Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Debbi]

I LOVE your style, Wynette!! Too bad so many aren't so forthcoming! I also learned from experience, when they advertise a line with the words "Improved" or "Imported" make sure to ask them just what exactly does that mean! If they don't know or won't tell you, RUN, RUN AWAY!!!

 

[Wynette]

I have also found (sadly) that just because someone SAYS they have a certain line doens't necessarily mean they actually do. I have often send pics of stock that was supposed to be a specific line to the originator of that line to ask if they appear to be from their line. I realize, of course, that once they leave the breeder they can be crossed with any number of different things. And I don't EVER tell the originating breeder where I got the pics from...to me, that's just slimy. But, it does help when I look at birds online and think to myself...gosh, that just doesn't LOOK like that line of bird...most breeders do recognize their stock.

 

[Debbi]

Yes, I've often wondered if people that sell eggs on the auction sites don't actually do searches on places like this and others to garner breeder names to use in their ads/auctions. After looking around at the more prominent breeders' birds, it is pretty easy to see some traits that show up in the birds, while some of them don't. Also, I wouldn't go by any pictures that are listed in auctions either. I would ask the seller to send me some different pics to see if indeed, those are the same birds they are advertising the eggs from! I sell on ebay (not eggs) and have had at least 8 people (the ones I've caught anyway) stealing my pics and some even wordage AND pics! They don't even bother to change anything except their names! All 8 were busted for copyright infringement!

 

[shesaredroan]

Debbi,
You GO GIRL!!! The nerve/stupidity of taking your pics and words.......glad you set them straight!!!
I've wonder about this........people stating what line their birds/eggs are from. Thank you for bringing this subject up.
I believe that's why I've only gotten eggs from BYC members who post over time about their progress or experiences. Over time I start to feel like I know something about my BYC friends by reading their posts and trust them to tell the truth about the eggs they are selling.

 

[snowbird]

When the Black Copper Marans study is started will be back with info. on how to check the results as I proceed.

 

[Debbi]

Good deal, Don! This will be very interesting indeed!

 

[Lotsapaints]

Quote:
What a labor of love thanks so much for all your work some of us will never have the room you do for all those pens. I appreciate your powers of observation really looking forwards to your findings

 

[kathyinmo]

mmmm, never mind ....

 

[snowbird]

Quote:
There are very few people that really care about the Marans type and breeding to a Standard. They are only interested in breeding a chicken that lays dark eggs and could care less what the bird looks like as long as it lays a Dark. To me the egg color is important but also the Marans type is important. Breeding for egg color alone is what has gotten the Marans in the mess they are in now. I guess you can tell I don't like this subject.

Don, I agree with you for the most part - but to say that "there are very few people that really care abou tthe Marans type and breeding to a standard" is just bullhockey. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's my opinion - FWIW.

I don't find a darn thing wrong with folks breeding simply for egg color - and as far as ever seeing Marans advertised that actually comes right out & says they are breeding for egg color only - buyer beware, always. You need to do your research as a customer. Asking lots of questions is a start, and not buying from a breeder that "doesn't have pictures" of their stock is an extremely good practice to follow. I, like Kathy, have spent a good bucket of $ on hatching eggs & stock. I learned quickly that not all "breeders" are in it to improve the breed, and began doing much, much more research before buying. The onus is on the BUYER to do the research. If you end up with crappy birds, sorry, but to me that says you didn't do enough research or ask enough questions.

Wynette, to say that if I bought eggs and the stock turned out to be junk was my fault by not checking the seller out is a pure joke. You can only do so much checking and then it is up the professional egg sellers to make an effort to sell a quality product. Just like all the white feather fowl I have never seen anyone say their fowl produces white feathers unless they slip up and post a picture and then everyone can see. I don't sell eggs so I might have a different take on all of this. This all goes back to what has been said before, raise what you would like and are willing to buy the feed. I ask no one to agree with what I have said as this is just my opinion and we should all be entitled to our own opinion.

 

[ShysCreations]

Thought I'd share a picture of 2 Splash copper marans pullets purchased from a gal in Colo Sprgs. I look forward to their adult plumage and the egg color!