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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.
