Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[biologynerd]

It is in my opinion, because if they are caponized, the meat doesn't get tough and stringy like rooster, so you can let them grow longer and get more meat on their bones, yet have it remain tender.  I have a Marans/Orpington cross that currently weighs 10 1/2 pounds.  He is getting processed.  He was supposed to be Easter dinner, but it didn't work out.

Caponization involves making a small incision between the lower two ribs and removing the testicles from inside the abdomen.

There is a good thread in the meat birds section of the forum that discusses caponizing.  It might be best to go there for some additional information.  The thread is active and is near the top.....Graphic pics of my day learning to caponize....it is full of information, and further conversation might best be done there.

I will have to check that out. Thanks!!!

 

[Wynette]

I think I see what u are talking about. I want to post a pic so that maybe it may be helpful to others too.

Regarding the hackle I always thought it was the area between the "wing blades" so to speak but does it include the neck as well?

Thanks again!
That's a shame that my "bev Davis/ wade jean" chicks are probably not close descendants of that line like I was told.

The hackle is the neck feathering.

Yes, if you click on that picture to enlarge it, can you see the copper "stippling" - it looks like it's sort of sprayed on, in tiny dots? That is mossiness. That area should be solid black.

I hate to hear so much talk about this line and that...folks need to remember that once a bird leaves the original breeder's facility, it truly isn't their any longer. Once the next person makes the decisions on breeding and moves the flock on, it's then THAT breeder's line. While I do feel it's imortant to remember where the line originated in the first place, it's never a good idea to use the line as an excuse that the bird ought to be perfect. Know what I mean?

 

[brlracr624]

I just got 2 Cuckoo Marans. They are only 2 weeks old but I am enjoying them greatly. We are getting ready to build a coop here this weekend and we can't wait.

 

[biologynerd]

The hackle is the neck feathering.

Yes, if you click on that picture to enlarge it, can you see the copper "stippling" - it looks like it's sort of sprayed on, in tiny dots?  That is mossiness.  That area should be solid black.

I hate to hear so much talk about this line and that...folks need to remember that once a bird leaves the original breeder's facility, it truly isn't their any longer.  Once the next person makes the decisions on breeding and moves the flock on, it's then THAT breeder's line.  While I do feel it's imortant to remember where the line originated in the first place, it's never a good idea to use the line as an excuse that the bird ought to be perfect.  Know what I mean?

Thanks Wynette -
I feel like some people advertise those lines to reel people in to buy-

When you are right it could be generations down the line and other birds mixed in.

I am learning a reputable breeder is so important...

One example: a guy selling "purebred bev Davis wade jean marans" claimed his birds were authentic... Well got his eggs and guess what hatched out? A flipping Americana maran mutt! When asked about his Roos he denied it but eventually admitted he traded eggs with a friend who had an Americana roo who jumped the fence in with his maran hens.
So they are trash offspring now if u were trying to find good marans. Fine if u want an Easter egger...

I know this seems like common sense to ask a breeder when they got these original bev Davis chicks or eggs- and where - but for a naive newbie - I didn't think about it.
Now I know....
I don't need perfect but it seems like many breeders on CL falsely advertise.

 

[blackbirds13]

We have a gentleman here that has been selling Cottage Hill Marans since 2011 and now he has other brand names attached to them like James Meeks and Tommy White from 2012. His prices are high and range from $30 to $40 for day old chicks to $100 - $200 for special adults. The photos on his website show a halo on the hackle and the females are too dark so price and name does not guarantee show quality at all when it comes to chickens.

Some of my birds are from the "Wynette" line......

 

[ladycat]

I always get a bit leery when people start stressing certain bloodlines.

I have actual real Wheatens from Bev Davis. I sell their eggs. I have never ever mentioned in any of the ads I've placed that they are Bev Davis bloodlines. In fact, this post might be the first, or perhaps second time I've ever mentioned it any where at all.

 

[Runawaylobster]

Well my birds are the runawaylobster line

 

[ladycat]

Well my birds are the runawaylobster line

All mine are my own lines lol

What I do when I get ready to add a new variety to my flock, I search out 2-4 sources of that variety. I'll keep the most exceptional bloodline separate for a generation or two, and mix the others together (keeping roos from the exceptional line to cross into the mixed flock).

After a couple generations when I have plenty of fabulous breeding stock, they all get mixed together, and those are MINE regardless of where they originated.

Right now I want my next color to be lavender (which of course are experimental at this point) but I'm trying to figure out how to afford some eggs! I may have to get lavender orpingtons and start my own from scratch, but lav orps are also expensive.

 

[McCaskill]

How long does it take a cucko to feather out my pullet is 6-7 weeks old and still has down on the head none of my other chicks do can y'all help me out

 

[gander007]

How long does it take a cucko to feather out my pullet is 6-7 weeks old and still has down on the head none of my other chicks do can y'all help me out

If you want chicks to feather out faster you need to provide a high protein feed like Turkey grow or you can also add a hard boiled egg to their diet the egg really will aid in feather growth just boil up some egg's and remove the shell then mash up egg really good and serve and one a day for a week will make a huge difference in the feather production department ......

if that wont work let me know & if it works let me know .........