Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Hens and Roos]

I can't blame that on either of my guys as they were separated before these became a problem.

That's good to know, it helps you cross one idea off the list, from what I have read this issue hasn't been figured out- there probably are many possiblities that can cause this. Pinkchick has had this pop up in older chickens too.

I wish I could separate our cockerals into smaller groups but we only have so much room- we try hard to take out the ones getting picked on or doing the bulling to help keep everyone healthy.

 

[slick4591]

I think things are slowly telling me that Marans may not be my bird. I'm having hatch rates at about 10% or less and these roosters are driving me crazy. Time to regroup. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and opinions!

 

[DMRippy]

I think things are slowly telling me that Marans may not be my bird.

I'm having hatch rates at about 10% or less and these roosters are driving me crazy. Time to regroup.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and opinions!

Don't give up slick! I have had that feeling several times with Marans, but they need people like us who care!

 

[pinkchick]

Slick~ Hens is right. This breed needs folks like you that are willing to be dedicated to them for their betterment and keep in mind they are a young breed and still need work.
I have been just as frustrated as the next person with the Marans, but I have this love for them that keeps me going.
We all get birds that leave us very disappointed in the breed, but we cull, move on and breed some more.
I hope you reconsider.




Mel~ The sun is out.

 

[Arielle]

Morning Mel! Hope all is well with you. Now......STOP TALKING RAIN MISTER!!!!!!!!!! I'm not going hear it!

You are scaring the fish away with that kind of talk. LOL!

We went fishing yesterday afternoon and stayed at the river until almost dark ...caught nothing so we came home. We woud have stayed longer, but we biked it so we had to get started back so we had enough daylight left to see where we were going. No street lights out here don'tcha know!

20 minutes after we got home my neighbor stops by with a half of salmon that he just pulled from the water not far from the spot we were fishing.

Wouldn'tcha know it.

You got your fish dinner though!!!!

Quote: X2 I bought them for their eggs but realized I could help the breed if I bred them right. My most difficult breed by far. But I LOVE them.

 

[DMRippy]

My Lavender Ameraucanas are BY FAR THE MOST DIFFICULT.

Maybe that is because I lucked out and got some decent Marans.

 

[pinkchick]

Arielle~
BBQ'd Salmon for dinner tonight. YUMMY! Was too late last night to cook it.

Me thinks we will go fishing again this evening and try to beat our neighbor to the hotspot.

At first I only got into Marans for the eggs as well, then I fell in love with them for their beauty and sweet dispositions. I was hooked. No fishing punn intended.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Barb~ What's the word from under the broody?

I think 3 may be our number ....



No action from the remaining 5 eggs overnight. Even though it is only just day 22, I think we may be done. Naima is restless on the eggs (they're getting chilly) and the 3 chicks she does have are on the move so that is stressing her. Naima is still sitting but just barely. The 5 that didn't hatch were pullet eggs and I was suspicious about their fertility. I'll leave them for another day or so, assuming Naima is willing to continue sitting on them but I think we're done. I'll eggtopsy them and see what I can learn. But I couldn't be more thrilled! I got my coveted splash, against all the odds, and some swanky feathered legs on the other 2.

Must be the chicks that cause broody fever. I've got 3 or 4 hens showing signs now - which doesn't bother me one bit!

I've got Ameraucanas in the breeding pen and olive eggers that I'd LOVE to try ....

 

[pinkchick]

That's AWESOME Barb! Sorry about the other eggs that aren't doing anything, but she did an great job and babies look happy and healthy. Very glad you got you Splash baby.

Good luck with the other broodies.

 

[Debbi]

Had to come in here to cry my woes. I lost Lazer, the Showgirl this morning. Everyone was fine at 7:30pm last night when I fed and watered for bedtime. This morning I go out, and I see red! Blood on those white Silkie feathers is quite vivid. He had a prolapse, but didn't seem like any of the others had been pecking yet, so I had hopes and brought him in. He was in a lot of pain, and I was desperately trying to find answers on here for the situation. In the mean time, he passed away.

Could the heat have caused this problem? He is not of breeding age yet, so that's not it, I just saw no cause for it. He was fine, and running around last evening with a piece of squash that they all love. My only SG, gone...I am bummed, he was so sweet. To make matters worse, my modem is going out, so I may not be on here again for awhile. Sheesh, when it rains...