Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[taterdee]

Im sure at only 12 Weeks the white feather will molt out. The bird probably hasnt even finished its last juv molt.

And it looks to me that its a Golden Cuckoo Pullet. But to be honest Im a new to anything Cuckoo.

Thanks. I really liked the bird whatever it was, but unfortunately something attacked it this afternoon! I have no idea how people free range...

 

[KsKingBee]

We free range, I just keep a shotgun and rifle handy at all times. So far it is the little birds that get eaten by the predators. I had one hawk that got two of my birds before he died of lead poisoning. For the first time in my life I saw a 'flock' of hawks, there must have been nearly fifty of them moving down the creek, I was on high alert all day after seeing that! I suppose that this winter when the eagles and hawks move in from up north we will have to keep the chickens contained all day. Interesting fact I learned this year; owls raise their young in January and February, Having them needing to feed those young at that time will put even more pressure on the chickens and me.

 

[Broad St Farm]

N

We free range, I just keep a shotgun and rifle handy at all times.  So far it is the little birds that get eaten by the predators.  I had one hawk that got two of my birds before he died of lead poisoning.  For the first time in my life I saw a 'flock' of hawks, there must have been nearly fifty of them moving down the creek, I was on high alert all day after seeing that!  I suppose that this winter when the eagles and hawks move in from up north we will have to keep the chickens contained all day.  Interesting fact I learned this year; owls raise their young in January and February,  Having them needing to feed those young at that time will put even more pressure on the chickens and me.

Not to insult your intelligence but what you saw was probably turkey buzzards. They are huge and black and they fly and glide in huge groups. I have not ever heard of hawks flying in huge numbers. They are typically anti social.

 

[KsKingBee]

No insult Broad St Farm, but I am fully familiar with buzzards and these were no buzzards. These were birds of prey and about two thirds the size of buzzards, the undersides appeared to be Coopers or Kites. As I said this was a sight I have never before seen on our farm or anywhere else in my sixty+ years and hope to never again. BTW the buzzards were thick here until the cold front came through on the 18th, they seem to be totally gone for now.

It really amazes me how the fowl know the difference between buzzards, crows and hawks. It is as though they are instinctively born knowing the difference. Only when a hawk flies over do they run for cover.

 

[MandyFitch]

We free range, I just keep a shotgun and rifle handy at all times. So far it is the little birds that get eaten by the predators. I had one hawk that got two of my birds before he died of lead poisoning. For the first time in my life I saw a 'flock' of hawks, there must have been nearly fifty of them moving down the creek, I was on high alert all day after seeing that! I suppose that this winter when the eagles and hawks move in from up north we will have to keep the chickens contained all day. Interesting fact I learned this year; owls raise their young in January and February, Having them needing to feed those young at that time will put even more pressure on the chickens and me.

 

[ladycat]

FYI a flock of hawks is called a kettle.

http://animals.pawnation.com/hawks-flock-5912.html

 

[Henrietta2]

No insult Broad St Farm, but I am fully familiar with buzzards and these were no buzzards.  These were birds of prey and about two thirds the size of buzzards, the undersides appeared to be Coopers or Kites.  As I said this was a sight I have never before seen on our farm or anywhere else in my sixty+ years and hope to never again.  BTW the buzzards  were thick here until the cold front came through on the 18th, they seem to be totally gone for now.

It really amazes me how the fowl know the difference between buzzards, crows and hawks.  It is as though they are instinctively born knowing the difference.  Only when a hawk flies over do they run for cover.

Hawks and other smart raptors generally raise two clutches; their previous clutch helps take care of their younger siblings, so it could have been a family you saw. The "teenagers" are typically noisy.

 

[BLT79]

our Maran eggs!


I don't know why, but this maran's comb is bigger than her two sisters who are the same age!

 

[maryhysong]

our Maran eggs!


I don't know why, but this maran's comb is bigger than her two sisters who are the same age!

Awesome! would LOVE to have some girls with even half that much color on them! Maybe it's just because she's in lay?

 

[BLT79]

Awesome! would LOVE to have some girls with even half that much color on them! Maybe it's just because she's in lay?

no idea to be honest! this is our first year with chickens! But I am loving every minute of it! they are the greatest group of chickens. also have a EE roo and a cuckoo maran/rir mix hen! Thank you!