Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[DMRippy]

Just a couple of questions from someone new at chickening.

Lol. I adopted two blue copper maran rooster a couple days ago. They are three months old and very sweet. However, after reading a couple other threads on maran roos I have noticed people saying they get mean. I know any rooster can be mean, but is it a genetic tendency for these birds to get aggressive? My second question is are these birds naturally thin? The breast bones on these two are protruding. The feathers stick out around them. They also feel very boney. Other than being thin they look and act very healthy. A little timid, but healthy. Also is there anything special I need to know about this breed? Common health issues or special diets? Any input is appreciated. Thanks to everyone in advance.

It is not the norm for these birds to be aggressive. As you said any roo can be aggressive. My meanest roos were and Olive Egger, NH and a Black Sex Link Roo...... dinner all of them.

Marans are a meat bird too so NO they should not be thin. There is something wrong.... not sure what to tell you to do.... I would worm them if they were on the ground outside, worms could cause them to be thin. I would also change their died. Marans tend to need more protein... meat protein is the best. So up the protein ASAP. NOT SOY either.

 

[jeepgirl13]

Thank you! I believe the lady had them on one those vegetarian diets the feed companies are blowing up. This may be my first flock but I've been around them lo.g enough at work to know they don't eat just veggies. I feed nutrena country side starter with oyster shell on the side for.my hens. I love how fat and shiny and active they are. I've heard worms can be seen in the plop. Is this true? They had a Lil diarreah when they first came. From stress I assumed. Its solid today and I haven't seen anything abnormal in it. I think they just need some good ole fashioned animal protein. Thanks for your input!

 

[DMRippy]

Thank you! I believe the lady had them on one those vegetarian diets the feed companies are blowing up. This may be my first flock but I've been around them lo.g enough at work to know they don't eat just veggies. I feed nutrena country side starter with oyster shell on the side for.my hens. I love how fat and shiny and active they are. I've heard worms can be seen in the plop. Is this true? They had a Lil diarreah when they first came. From stress I assumed. Its solid today and I haven't seen anything abnormal in it. I think they just need some good ole fashioned animal protein. Thanks for your input!

Not all parasites can be seen in poop. I use pour on Ivermectin it just takes 1-2 drops for them that young I think. I only do 3 drops for grown birds.

 

[jeepgirl13]

Where can I buy this and how much will it cost? Is this the same medication they use in horse wormer? Would I be able to use a tiny smidgen of that? I should clean the coop after worming im guessing. Do i need to put anything on the dirt before i bed it to prevent future outbreaks? Sorry for all the questions. I am still learning and like to be as educated as possible. thank you again for your help

 

[Oil Patch]

Regarding aggressive roos, They are all about who is in charge. When I have one that begins to think he is the boss of me, I carry a willow switch or a bamboo gardening stake with me. It only takes a couple discussions to establish the hierarchy. Also I have never injured one of the roos with a switch or the bamboo. I like the roosters to be strong enough to challenge roaming cats and such but not me or the grandkids.

 

[Hens and Roos]

Where can I buy this and how much will it cost? Is this the same medication they use in horse wormer? Would I be able to use a tiny smidgen of that? I should clean the coop after worming im guessing. Do i need to put anything on the dirt before i bed it to prevent future outbreaks? Sorry for all the questions. I am still learning and like to be as educated as possible.

thank you again for your help

check your local farm supply store- like a TSC or whatever you might have in your area-not sure what it would cost.

 

[rissamdc]

I had two little Black Copper Marans hatch out of the incubator, just this morning.

 

[gardengoats11]

Of the 10 roosters we have had only 1 was a bit aggressive. I had a come to Jesus meeting with him and no more issues. I did get rid of him anyway, but while he was here his behavior had to be what I considered good behavior.

We use cattle pour on ivermectin (generic) from our TSC or feed store at a rate of 6 or 7 drops for large fowl and 3 to 4 drops for bantams. Apply to skin behind neck/between shoulders.

 

[jeepgirl13]

Is it absorded through the skin then? Or is the pour on stuff more for the lice and mites they can get. Thanks for the input on how to handle a bossy rooster.

 

[DMRippy]

Is it absorded through the skin then? Or is the pour on stuff more for the lice and mites they can get. Thanks for the input on how to handle a bossy rooster.

It is broad spectrum. It is absorbed through the skin. One dose and you are done. There is a withdrawal time not sure what it is though.... I hatch all my eggs so I don't worry about it.