Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!
- Thread starter Wynette
- Start date
Well yesterday was exciting, chicken-wise anyway, around here. Seems like at 7-8 weeks the young ones all decide to dictate a major pecking order here amongst themselves. Roy and Clyde did the same thing, and got into some pretty bloody battles, where I had to physically untangle them. So yesterday, two of Pink's babies got into it. The instigator was Billie, a supposed pullet, with the definate cockerel JR. I mean feathers being yanked, and she bloodied his face pretty good. I went in to break it up by picking her up and holding her for a bit while I walked around. She calmed down after I talked with her awhile, so I put her down. She barely had her feet on the ground, when she lunged after him again!
, no one else, just JR. Soooo, little miss Billie bad arse, got herself put in the coop, alone, for a time out. I left her in there for an hour or so. In the meantime, JR got out of his pen, and as the others were all out in the yard, he ran out the gate of the main run. He's freaking out, running and screaming. I'm trying to get around him to herd him back in, because here comes the flock. The roos I can verbally scold, and they will back off, but the pullets, NO way! Then here comes Pip. He runs over to JR and gets between him and the maurauding terrorist hens. At first, I thought he was going in for the kill, but I watched in amazement, when he gently guided JR, now terrified, back into the run. Pip just slowly, but closely walked behind him, clucking to him all the way. Wow! I was so impressed with Pip! Jr went back in his little pen, and all was right with the world...for the time being.
Then a storm looked to be approaching, so I got all chooks back in the run. Well, the storm never appeared, but as I looked out the kitchen window, I noticed Pip in the chick pen!
None of the big birds have ever flown up over the 4 foot fence to either go in or out of that pen. But here is Pip, gleefully eating and scratching along with the chicklets. The chicks may have started fighting again and I didn't notice. Pip is quite the peace keeper in the bunch, and will break up all squabbles, (and some matings if the hens are really squawking), despite knowing he may get his butt kicked by the two dark boys. He may have his redeeming qualities afterall. Everyone is calm this morning, thankfully. Had to open my mouth yesterday and say that little Bump has never uttered a word! This morning, he was in the coop practicing his best, garbled crow!
Ahhh...chickens
Oh, I also built a top fence curtain on the chick pen so no one is flying in or out now!
Then a storm looked to be approaching, so I got all chooks back in the run. Well, the storm never appeared, but as I looked out the kitchen window, I noticed Pip in the chick pen!
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Sorry Sib..just realized I missed some reading in your post.
They are still very functional and you should see no difference in them except the outer toe, but if a person is breeding to standard if that is their desire, then the shorter toed chicks would not be used for breeding because it can pass on. But then again, there are peeps like me who may find or see that the bird has WAY TOO MUCH MORE to offer when crossed with another good bird. Me, I would put my money on the roulette table, spin the wheel and breed them to see what I get...BUT THAT IS JUST ME. I don't let one little minor thing stop me if I think I can improve the next generation of offspring...especially a short outer toe. (I know I'm going to get flack for that last statement.....but I am the type of person that believes that we won't know the outcome...unless we try it! If we don't like it when we see the results.........we simply just stop and try another angle.
)
As they mature you will see the toes do gain some length as they grow out, but they will still be a little on the shorter side.
Sorry Sib..just realized I missed some reading in your post.
They are still very functional and you should see no difference in them except the outer toe, but if a person is breeding to standard if that is their desire, then the shorter toed chicks would not be used for breeding because it can pass on. But then again, there are peeps like me who may find or see that the bird has WAY TOO MUCH MORE to offer when crossed with another good bird. Me, I would put my money on the roulette table, spin the wheel and breed them to see what I get...BUT THAT IS JUST ME. I don't let one little minor thing stop me if I think I can improve the next generation of offspring...especially a short outer toe. (I know I'm going to get flack for that last statement.....but I am the type of person that believes that we won't know the outcome...unless we try it! If we don't like it when we see the results.........we simply just stop and try another angle.
As they mature you will see the toes do gain some length as they grow out, but they will still be a little on the shorter side.
Quote:
That would be a pullet I'm thinking the Cuckoo crossed with a Black Copper....solid brown is a cull no barring and Village is right there are so many things bred into the Goldens who knows what you have until you hatch out lots. Even in the Cuckoos people mix in stuff for egg color and feathered shanks you just have to be prepared to cull hard and don't get too mad at a seller because unless they developed the line themselves they wouldn't know what's mixed up in them. Lately I've thought about just starting my own Goldens for that very reason but then who knows what lurks in the Cuckoos? Never boring hatching out chicks from any Marans...
Thanks for the help! Basically the seller said about the same. Her roo throws all.
Anyone who says that has no business selling eggs without a disclaimer that you're getting "Forrest Gump box of chocolate" eggs. It takes more than a "roo that throws all" to make funky colored chicks - the hens have to have some stray genes as well. Sounds like someone who doesn't really know what they're talking about.
