Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[poularde]

Wow! I just finished reading this thread. So much to learn. I have two three month old cockerals and five two week old chicks. So far I really enjoy their demeanor. They are right up there with my orpingtons. I will keep up with this thread. I hope I end up with some decent marans. This might be the breed for me.

 

[jeremy]

I'm taking a trip to New York in October!

Are there any Marans breeders up North that will have eggs or chicks?

 

[snowbird]

Quote:
Wait at least until after the 4-6 month molt. The white feathers are the major fault in my Black Copper and I have culled anything with a white area this year and will single mate all and try to find anyone that is producing white feathers and cull.

 

[pinkchick]

Quote:
I notice my birds' eyes usually change right around 5 months or just before POL.

 

[pinkchick]

Rustyswoman~ Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!

Atlchick~ Welcome Back!
I handle my birds ALOT.....mostly the roos and cockerels. I do this starting immediately after hatch, I do not have any mean roosters. I cannot tolerate an aggressive bird no matter what he may look like. Every night upon putting the chickens to bed, I randomly grab a rooster or cockerel, I will hold this roo or cockerel the entire time I am putting everyone else to bed. I tuck them up under my arm and walk around with them petting their necks and bodies. I treat them like I used to treat my horses and work with them so they are not scared of things. For example....if a particular roo doesn't like his comb and wattles messed with, well that is exactly what I will mess with the entire time I carry him around. I don't believe that chickens are stupid, in fact, I think they are quite inquisitive and curious, which in turn, IMO, curiosity and inquisitiveness leads to learning and trust.
I had one Splash Copper roo that would flog the water bucket, and only the water bucket as I was taking it out of the coop to water. If I sat the bucket down, he stopped. Immediately upon picking up the bucket again, he would charge. Now this might sound mean but I assure you he was not hurt in any disciplinary actions, however, it did mean more work for me, but was worth it. I would go in and get the bucket, let him flog the bucket on the way out of the coop, I would refill the bucket and head towards the coop where he could see me coming with it, yep sure enough just like ol' faithful, he would come charging at break neck speed, he would try to go thru the gate to get it lol, and just as fast the full bucket was emptied on him. After about a week of being drenched he finally got the point and stopped flogging the bucket. Silly bird.

Freckle Face Farm~ LOVE THE NEW HANDLE!!!!

Poularde~

from a fellow Washingtonian!

Berk~ I'm like you and love to see the backyards and the chickens together in photos.

 

[flgardengirl]

My roos are all very nice except one lol. I have roos from wheaten, blk copper, blue copper, blue, golden cuckoo marans. The only one that has had an attitude with me is my darkest blue copper (almost black) guy. He went through an adolescent period of stalking me and even attacked me and drew blood a few times. He would actually wait around after the other roos went into thier coop so he could get me in the dark when I guess, he thought he had the best chance of striking me. Little terd!!
He has mellowed out considerably but it has taken some work. I really like his look which is why I put up with him. He lets me pick him up and cuddle him now. He even comes to me to be picked up instead of bite lol.

 

[pinkchick]

Quote:
I also have a very dark blue copper, he looks black too, he is my absolute favorite rooster, just a big baby. He is over a year old now and his behaviors haven't changed since he was young. He is very co-dependent on humans, will sleep in your lap and if he sees you sit down, he's in your lap. He's the one I find myself running and hiding from so that I can get to the front door without him following me.

 

[Wynette]

Quote:
AWE! Sounds like you've worked really hard with this guy - I'm happy to hear this, he sounds like he was worth it!

 

[poularde]

Thank you for the welcome pinkchick. I am very interested in some blue copper hatching eggs.

Please pm me if you will have some available in the next few months or so. This is my first year with rosters and I have a small variety of different breeds. So far my black coppers and my blue orpington are the friendliest. I am handling them everyday so far.

 

[pinkchick]

Hi!
PM sent and please disregard the silly question.....I could have just looked up and read it.........'duh!!!!

They are a friendly breed IMO.