Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[LadyCedar]

I am quite content with the 20 Rhode Island Reds we picked up from a Mennonite Farm a couple nights ago....beautiful birds, and beautiful rusty brown eggs!
I agree with the issues of speaking kindly to all people. I didn't enjoy hanging out with some "horsey" folk over the years, the snobbery was intolerable, would sure hate to see that attitude here...this group/site has always stuck in my mind and heart as one of the friendliest places to visit....hope we can keep it that way! Anyways, time to let "The Girls" out to play, have a great day folks!

 

[ChellFeesh]

I wanted to incorporate some new Marans into my existing flock. Had 5 hatch yesterday and 3 of them have fused toes. I researched and found this can occur often in breeds with feathered feet. I also found some useful information for separating the toes. I am thinking of just giving them away to someone who would just want a pet-quality bird and who may have the time to take care of their special needs. My main concern is this: Is it safe to assume that the other two with the toes that look fine probably carry this gene as well?

 

[JackieandChicks]

My Wheaten had crooked toes but it's was the tendons -




Did the sandals - which "she" promptly got off so I went straight to surgical tape (she kept walking in her water and even bandaids fell off)



And just took these off and now she has straight toes...




I actually enjoyed helping her.

 

[DMRippy]

My Wheaten had crooked toes but it's was the tendons -




Did the sandals - which "she" promptly got off so I went straight to surgical tape (she kept walking in her water and even bandaids fell off)



And just took these off and now she has straight toes...




I actually enjoyed helping her.

That chick looks to be over a week old is it? If it is I would be VERY worried about those yellow legs.

 

[JackieandChicks]

They are actually a bit irritated as this is the first time they saw daylight since hatching and have had tape on them for 10 days.. Yes just 11 days old. Someone I know gave me the eggs to try hatching; I have another from her other hen, too. The parents are culls from a breeder in Michigan so they may not be the best quality. She's just for eggs, not exhibition.

 

[Ihilani Coffee]

I wanted to incorporate some new Marans into my existing flock. Had 5 hatch yesterday and 3 of them have fused toes. I researched and found this can occur often in breeds with feathered feet. I also found some useful information for separating the toes. I am thinking of just giving them away to someone who would just want a pet-quality bird and who may have the time to take care of their special needs. My main concern is this: Is it safe to assume that the other two with the toes that look fine probably carry this gene as well?

Do you have photos?

 

[ChellFeesh]

These are some photos I took of the webbing on the feet. The one chick just had webbing between two of the toes. Two of the other chicks had webbing that pulled the middle toe down as it grew and now that toe is severely curved.

I had someone tell me this was caused by fluctuations in incubation temperatures. I am using a Brinsea with 2 thermometers and temperatures seemed to stay right on target. I also hatched 5 Barnevelders and 4 Barred Rocks who all have perfect feet. Upon further research, I have found that this webbing issue is sometimes common with birds with feathered feet. I had not heard of it previously.

I found some information on how to separate the toes with manicure scissors and took the initiative to get that done yesterday. I tried to make corrective shoes for the two chicks with the severely curled middle toe, but the toe is just so curved I can't find anything that will stay put.

I have marked these three chicks for use in my egg layer flock, but I am wondering if the other two that hatched could be carrying the gene that causes this deformity. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

[Free2BMe2798]

Hello everyone! Would you please critic these two cockerels?

9wk old Splash Copper

And this 12wk old BCM

I'm very think skinned so don't worry about me taking offense. I am new to Marans and just want to know if these boys have any sort of potential in a breeding program.

 

[JackieandChicks]

That chick looks to be over a week old is it? If it is I would be VERY worried about those yellow legs.

Okay, what about the yellow? The person who has the parents says that it seems if they have yellow from what she's hatched they are 'roos. Is that what you mean? Thanks!

 

[DMRippy]

 
That chick looks to be over a week old is it?  If it is I would be VERY worried about those yellow legs.

  
Okay, what about the yellow?  The person who has the parents says that it seems if they have yellow from what she's hatched they are 'roos.  Is that what you mean?  Thanks!

Yellow skin is recessive and takes 2 copies to express Marans shouldn't have yellow skin it is not a sex link trait so the fact that they are roos is just dumb luck.