That would be a pullet I'm thinking the Cuckoo crossed with a Black Copper....solid brown is a cull no barring and Village is right there are so many things bred into the Goldens who knows what you have until you hatch out lots. Even in the Cuckoos people mix in stuff for egg color and feathered shanks you just have to be prepared to cull hard and don't get too mad at a seller because unless they developed the line themselves they wouldn't know what's mixed up in them. Lately I've thought about just starting my own Goldens for that very reason but then who knows what lurks in the Cuckoos? Never boring hatching out chicks from any Marans...
Thanks for the help! Basically the seller said about the same. Her roo throws all.
Anyone who says that has no business selling eggs without a disclaimer that you're getting "Forrest Gump box of chocolate" eggs. It takes more than a "roo that throws all" to make funky colored chicks - the hens have to have some stray genes as well. Sounds like someone who doesn't really know what they're talking about.
Morning Everyone!!!!!!
Hoping everyone is seeing the big beautiful yellow ball in the sky this morning. It's just starting to show it's face over the hills here and what a glorious sight! I love watching the sun come up....can't help it.
Give me some sunny days!
Debbi~ Bill is the same way with chicks or younger birds as Pip. He loves chicks and juvies. Most often when putting the younger birds out on the grass area for the birdies I will let Bill out to babysit them. I don't let any of the girls out when doing this....just Bill..the girls can be mean, except Isabelle, but I rehomed her last fall and boy do I miss her talking and clucking to me... but her daughter Charmin has taken the chatter job on, but no such luck with babysitting.
CP~ Your Blue Copper boy is GREAT! At just 20 weeks my friend you may still see him get some copper in his wing bow. Can't wait to see him in another 6 mos.
So the Marans babies that I hatched out from you are living with a VERY SPECIAL friend of mine. When she came over to visit one day after they hatched.......she fell in love with them. I am such a softy I let her take them home. They are being loved and cared for like you wouldn't believe....SPOILED ROTTEN is more like it. When she is out of school for the summer (she's a teacher) she will have more time to send me some photos...I will share when I get them.
The BLRW's are WONDERFUL! They are soooooooo pretty. I must get photos for you. I think I have 3 roos and 2 pullets....I think.
The splash are my favorites!
Hoping everyone is seeing the big beautiful yellow ball in the sky this morning. It's just starting to show it's face over the hills here and what a glorious sight! I love watching the sun come up....can't help it.
Debbi~ Bill is the same way with chicks or younger birds as Pip. He loves chicks and juvies. Most often when putting the younger birds out on the grass area for the birdies I will let Bill out to babysit them. I don't let any of the girls out when doing this....just Bill..the girls can be mean, except Isabelle, but I rehomed her last fall and boy do I miss her talking and clucking to me... but her daughter Charmin has taken the chatter job on, but no such luck with babysitting.
CP~ Your Blue Copper boy is GREAT! At just 20 weeks my friend you may still see him get some copper in his wing bow. Can't wait to see him in another 6 mos.
The BLRW's are WONDERFUL! They are soooooooo pretty. I must get photos for you. I think I have 3 roos and 2 pullets....I think.
Quote:
Thanks for the help! Basically the seller said about the same. Her roo throws all.
Anyone who says that has no business selling eggs without a disclaimer that you're getting "Forrest Gump box of chocolate" eggs. It takes more than a "roo that throws all" to make funky colored chicks - the hens have to have some stray genes as well. Sounds like someone who doesn't really know what they're talking about.
I kinda thought the same thing.
It's definetly a lesson learned!!
Thanks for the help! Basically the seller said about the same. Her roo throws all.
Anyone who says that has no business selling eggs without a disclaimer that you're getting "Forrest Gump box of chocolate" eggs. It takes more than a "roo that throws all" to make funky colored chicks - the hens have to have some stray genes as well. Sounds like someone who doesn't really know what they're talking about.
I kinda thought the same thing.
Quote:
You need to ask more questions before you buy as Don says it's not right what some people sell as Marans. The longer you hang out here the better questions you can ask or even by looking at pictures of someones stock get an idea. I see Goldens for sale that are certainly a "project" a few are more polished but still work. I'm still learning about mine and keep working on improving them they are beautiful but have many parts to work on..
You need to ask more questions before you buy as Don says it's not right what some people sell as Marans. The longer you hang out here the better questions you can ask or even by looking at pictures of someones stock get an idea. I see Goldens for sale that are certainly a "project" a few are more polished but still work. I'm still learning about mine and keep working on improving them they are beautiful but have many parts to work on..
Quote:
Sorry Sib..just realized I missed some reading in your post.
They are still very functional and you should see no difference in them except the outer toe, but if a person is breeding to standard if that is their desire, then the shorter toed chicks would not be used for breeding because it can pass on. But then again, there are peeps like me who may find or see that the bird has WAY TOO MUCH MORE to offer when crossed with another good bird. Me, I would put my money on the roulette table, spin the wheel and breed them to see what I get...BUT THAT IS JUST ME. I don't let one little minor thing stop me if I think I can improve the next generation of offspring...especially a short outer toe. (I know I'm going to get flack for that last statement.....but I am the type of person that believes that we won't know the outcome...unless we try it! If we don't like it when we see the results.........we simply just stop and try another angle.
