise as pets and the roos kept attacking me, so to the freezer they went. Do to the price of getting Marans I don't want to have to cull because of roos attacking me when they could me more correct than the friendly roo. Because of this "neglect of friendlyness" they're extra flighty which means no attacks but no good pics either... Would so love to hear opinions once I do get pics though.

I am learning that I can't be overly friendly to the roos or the hens. I allow them to mull around me but if one gets too friendly and starts to peck at my leg or jump at me then a little discipline such is employed. I am the Alpha Roo and when the Alpha gets too nice then they are challenged for position.

LOL PinkChick, I know both you and Geebs understand! Probably much more than I do!

 

[Debbi]

I'm pretty sure I impressed upon my roo last night, that I am indeed the Alpha. There was a storm coming in, and since I have been hit by lightning before, I thought it wise to get them in the coop a bit early. The girls obliged, the roo did not. I had to stalk him, finally got him cornered and caught. He was scared to death! Poor guy's heart was pounding, so I held him and walked around with him under my arm for a bit, talking softly to him. This morning when I opened the pop door, the girls all came out with their usual gusto, but no roo. I went back into the house, but kept looking for the roo. No roo. Got a sinking feeling. What if he died of fright last night, maybe I should go check. About 2 minutes later, he poked his head cautiously out the pop door, made sure the "mean one" wasn't around, then came out. He didn't even crow this morning. Poor dude, but I bet next time he will go in when I start walking in his direction!

 

[Wynette]

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Don't cry Wynette, just have one in Michigan. I would come!

AWE! Thanks, The Point!

Folks, if anyone's interested in FBCM hatching eggs, I have 12+ in BSA right now to end in a couple of hours; I had an order that I never rec'd. payment for, so I put them up for auction on here.

All of my breeds have actually been laying pretty well; my silver penciled plymouth rocks have slowed just a bit, but I've been uber impressed with my Marans girls this year, laying in this heat! We've had weeks of 90s and super high humidity here, which is very unusual for summers in Michigan!

 

[pinkchick]

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I don't know Deb....I bet he gives you another go 'round or two before he truly appreciates your position

, and until he gets froggy and jumps, I bet he watches your every move from the corner of his "stink eye!"

 

[Debbi]

You're probably right there, Pink! I just went out to the garden to pick some jalapenos for breakfast, and while the girls ran over to the fence, he stood back a bit, and there was INDEED the "STINK EYE"!! They are just 9 weeks old today, and he has never been anything but very mellow...so far. Just hope he remains that way, or it'll be Roo Stew for him!

 

[pinkchick]

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LOLOL! I knew the stinky eye wouldn't be to far to follow......I swear they have a memory like and elephant, who ever said that chickens are stupid, quite the contrary I think. My boys know when I am going to pick them up, bless their pointed little heads they just stop and wait, they know aaallllllllll to well from many encounters with "the Mamma" (that would be ME) there is no use running......."she'll just get the net!" oooooOOOOoooooohhhhh and they do not like the net, and I DO NOT like using it. Sometimes though it is a must for the renegade who thinks they are above the law.

Just keep picking him up and handling him if you can, I'm a firm believer in handling them as much as possible. Hope he doesn't have to come to dinner one night.

 

[Debbi]

I was actually dreaming of a net as I was sweating my arse off trying to capture him!

I walk with a cane, so right now I don't have a net, but I've got "The Hook"! It was like snagging a lamb with a shepherds crook, but I can tell he'll be wise to that one if it ever arises again. Man, they're quick!

 

[Debbi]

{Just keep picking him up and handling him if you can, I'm a firm believer in handling them as much as possible. Hope he doesn't have to come to dinner one night.}


Yes, I spend a lot of time with them all. They all get picked up at different times, fed treats (mealworms), and the builders keep asking me if I think I spoil my chickens??? LOL The Amish men just look at me like I have 3 heads for talking to them and giving them worms.

 

[Braclin]

Hey guys are BCMs naturally flighty or is it just my two crazy girls?