Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[ThatFarmerChick]

I'm in north Texas and our weather is all over the place. It alternates between hot, freezing, rain, snow, and sun. I think it has everyone confused. It has ME confused.

But I'm up to about 8 or 10 eggs a day now. Hopefully most of them will be laying pretty soon. Especially after Christmas when the days start getting longer.

I know exactly what you mean. We have not had snow, but all of the other types of weather. I am in MD near the ocean. I remember having snow and freezing temps through the 1980s here. The blades of grass would be incased in ice as walked out to catch the bus. Now a day ranges from 40° to somewhere in the 70s. We have been blessed enough to still get eggs from a friend that has RIR. They are producing more than their business requires.

 

[NTBugtraq]

Does anyone else think there might be value in splitting this thread? On the one hand you have purebreds strictly for being best of breed, and on the other hand there's the great traits of Marans (their egg colors, flavor of meat). Seems to me, the "Marans" thread is just about breeding, yet there is culling, selling, restocking, and so many more things to talk about. Should that be a different thread? One that doesn't take away from this one, but perhaps let more people talk?

Cheers,
Russ

 

[maryhysong]

Does anyone else think there might be value in splitting this thread? On the one hand you have purebreds strictly for being best of breed, and on the other hand there's the great traits of Marans (their egg colors, flavor of meat). Seems to me, the "Marans" thread is just about breeding, yet there is culling, selling, restocking, and so many more things to talk about. Should that be a different thread? One that doesn't take away from this one, but perhaps let more people talk?

Cheers,
Russ

to me those are all a part of breeding so nice to have it all in one place.

 

[maryhysong]

I solved the no electric problem with mega amounts of 12 gauge extension cords. I think I had to run about 200-250 feet. Not the best option, but it has been working.

would run up my electric too much I think and that has become my second biggest bill after water in the summer. However! I do have a bunch of solar yard lights..... just wondering if I have enough to get it bright enough to make a difference. Ah well if not then I will just wait for them to get busy when the days get longer

 

[NTBugtraq]

So its ok to talk about killing Marans here? Cause I gotta kill 2 generations.

 

[estamets]

So its ok to talk about killing Marans here? Cause I gotta kill 2 generations.

Why?

 

[desertmarcy]

would run up my electric too much I think and that has become my second biggest bill after water in the summer. However! I do have a bunch of solar yard lights..... just wondering if I have enough to get it bright enough to make a difference. Ah well if not then I will just wait for them to get busy when the days get longer

I use compact fluorescents, they don't use that much electricity and they are only on for 3 hours in the morning. And a couple of light timers. Not sure about the solar lights, if they would be bright enough. I sure have noticed the difference in egg production, especially the older hens.

 

[NTBugtraq]

My hens are not marans, they're "Frey's Special Dual Purpose", some cross with red sex-link. So to get my layers to maran layers, I gotta get to 3rd generation.

My rooster is an awesome BCM.

 

[bamadude]

Choot em

 

[bigshawn]

Loooool, ^^^^^^^