Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[math ace]

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I use hay all the time and never had a problem with it. As long as the hay is fresh and mildew free = = = no problems.

 

[pinkchick]

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So this morning the birds look better, more perky and alert, all eating and drinking, but now they are all having wet sneezes! Should I worry or is this just stress from being shipped?
I am wondering...... I put hay on the floor of the cage, maybe I shouldn't be so cheap and go get them some shavings!

Shavings are best IMO. Do they have any nasal discharge? If they do I would treat them with an antibiotic if it persists past tomorrow or if you see progress today. Nasal discharge usually is not a good thing . How do their eyes look.....do you see any signs of slight swelling in the eyelids or puffiness? Are their eyes clear and bright? Maybe try giving them a round of probiotics and a nice warm treat with oatmeal, ground cinnamon, tumeric, plain yogurt and a smashed banana. Please keep us updated......crossing my fingers for you that this will blow over, chances are that it will, but they will love the treat anyway.

 

[VillageChicken]

Henthymes - I've had "blacktail buff" type birds (not marans) that have hatched out with that reddish buff color down. They end up looking like New Hampshires.
And I've had yellow/gray down birds feather out completely white.

ON - Ever thought about dubbing your Roos? That would sure seem easier than creating a new variety of Marans. Or is there an ethical question there? I've never done it, but I have read about it. My Leghorn Roo has some frostbite this winter too. It's not pretty, but it doesn't seem to be causing him too much discomfort (his comb was less than perfect already). I've read that hens prefer large red combs (they tested straight combs against pea) and the roos with big red combs get more "action". But if all you have are small combed guys, then it wouldn't matter.

One of my Marans girls who hatched end of May just started laying, in the dead of winter with no supplemental lights. She sits in the nest box for awhile, then gets up and drops her egg out in the snow. First egg cracked on the icy pavement, second one hit 2 inches of snow and sank in. Found it before it froze only because I was waiting for it! I wonder if one of the other hens is booting her out, or if she's just still figuring the whole laying thing out? She's the biggest of all my hens, but not very dominant.

 

[Keara]

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Eyes look good and bright, no swelling so far. Wet sneezes, but no discharge or runny noses. Hay is off the bottom of the horse hay pile, good chance of dust. I will go get some shavings, I some more for the coop too. thanks! I 'll keep a really good eye on them.

I like the idea of Tumeric etc.... I will be cooking for the chickens today!

 

[pinkchick]

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Dubbing! Now there's an idea! Dub the males and breed for the smaller tight and compact combs in the females. After all dubbing can't pass on in genetics and if dubbed just right one would be able to show how many points the rooster had to begin with for folks who were interested in getting birds. No need to worry about other issues such as leg color, correct plumage, egg color and so on. VillageChicken you have a wonderful mind.

Sorry, I was so thrilled by your suggestion of dubbing that I totally forgot to congratulate you on your eggs! I have some new layers that like to lay under the nest boxes some days and then the next I find them and their egg in the nest box. Silly girls!

 

[pinkchick]

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Eyes look good and bright, no swelling so far. Wet sneezes, but no discharge or runny noses. Hay is off the bottom of the horse hay pile, good chance of dust. I will go get some shavings, I some more for the coop too. thanks! I 'll keep a really good eye on them.

I like the idea of Tumeric etc.... I will be cooking for the chickens today!

Glad to hear that Keara! Most likely it is from the stress of shipping and new environment, sending happy healthy thoughts your way. Ohhhhh.....I forgot to mention some pumpkin and cranberries if you have them. Pumpkin, Tumeric, Cinnamon and Cranberry all have wonderful health benefits and are natural antibacterials. I use all of the above with my birds on a regular basis and am very happy with the results of their health and vigor. They know when their treats are coming too.....I have to get in and get out fast before I get in the middle of a food fight scenario.

 

[Keara]

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Turmeric and cinnamon are also good for vascular/heart health. They both increase circulation.

 

[pinkchick]

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Turmeric and cinnamon are also good for vascular/heart health. They both increase circulation.

Yep....that too! There are sooooo many beneficial herbs and spices, it's amazing. This sounds crazy but my accupuncturist and I sit and talk about everything herbal that can be given to the chickens and the effects. She has come up with many great ideas for them. After my session she and I will break out her Chinese Herbal Medicine books and get crackin....we figure what is good for us is good for the chooks...seems like we are always finding a new herb to add to the mix and try out. The health food store loves that fact that I shop there for me and my chickens. The newest thing I tried adding is Japanese Sencha powder (aka Sei Mee tea) basically it is a green tea, powdered form. I add a little to each weeks probiotic gruel. It is packed full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and it 100% natural which makes me even happier. I haven't seen any ill effects and started using it 3 months ago with the chickens.

 

[bikechick]

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I made one!

I'm soo happy especially w/ spending a very small fraction of a "real" heated waterer. I plan to make 3 more.

I'll post pix soon.
I'm busy working on my ice-chest hatcher (another BYC inspiration). So much fun!

 

[pinkchick]

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I made one!

I'm soo happy especially w/ spending a very small fraction of a "real" heated waterer. I plan to make 3 more.

I'll post pix soon.
I'm busy working on my ice-chest hatcher (another BYC inspiration). So much fun!

Yes-yes-yes.....photo's will be great! I love homemade things! This BYC place is packed full of some of the greatest minds! Even better that those minds are so willing to share.