Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Wynette]

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So maybe Bertha is... Bert? Sad day!

I think due to all of the confusion, I'll hold on to this chick for awhile longer, my other young cockerel culls are going to new homes this weekend.

I don't ever think it's a bad idea to hang onto them for awhile to see how they mature. I rarely make a decision until they're at LEAST 6 months old, especially with my Marans and Jersey Giants. With some breeds, they do SO darn much changing prior to then, it would be a shame to let one go earlier than that - JMO!

Beekercat - I actually do prefer clean shanked breeds, but keep feathered for the Marans due to breeding toward the proposed standard.

 

[math ace]

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ABSOLUTELY - - - REMOVE HIM FROM THE SMALL PULLETS. IT took my roo over a month to get his technique down pat and he had bigger hens to practice on. He still managed to damage their combs and rip out saddle feathers. I separated my boy from the girls during the day and then let him hang out with them in the evening to roost and in the morning to crow. That way he didn't have as much opportunity to wear them out.

Your boy is just too BIG and the girls need a chance to get some meat on their bones. Are you girls LARGE breeds or are they going to stay small ? ? ? My roo is still too big for my EE's and Leghorns. They complain anytime he thinks about visiting them . . . The girls with Junk in their Trunks (Wyandottes and Marans ) have no problem with him . . .

It is going to take 2 - 3 months for him to sow some oats and mature so that he is not constantly on them. During that time, make sure you are picking him up and stroking him and talking to him. You want him under control and respecting you so that he doesn't turn aggressive and mean towards you. He is going to be BIG . . . . with spurs . . . . and QUICK . . . . and . . . . etc.

 

[snowbird]

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This is a male for sure.

What makes you say that snowbird? It seems like this chick has the thread divided,

I can only speak for myself and experience. Definitely a male.

 

[geebs]

I does have thick legs... That is a fact... maybe it is a transvestite??? It definetly possesses both hen and rooster qualities... If it get saddle color... then male.. Probably won't be too long till we know... I am an optimist so I am still rooting for the hen.

This is exactly why one waits till they are much older to cull... I still have my hennyroo... She is a good looking rooster who lays a consistant 7 at this time of the year...Not a complaint one about that kind of rooster.

 

[littledel]

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ABSOLUTELY - - - REMOVE HIM FROM THE SMALL PULLETS. IT took my roo over a month to get his technique down pat and he had bigger hens to practice on. He still managed to damage their combs and rip out saddle feathers. I separated my boy from the girls during the day and then let him hang out with them in the evening to roost and in the morning to crow. That way he didn't have as much opportunity to wear them out.

Your boy is just too BIG and the girls need a chance to get some meat on their bones. Are you girls LARGE breeds or are they going to stay small ? ? ? My roo is still too big for my EE's and Leghorns. They complain anytime he thinks about visiting them . . . The girls with Junk in their Trunks (Wyandottes and Marans ) have no problem with him . . .

It is going to take 2 - 3 months for him to sow some oats and mature so that he is not constantly on them. During that time, make sure you are picking him up and stroking him and talking to him. You want him under control and respecting you so that he doesn't turn aggressive and mean towards you. He is going to be BIG . . . . with spurs . . . . and QUICK . . . . and . . . . etc.

He is a very nice bird and not aggressive at all, just big. I am moving him to a different pen for a while that has larger pullets and three other roos that are a big as he is. This should settle him down a bit. I do plan to try and spend more time with all the birds, but right now I can hardly walk for them getting around my feet, him included. He is a Black Copper marans of the Jeane line.

 

[math ace]

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I hear you. My pullets have almost tripped me twice today alone. Everybody laughs will they see how much these birds flock to me. I fell like pied piper !

 

[shelleyb1969]

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[geebs]

okay here is what Geebs pen yielded today.. I have had a pretty good week with this hen.. She is a year old and this is the fourth egg this week.. That is good for her/him.

Not bad for a rooster!!! he he

This eggie is going to the fair!!! he he... I hope she keeps producing. This time of year the heat stops the production. We would like another 4 or 5 to round out the dozen... Go WONKA!!!! The hens name is Hers/he Get it.. Hershey.. ha ha.. her and he... Okay I am my own island today...!!!

 

[Germaine_11.20]

OH.... I don't know why I thought your bird was older Math Ace. If it is only 7 weeks old then no, it wouldn't have much of a wattle yet. Or saddle or hackles! The tail says roo. Yes the thick legs say roo and the early color too.

Sorry I must have been thinking or Urban's 13 week old.

 

[cfd chickens]

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Brenda, the pictures are of the ones from Green Fire Farms - - right?
Did you get them from eggs you hatched or did you get shipped chicks ? ?

Math Ace,

I purchased them as day-old chicks. $200 with shipping. They're starting to look better every day. I've got a couple nicer looking cockerels and pullets.
Brenda