Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[snowbird]

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Do you hatch out many that start out with the brown? How common is it? Do you find it more in one line than another?

The only brown chick I have ever hatched were from eggs I bought. In total I would say about five dozen eggs. I still have one cock bird because he has very good type and looks very nice. I would never use him for a breeder though. I plan on using him for some pictures soon as he is done molting. I promised a youg lady some pictures of different faults and good points on the Marans, she has a large group of pictures setup at the MCC table. Bev Davis knows who I am refering to.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Here are a few when he was about 2 months younger. The second picture doesn't show much white but it is peeking out.

And these were taken about 3 weeks or so ago. I tried to get as many shots as possible of the white.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

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Do you hatch out many that start out with the brown? How common is it? Do you find it more in one line than another?

The only brown chick I have ever hatched were from eggs I bought. In total I would say about five dozen eggs. I still have one cock bird because he has very good type and looks very nice. I would never use him for a breeder though. I plan on using him for some pictures soon as he is done molting. I promised a youg lady some pictures of different faults and good points on the Marans, she has a large group of pictures setup at the MCC table. Bev Davis knows who I am refering to.

Snowbird, when you say "brown" do you mean mossy? And once again, thank you.

 

[Wynette]

Germaine, the one with white - I would most definitely not use. It will only get worse as he ages. I had one that began just like that...I was just sick about it, becusae he was correct in every way. I could be wrong on this, but an older breeder of Marans told me that this occurs when there has been a Cuckoo used in crosses early on.

 

[shelleyb1969]

Okay...I went out and checked the 6 Maran chicks that hatched yesterday. And IF the toe-sexing-thingy actually holds true, I may have 4 pullets and 2 roos. And boy are these chicks heavyweights for being just hatched...little chunksters.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

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Good Morning Wynette,

There are actually two of them, brothers. It does make me sick, but I would rather know now. I would really be grateful if someone could tell me genetically WHY this happened, unless it is such a mix of things that the actual reason isn't known.

These birds were so genetically messed up. The whole hatch had issues, with high mossiness and fused toes. These two roos were the last of the chicks left.

Shelley--that is wonderful. Keep us posted and let us know if it works ok?

 

[Wynette]

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Okay, here's what I see.
#1 - tail angle much too high, comb has too many points, lack of shank featheirng. I personally like his coloring, and he has good eye color. He appears to be tall, hopefully he'll fill out more.

#2 - tail angle is better, although it looks a bit short, but again, it's too early to make a determination in that rea. comb has too many points, lack of shank feathering. He has good eye color. He looks the most balanced overall of the 3 to me, but it's very early to tell that. His size appears to be good - he actually looks a bit more filled out to me that #1 (?)

#3 - This guy has the best tail IMO, and he's fairly balanced. His shank feathering is fine. Can't really see his comb that well, eye appears to be good but it's difficult to see in this pic. I like his coloring.

Overall, if these were mine and I absolutely had to make a choice based on these pics, I'd keep #3.

Oh - just looked at your 4-month old - I like him better than the other 3 younger ones. I personally prefer his coloring, and he has a super nice, broad chest (which we can't tell from the 3 younger boys) - his shank feathering is okay, not optimum, but decent, and I think he has 5 points in his comb, and good eye color. His tail may be just a hair high, but that could be because he raised it due to shyness of getting his pic taken or something.

The pullets...I would personally not use. They have too much hackle color for my personal liking, and too much of it. Again, just me, though. Thanks for posting pics!!!

 

[Wynette]

Germaine, I feel for you, and I know exactly how you feel. I thought I had a wonderful example of the breed, then I began to notice that white underneath...I chose to ignore it for awhile, then...noticed actual feathers growing in white in my guy's tail. Sigh. I was just sick, as he was my ONLY roo and from a good line. But, these things happen. Maybe Bev will pop in at some point point & help us understand how it happens.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Thanks Wynette. I made some delicious Chicken Burritos last night with green enchilada sauce and black beans. What should I make with these guys? LOL

 

[shelleyb1969]

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I believe a recipe is in order, ma'am!

How about some Maranchiladas?