Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Koolaid]

I think you will - the chart I use says all blues with that combo.

 

[Charlcie]

i want to report that I have been culling based on the amount of white on the faces and I have the vast majority have copper hackles at 6 weeks. still. culling for all the other stuff too. also my eye color is improving in these girls too yeah!

Could you elaborate on your culling method? Are you culling based on less white in the face or more? At what age are you culling?

I have yet to hatch out any BC Marans at this point (my pullets/cockeral are not quite 13 weeks old), but when I get to that place, I am interested in the different methods other breeders are employing as far as selecting for the best breed characteristics.

I bred and exhibited rabbits for 44 years and thus I am familiar with the concept of culling to maximize the best traits in a particular line. I culled at different stages of development in my rabbits and I would assume the same would apply to Marans or any breed of chicken. Also, I am keenly aware that color - while important, is not the only characteristic that should be kept in mind when culling. For me in regards to my rabbits, TYPE was always number one. Color and fur was next. In Marans there is also the egg shell color to consider, which can't properly be evaluated until a pullet has started to lay regularly. I think this is why I was so drawn to Marans. They are unique and a challenge to breed for a combination of all of the superior features.

Another question I have is in regards as to what age excess/culled cockrels should be when slaughtering for the table? Having raised Cornish Rock Cross birds (for my kids' 4-H and personal family use), I absolutely know a culled Marans cockrel at any age, is not going to compare as far a dressout, fleshing, etc., but I'm sure they are very edible nonetheless. In reading on the history of the Marans, I keep seeing reference that French cooks highly prize the meat as well as the eggs. Is that true, or is that more on the lines of promotional hype for the breed?

Charlcie

 

[DMRippy]

I posted some pics on one of the threads of the chicks. I don't have internet right now so it is hard for me to find it. I culled chicks with solids blue or black faces and chicks that had too much white. I kept the ones that were just right. just a little white around the eyes kinda like eye liner. I have one pullet that had too much white at hatch and he has copper hackels and on her breast too. I am going to see if she jolts it out....not tons but some.

I cull at hatch for none feathered legs. lightly feathered stay for a bit. no middle toe feathers either. I am also culling for leg color. it is amazing how many variations there are too. I am culling for what looks good to me and it is that middle to darker color.

 

[Lilwanis]

Hey all, I posted a bunch of pics in the birchen marans thread, wondering if anyone would care to comment? I posted there because it seems to be the appropriate place, but it doesn't get much traffic...so I thought I would try to direct some comments. I hatched/purchased twelve birchen marans. Ten of those are boys. One female had severly crooked toes so she went to be a backyard pet. I have ten boys and one girl. I posted pics of four of the boys with my own thoughts/commentary. They are a month older than the others and are starting to show some features. If there ends up being nothing that is even workable, then that is what it is. I would like to find two boys out of my group that are workable, a starting point. Anyhow, if you would be so kind as to critique my twelve week old boys, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the workable; I would love it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/697180/birchen-marans-thread/100

Thank you for your time.

 

[Lilwanis]

Oh my...did I kill the thread?

 

[Hens and Roos]

Oh my...did I kill the thread?

probably not it's the 4th of July weekend and everyone is probably outside/visiting. Hopefully someone who is working on birchens will stop by and give feedback

 

[Lilwanis]

probably not it's the 4th of July weekend and everyone is probably outside/visiting.  Hopefully someone who is working on birchens will stop by and give feedback

Lol, that makes sense. I was thinking, "Leave it to me to kill the marans thread."

 

[Hens and Roos]

Lol, that makes sense. I was thinking, "Leave it to me to kill the marans thread."

 

[JRivrVue]

Hi there: I am in Tupelo MS and am interested in knowing more about your Sebastapol geese. I am new to the forum. Not new to chickens. I have a hodge podge of chickens. Mostly silkie crosses and don't know my chicken breeds well enough to say what else. Frizzle, frazzles...I have some that I think are quite beautiful. We live on a farm with several barns and I bought two ready made little houses for my chickens. I just like my feathered friends. We do show Bouviers and Westie and have registered goats and horses, but the none of my chickens have papers...same with the cats, but that doesn't mean I don't love and take care of them. I have never posted on a forum so I don't know how this works. Sorry if I have made a huge mess. best, [email protected]

 

[Charlcie]

Thanks. That is interesting to know.

I'm sure my lone cockrel is less than desireable as far as Marans traits and the pullets do not have feathering on the shanks. Right now they are just here for the eggs, but I hope to acquire some nicer hens (and maybe a roo), at the Marans show scheduled for December in Shawnee, OK.

Charlcie