Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

I thought I hatched 2 FBCM Roos because the smaller chicks comb and wattles had developed before the larger chick. But as days go by, she seems to be rounding out and her brother's comb has surpassed hers and has wonderful coloring on back and tail already. Just looking for confirmation of my thoughts I guess. They are 10 weeks old now.


She is on the left.

Here she is again, kind of blurry.

My handsome Fella!

Here is a side view. She has a lot of blue casting on her back and wings and tail. What do you think, Hen I hope.
 
I thought I hatched 2 FBCM Roos because the smaller chicks comb and wattles had developed before the larger chick. But as days go by, she seems to be rounding out and her brother's comb has surpassed hers and has wonderful coloring on back and tail already. Just looking for confirmation of my thoughts I guess. They are 10 weeks old now.


She is on the left.

Here she is again, kind of blurry.

My handsome Fella!

Here is a side view. She has a lot of blue casting on her back and wings and tail. What do you think, Hen I hope.
I think these are both cockerels and the one with more hackle coloring looks to have comb sprigs. He should not be used for breeding if those are sprigs. Post a close up of the back of his comb so we can see it better.
 
I thought I hatched 2 FBCM Roos because the smaller chicks comb and wattles had developed before the larger chick. But as days go by, she seems to be rounding out and her brother's comb has surpassed hers and has wonderful coloring on back and tail already. Just looking for confirmation of my thoughts I guess. They are 10 weeks old now.


She is on the left.

Here she is again, kind of blurry.

My handsome Fella!

Here is a side view. She has a lot of blue casting on her back and wings and tail. What do you think, Hen I hope.
 
I think these are both cockerels and the one with more hackle coloring looks to have comb sprigs. He should not be used for breeding if those are sprigs. Post a close up of the back of his comb so we can see it better.

Ok, I will get a pic and post but what are comb sprigs?
 
Ok, I will get a pic and post but what are comb sprigs?

They are small points on the comb that point out sideways. They can be anywhere on the comb but are frequently on the blade. Hard to describe but once you see one, you will know. They are a disqualification for showing in any breed except the Penedescenda. There are recessive genes for sprigs, so both parents have to have them genetically in order for it to express in the offspring. So one bird could carry but not show it, which is why the trait is so hard to get rid of. Breed one with sprigs and pretty soon your bird's offspring will be overloaded with them. Best to raise that boy up big enough to make a meal and don't sell him to someone else who might breed him down the road.
 
They are small points on the comb that point out sideways. They can be anywhere on the comb but are frequently on the blade. Hard to describe but once you see one, you will know. They are a disqualification for showing in any breed except the Penedescenda. There are recessive genes for sprigs, so both parents have to have them genetically in order for it to express in the offspring. So one bird could carry but not show it, which is why the trait is so hard to get rid of. Breed one with sprigs and pretty soon your bird's offspring will be overloaded with them. Best to raise that boy up big enough to make a meal and don't sell him to someone else who might breed him down the road.

Ok you were correct. He does have a side sprig on his left side. I tried to get a pic but it was like he knew I was looking at his flaw, lol. He wouldn't hold still. I feel so bad because he is a big sweetheart and flaw and all, sooo handsome! I am a little upset, because I ordered this birds egg from a small poultry farm that was mentioned on a very popular FB page. I think once I get a decent pic, I will be sending it to them to let them know, especially since I am sure I am not the only one ordering from them. But I would hate to have their job of trying to figure out what chickens it is, that has the recessive genes. Thanks for noticing and for all the info, this is why I love this site.
 
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