Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[ashandvine]

Just waiting on the Blizzard to hit , so thought I would get behind the computer again.

Has any one ever worked the Light Marans or whatever color they will be in the end before. I would expect they would use a Light Sussex with White Marans. It would need to be something with white undercolor and not slate.

Regaring this though- would a Bresse be a good option to start the work? They have the dark legs and similar type and are also considered gourmet?

 

[farmhand]

Hi all
Back in the chicken business after a 15 year reprieve. I have 28 eggs in the bator which includes the following Marans; Black Copper x3, Blue x4, Cuckoo x3 and Wheaten x5.

I have 2 attached pens; 23' x 6' each and thinking I should only keep one (maybe 2?) Marans rooster(s) over winter. My goals are to have beautiful birds that produce reasonably well. Right now I'm leaning with the Wheaten's. Please help me to decide which rooster(s) to keep?
My other eggs are; Ameraucanas x5, Barevelders x2, Wyandottes x 3-2=1, Olive Eggers x4, Welsummers x1. Depending on my hatch rate I will add local store birds to make a flock of 10-12 hens and 1 or 2 roosters.
Your input is appreciated!

 

[Chickielady]

I'm pleased as punch with a good friend's eggs - he's given me permission to post a pic - are these gorgeous or what?!? (Black Copper variety)




WELL DONE, George!

Ellymay - I know what you mean. If you saw my pititful little hatchery layer flock several years ago and compared to now....

 

[Chickielady]

Since we are showing eggs, I got these from my Chickas this morning, Mostly Cuckoo and a few Blue Coppers. Sorry they aren't washed yet.

Awesome as well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Chickielady]

to me, there really is nothing like a really crisp and well-patterned silver penciled. Second in line for me is a good blue birchen.

I am a sucker for silver laced...as in WINE DOTS...........But, if only we could do a Silver Laced Marans !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ray from PA]

Oh, gosh. I'm blushing.

Thank you for the warm compliments. I really owe my good fortune to Wynette. She's been a great friend and AWESOME coach going on 3 years now.

I'm a bit of a lurker, learner and somewhat shy. I'm thrilled that all the hard work is beginning to show. This should be a good year for my modest flock. I really love these birds. Black Coppers are the only breed I'm concentrating my efforts on, striving for SOP.

Since we are showing eggs, I got these from my Chickas this morning, Mostly Cuckoo and a few Blue Coppers. Sorry they aren't washed yet.

Both sets are GREAT looking eggs,,, love the shape on George's and red tones. Would be great to see photos of the birds getting the credit !

 

[GeoKan]

Thanks again for all the compliments. It really gives me great incentive and motivation. I can look back at this months from now when times get rough for a boost and a smile.

Both sets are GREAT looking eggs,,, love the shape on George's and red tones. Would be great to see photos of the birds getting the credit !

OK Ray, I'll jump in and post a couple of pics of my girl. These photos aren't ideal and wish she would stand still while I take them. Ha! I took them with my iPhone.

I know there's a few things that could be improved on her, mainly the comb and a little thicker on the shank feathering. She's a bit smaller than I'd like.

I love her shape and her "low-rider" profile and eye color.

Please ignore the bread. I rarely give them this and the day I took the photos a couple weeks ago, was treat day for my girls.

I really love the dark mahogany hackle feathers. I wish they were more abundant. Does anyone know if there's a chance this trait would be passed along in her offspring?



I put saddles on her and another hen that have these qualities and put them in with my Rooster Cogburn. I am anxious to see what they throw. Very exciting time for me now!

 

[Irishgirl]

Nice avy, GeoKan!

 

[GeoKan]

Nice avy, GeoKan!

Thanks Irishgirl!

I drew it myself.

 

[tammyfarms]

Thank you all for this thread. I have 11 BCM eggs in the bator right now and am sooooo excited for them to hatch! We are about 1/2 way there. I can't wait to see the little babies. They are from the Wade Jeane line and I purchased them from a local breeder so I am hoping to have a good start. I also have some of my own eggs in there from a pair of Blue Copper Marans, I am not sure of their history or quality (I have a feeling it is not great and one day when I am feeling tough skinned I will post some pics). I posted them when I knew even less about Marans, and today you can fit what I know inside an egg shell

. Anyway, just wanted to subscribe and say hello.