The Marans eggs were due to hatch today. No pipping or peeping, I held each egg close to my ear and didn't here any peeps or scratching around in the egg.
I hope they are just late hatchers...
Are these the ones being hatched by your broody hen? If it's day 21, I'd just leave them in there for a few days more. I wouldn't worry about not hearing anything or feeling any movement. Most of the eggs I watch rock in the bator, hatch after the eggs that never moved! Odd eggs for sure. Let the mama do her job...and you relax.
I know, right!?? I just love JR's tail set, color, and feathered shanks/toes. He is also the sweetest boy of the bunch. That comb just makes me want to cry!
I'm going to do a couple of really selective breedings with him. Hopefully, since the hens seem to contribute to the combs more than the roos, he can pass on the good stuff, and the hens can overcome his comb...I hope. He's just so nice I have to try it! When the Clyde/Roy girls mature, I'm putting them in with JR. They have lovely combs so far, as did their dads, sooo....
I'd say so! My big Blue Copper Roo is giving me ginormous babies they look a week old as soon as they dry off my DH even commented on them. I like the large Marge hens even if they eat alot
I went over to a friends house today. She bought some of my marans last year. The rooster she got from me is GORGEOUS! He is much prettier than either of the two I kept. Beautiful color, tail set, size, leg feathering, comb. Just an overall beautiful rooster. The only problem... She says he is meaner than heck! Mean to the other chickens and he attacks her, too! She has him in a pen by himself.
Does anyone have opinions on using a durn mean rooster for breeding. Gosh he is pretty, but being mean is an issue.