Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[geebs]

He is 2 1/2 or 3... somewhere in there... I would have to go look.. He is mature though... He was a throwaway that I just held onto... Just in case... (not first choice)... but he has turned out to be just what I needed... Funny how stuff works out.. He wouldn't have been my top pick last year but this year's offspring proved me wrong... I consulted an expert about what hens to use...

 

[pinkchick]

Yeah..it sure is funny how things do work out. Have you shared any photos of his offspring yet?

I've decided to have one flock of just BCM's, which as you know I haven't focused on them, just kept them for the bue pen. I like the offspring of the BCM hen crossed with a Blue Copper roo better than any of the other crosses that one can do to acheive blue or splash which ever the preference may be. The BCM x Blue Copper offspring have proven to lay a darker egg every time and they have more crisp blue in the body, with nice crisp lacing, IMO. I have found the blues created from blue to blue, splash to splash, or blue to splash mating have been more muted blues but still very pretty, and have also found that egg color has lightened with those matings offspring. I have also narrowed down the 2 roos and some pullets that I felt may have contributed to that factor. They now live in the laying flock. Bev once shared with me that she found the lighter blues to be the ones that may have the best copper, I have also found this true, but have noticed that these are the blues that are have been produced from the latter matings as previously stated above. You win one, you lose one, but they sure are fun. It's all about baby steps.
Anyway, back to the Black Coppers, I am going to focus on those as well now since in my experience I have found that the black coppers play a very important roll in what I am looking to acheive in my blues and are an absolute must to have around. So since I didn't really focus much on the BCM's before, I must say that I have tons to learn and am very much appreciating everyone's input and experiences with them and everyone's willingness to share, helps me out like you guys don't even know. This BYC place is kinda AWESOME!

 

[Wynette]

geebs - I've been looking & looking at your boy. To me, he has a bit too much copper color (though it sounds like you've found a good "use" for that trait!), and his tail could be fuller. I do prefer thicker shank feathering, but it seems like many folks either trim, or the pics just aren't showing the shank feathering well. Comb is a bit large in balance with his head; does he have white primaries? I see a tiny hint peeking out in the 2nd pic...? What I do really like about him is his chest - man, that's one broad boy! Do you know his weight?

 

[geebs]

Yes... my best pullets... They are ooobernice so far... I will repost if no one mind the repeat.... If you do ... just ignore it... I am simply BRAGGING MY HEAD OFF!!! ha ha ha... (I am in rare form today folks) My mare just survived a terrible colick that I thought she wouldn't... been long week.

 

[geebs]

Ya that comb is aweful isn't it.. ha ha... I was breeding for hens so hopefully my rooster lot will look better... I have some nice prospects, however I am not going to post because ya never know until they are mature.. He is actually not a Large rooster.. he just has substance... I like that in a chicken..especially a dual purpose bird... Thanks for the input... He is overly copper but it pencilled (thanks to advice from an old master.. you know who you are)... and my pullets from him and the proper cross mating are really pleasing to me. I haven't made selections for next year's crop yet. I am in a holding pattern...waiting for maturity...

 

[Wynette]

Geebs, how old is the pullet in that pic? She's nice!

 

[geebs]

She is about 5 1/2 months

 

[shelleyb1969]

I've been lurking in this thread for a very long time, and I think I finally have mustered up the courage to post. I'll be totally honest...I know zilch about the Maran breed as a whole, but I'm learning A LOT from all of you wonderfully helpful and knowledgeable folks. I just want to say that in my opinion, the Marans breeders in this thread are the most willing to share group of folks in BYC. You all are not afraid to be critiqued, to share opinions, and pass on any and all info about your beloved breed. My hat's off to all of you.

And to have the infamous Bev Davis among us...all I can say is WOW!!!

And now that all of my gushing is out of the way

...can I please get some feedback on my pullet? Please don't hold back. I'm a big girl and can handle whatever is said. Everyone is posting pics of their roosters, so I thought that it was time to get a lesson on the ladies, too.

Edited to remove pics due to lack of response.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

I think he is wonderful. If you get a chance I would love to see how much gold flecking he has on his chest. He looks to be big! And his tail-- that was a great example of what a tail should be.

Is that considered 45 degree? I know my roos is much higher. Rats.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Quote:
I think she is beautiful. Can't see a thing I would change.