)
As they mature you will see the toes do gain some length as they grow out, but they will still be a little on the shorter side.
Kim, I do not believe the rudimentary toe on the feather legs is a mark down. the ABA says it is acceptable on feather legs and is not to be counted as a fault. I have not been able to find it in the APA standard but I am still looking and will report back if I find anything. Any breed of feather leg will have this show up ocassionally.
edited to ad, the APA SOP on page #31 also states no deduction for feather legs with Rudimentary toe.
Sorry Sib..just realized I missed some reading in your post.
They are still very functional and you should see no difference in them except the outer toe, but if a person is breeding to standard if that is their desire, then the shorter toed chicks would not be used for breeding because it can pass on. But then again, there are peeps like me who may find or see that the bird has WAY TOO MUCH MORE to offer when crossed with another good bird. Me, I would put my money on the roulette table, spin the wheel and breed them to see what I get...BUT THAT IS JUST ME. I don't let one little minor thing stop me if I think I can improve the next generation of offspring...especially a short outer toe. (I know I'm going to get flack for that last statement.....but I am the type of person that believes that we won't know the outcome...unless we try it! If we don't like it when we see the results.........we simply just stop and try another angle.
As they mature you will see the toes do gain some length as they grow out, but they will still be a little on the shorter side.
Kim, I do not believe the rudimentary toe on the feather legs is a mark down. the ABA says it is acceptable on feather legs and is not to be counted as a fault. I have not been able to find it in the APA standard but I am still looking and will report back if I find anything. Any breed of feather leg will have this show up ocassionally.
edited to ad, the APA SOP on page #31 also states no deduction for feather legs with Rudimentary toe.
Last edited:
Quote:
Sorry Sib..just realized I missed some reading in your post.
They are still very functional and you should see no difference in them except the outer toe, but if a person is breeding to standard if that is their desire, then the shorter toed chicks would not be used for breeding because it can pass on. But then again, there are peeps like me who may find or see that the bird has WAY TOO MUCH MORE to offer when crossed with another good bird. Me, I would put my money on the roulette table, spin the wheel and breed them to see what I get...BUT THAT IS JUST ME. I don't let one little minor thing stop me if I think I can improve the next generation of offspring...especially a short outer toe. (I know I'm going to get flack for that last statement.....but I am the type of person that believes that we won't know the outcome...unless we try it! If we don't like it when we see the results.........we simply just stop and try another angle.
)
As they mature you will see the toes do gain some length as they grow out, but they will still be a little on the shorter side.
Kim, I do not believe the rudimentary toe on the feather legs is a mark down. the ABA says it is acceptable on feather legs and is not to be counted as a fault. I have not been able to find it in the APA standard but I am still looking and will report back if I find anything. Any breed of feather leg will have this show up ocassionally.
edited to ad, the APA SOP on page #31 also states no deduction for feather legs with Rudimentary toe.
Don~ Thanks for commenting on this, I was hoping you would stop by and advise. I guess I should have worded my comments differently and included that the longer toe is preferred in Marans and not the shorter, and I should not have used the word standard, I should have simply stated not preferred by some breeders. Good to know that it is not counted as or looked at as a fault.
Sorry Sib..just realized I missed some reading in your post.
They are still very functional and you should see no difference in them except the outer toe, but if a person is breeding to standard if that is their desire, then the shorter toed chicks would not be used for breeding because it can pass on. But then again, there are peeps like me who may find or see that the bird has WAY TOO MUCH MORE to offer when crossed with another good bird. Me, I would put my money on the roulette table, spin the wheel and breed them to see what I get...BUT THAT IS JUST ME. I don't let one little minor thing stop me if I think I can improve the next generation of offspring...especially a short outer toe. (I know I'm going to get flack for that last statement.....but I am the type of person that believes that we won't know the outcome...unless we try it! If we don't like it when we see the results.........we simply just stop and try another angle.
As they mature you will see the toes do gain some length as they grow out, but they will still be a little on the shorter side.
Kim, I do not believe the rudimentary toe on the feather legs is a mark down. the ABA says it is acceptable on feather legs and is not to be counted as a fault. I have not been able to find it in the APA standard but I am still looking and will report back if I find anything. Any breed of feather leg will have this show up ocassionally.
edited to ad, the APA SOP on page #31 also states no deduction for feather legs with Rudimentary toe.
Don~ Thanks for commenting on this, I was hoping you would stop by and advise. I guess I should have worded my comments differently and included that the longer toe is preferred in Marans and not the shorter, and I should not have used the word standard, I should have simply stated not preferred by some breeders. Good to know that it is not counted as or looked at as a fault.
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