Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Hens and Roos]

okay I have a question... the SOP gives weights for the cockeral, pullet, cock and hen that one should be aiming for but at what age would one want to weigh each one to help make culling decisions?

 

[DMRippy]

3.5 hours..... still no news.

 

[gilavina]

okay I have a question... the SOP gives weights for the cockeral, pullet, cock and hen that one should be aiming for but at what age would one want to weigh each one to help make culling decisions?

I don't worry too much about weights when they are young since the culling process will weed out those that are smaller or narrower that won't put on the weight. I worry about weights more when they are of the acceptable age to start showing, for pullets and cockerels I start tracking weight after 6 months. Its not really something I have to technically do, like tossing them on a scale, even tho I do have a hanging pan one in the barn. After you handle them enough you can pretty well tell when they are too light or too heavy. Again, your culling process as they are young will significantly help you to reduce the small birds.

 

[gilavina]

3.5 hours..... still no news.

I thought it must be getting up there in time. Hopefully you will hear something very soon!

 

[Hens and Roos]

I don't worry too much about weights when they are young since the culling process will weed out those that are smaller or narrower that won't put on the weight. I worry about weights more when they are of the acceptable age to start showing, for pullets and cockerels I start tracking weight after 6 months. Its not really something I have to technically do, like tossing them on a scale, even tho I do have a hanging pan one in the barn. After you handle them enough you can pretty well tell when they are too light or too heavy. Again, your culling process as they are young will significantly help you to reduce the small birds.

I figured maybe six months would be the time to start watching at...

how's your hatch coming along?

 

[gilavina]

I figured maybe six months would be the time to start watching at...

how's your hatch coming along?

They are still popping like popcorn. There are so many in the trays that I now can't tell what's what in there except that they are in dividers. So, hopefully will be able to get them out tonight if I have to. They are getting packed in there haha

 

[Hens and Roos]

They are still popping like popcorn. There are so many in the trays that I now can't tell what's what in there except that they are in dividers. So, hopefully will be able to get them out tonight if I have to. They are getting packed in there haha

that's great to hear! you' ll have to post pictures once you get them out

 

[gilavina]

that's great to hear! you' ll have to post pictures once you get them out

I shall. The snow is picking up and have to head to work in a few minutes, but am thinking I might need to see if someone I know is heading to town to pickup some supplies for me in case it is icy. These chickers are going to need more than the bit of starter I have. I know it won't last the weekend.

 

[Hens and Roos]

I shall. The snow is picking up and have to head to work in a few minutes, but am thinking I might need to see if someone I know is heading to town to pickup some supplies for me in case it is icy. These chickers are going to need more than the bit of starter I have. I know it won't last the weekend.

so that means we will probably being seeing snow as well......

have a safe rest of your day!

 

[Bellurd]

Hi, I'm going to the fair this weekend to sell a few cockerels I recently hatched but I still have one that I'm not too sure about. I have always thought cockerel but when I posted pictures on here a few weeks ago, someone was leaning toward pullet. It's comb and wattles are SLIGHTLY smaller and less red than the obvious cockerels, but they are definitely bigger and more red than the obvious pullet. Just want to be 100% sure before I get rid of it because it's the only splash. Thanks!