Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Debbi]

White feathers, here's what I do. Take a red permanent marker, and draw a stripe through the white part. I am finding here with my two dark boys, that when a feather is getting ready to molt out, it will partially turn white. They are not white at the base, nor the tip, they usually turn white somewhere in the middle of the feather. It's usually about 2 weeks, and I'll find that marked feather in the yard or run, or just notice it's not on the bird any more. These boys went through a very minimal juvie molt, and are now in their adult molt; yet neither one is dropping a lot of feathers at once. Gees, thankfully not like the pullets all did! Sickle feathers seem to be the first to go, then some shank and toe feathers, and now I'm seeing some hackle feathers leaving, and some new hackle pins already coming in. These guys are 14 months old, and this has been going on since they were about 6 months. So, don't panic at seeing a white feather, but watch to see what it does.

 

[gilavina]

Hey Debbi!

haven't had much of a chance to catch up with you lately! Things are crazy this time of year... blech
I'll be glad when things settle down a bit.

 

[SD_Paulo]

Quote:
Thank you for the "feather tracking strategy" and words of encouragement. I will give the permanent mark approach a try. Thanks again.

 

[Debbi]

Ha, I just wish I could get started with something! Bad last winter, awful hot summer, now it's the darned wind!

I hate when the wind blows 30-40mph, feels like MO has become more like what I remember Oaklahoma to be! Was cold here today, with lots of wind. Somewhere in the last few days, I've developed a cold or something. Feel ok, just NO voice! My friend called today, and when I went to say hello, all that came out was a squeak. Even the chooks all looked at me oddly when I went out tonight to call them up!

Must've scared them, they all went in...except for JR, Bad Charlotte's brother!

Was it you this morning talking about funny looking cockerels, or was that Pink? Anyway, I know what you mean. Got to get some pics of the Clyde son out here. At a distance, I have a hard time telling them apart now. When he was about 3 months, I would've put him in the soup pot for sure. But went back and looked at Clyde's baby pics, and by gosh, he looked just like him! He's starting to fill out now, and grow into himself. May have to keep him back, if for nothing else but to watch him mature. I can tell right now, he is going to be bigger than his daddy, and has Clyde's sweet disposition! And...no white anywhere!

 

[Debbi]

By the way, Vicki; how are your new birds doing? The ones you won at the show.

 

[Debbi]

I could use some words of encouragemnt here. One of the only things I've ever regretted in my life, was not going to college. I am now looking into some online courses, and may even want to attempt an Associate's degree. English based, Expository writing. I hated school when young, and now I wonder if I have the courage and discipline to do this. Seems like I've forgotten more than I ever learned! And so old, but I did see the other day on the news where a 96 year old gal got her degree and was made an honorary Sorority Sister!

No need to be a Sista, just would like the learning part. Keep your fingers crossed for me, this is pretty scary for me!

Lord, please give me strength!

 

[gilavina]

Quote:
The weather has been crap since last winter....its been killing me and makes it really hard to get anything done this year for me either. booo!!!!

yeah, it was me talking about the ugly boys....I'm glad I've learned to listen to my gut over the years on various things....for the most part it pays off well...

 

[gilavina]

Quote:
the columbians are doing great! They are happily playing the waiting game in the garage. Its been really great watching them...they are making me very happy and I daydream lots about hatching season for many reasons this next year! Between the Wyandottes, Sussex and Marans, I think that I am doing pretty good at getting my breeding lineup all set just fine. Now for seeing how these silly birchens decide they want to finish out. They are taking their dear sweet time....well...its probably more that I'm really impatient haha

 

[gilavina]

Quote:
DEBBI!!!!! I think that is just FANTASTIC!! You will do great!

I did a few of my courses in grad school online when regular classes conflicted with managing at the art store in mpls, they are a lot of work and not for everyone, but you will do great!!! Having experience on here working with threads and etc will help as classes usually have a portion of the course load centered around interacting with classmates thru threads. If you need any help with anything let me know!! I didn't go to school for language stuff, but I've probably written enough papers in the 6 years I went to college to fill 30 notebooks...

I'm a whiz at proofreading too! haha

 

[DMRippy]

Quote:
I just FINALLY got my degree. I was going for a bachelors (have TONS of credits for one...sigh) but then I got engaged and took the easy road so I could plan a wedding. All I ever wanted was a degree... I don't use it BUT I have one and the means so much to me. I was 38 when I finished.... Go for it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!!!!