Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[GasMenagerie]

I run first 18 days at 40-45 and last three days at 55-65 preferable at 60

Thanks for that. Now I just hope my candling is up to the task of these dark eggs!

 

[snowbird]

Its funny to hear the discussion about keeping egg color or tossing it because in other threads" the Marans is the bird that went to pot because only its eggs were sought." (he he, I made that rhyme up but it's a true reference.) Well, I am trying to figure out the math too. Now, I still don't know what it means to be chasing a premium. A stringman shows lots of birds... for the money gotten by winning?? Is that it? Or for the free entry to fairs?

Does anyone regularly eat their Marans. I had one here so far but he wasn't much to speak on. Runty cockerel whose color I didn't like and I think his taste was reflective of mine.

Mentors... yeah. I am hoping to wheedle in with a great man here but its not likely to work out as he is far off and I am not the sort by look that would inspire anyone to take time with me. (I bring my 1 year old to meetings and shows and I am a petite female.)

The big State Fairs still have a very nice pay out .

 

[pawtraitart]

For me, egg color is very important. It's one thing to build a visually superior bird and another to go for the whole enchilada. Marans stand apart in that they are known for their dark egg color. Without the dark egg color, the bird isn't complete. Likewise, a bird with fantastic egg color but without proper Marans type is lacking. I surely hope that there aren't too many breeders out there sacrificing egg color for ribbons. I'd hate to have to fight uphill to recover the wonderful egg color of the Marans breed if it is lost. With patience, both proper type and respectable Marans egg color can be achieved. It's just one of those things that make Marans so challenging and addictive for those who love them. That's my take on the subject for what it's worth.

 

[ashandvine]

Langshans, Ameraucana and Cream Legbars are also known for their egg color, though finding any Langshan that lays a good color is nigh impossible in the US.

 

[pawtraitart]

Langshans, Ameraucana and Cream Legbars are also known for their egg color, though finding any Langshan that lays a good color is nigh impossible in the US.

Oh, tell me about it. It would be so sad if the same thing happened to the Marans.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

For me, egg color is very important. It's one thing to build a visually superior bird and another to go for the whole enchilada. Marans stand apart in that they are known for their dark egg color. Without the dark egg color, the bird isn't complete. Likewise, a bird with fantastic egg color but without proper Marans type is lacking. I surely hope that there aren't too many breeders out there sacrificing egg color for ribbons. I'd hate to have to fight uphill to recover the wonderful egg color of the Marans breed if it is lost. With patience, both proper type and respectable Marans egg color can be achieved. It's just one of those things that make Marans so challenging and addictive for those who love them. That's my take on the subject for what it's worth.

In all honesty, as much as the breeder I spoke to insisted "build the bird first with no regard to egg colour", I'm betting he'll also be winning the egg shows soon too.

 

[pawtraitart]

In all honesty, as much as the breeder I spoke to insisted "build the bird first with no regard to egg colour", I'm betting he'll also be winning the egg shows soon too.

You could be right. Why not win both!

 

[snowbird]

I started in the BC Marans as show birds and for me I am happy with a #6 on the scale. I just do not believe you can get a dark #9 egg from a very good show female. I am sure most everyone knows the reason why.

 

[kowgurl62]

I copied this from Feathersite - Barb, see the egg on the bottom row, third one in? THAT is a very spherical egg. Almost exactly round.

I got an egg from a guy at work that is exactly like that, he thought it was a barred rock, but after questioning him, I'm pretty sure it's a cuckoo maran. I am trying to track down the source of that hen to see if I can find more like her. I have a couple of hens that lay a spherical egg, but most of them lay a longer shaped egg. The color on them is good, just not the shape needed. I am going to keep track of the spherical eggs this year and see if those hens pass that trait on.

 

[OHmamma]

has anyone been thinking about trying to upgrade to the Spherical egg from their Marans. I believe they are darker since it take longer for the hen to lay. I know this type egg is out there as I have seen them here on BYC.

Hi Don!

I have actually been culling for egg shape. It took me a while to get up enough good dark egg laying hens that I liked before I could but it is something that can be bred for.