Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[DMRippy]

Sorry guys

I have not figured out how to link to other posts... The battery backup is something usually used for computers. You can just buy them like a generator. Every time our electricity goes out I hear ours beeping till it dies. It will recharge when the electricity comes back on. It would only buy you some time but that may be all you would need

BTW I have 12 5-6 week old FBC marans seems to be half roos/pullets...what should I really look for in the roos for the keepers and how old should they be when I really start culling. I am not showing but would really like some petty birds and would like to improve all the birds as best I can. My girls may not have good coloring but I think I read that was an easy fix with a good roo. Any direction appreciated...I don't have time to read 1750 pages on this forum but I have read tons.

 

[Debbi]

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Don't think we'll be milking this bull calf!

Oh Susie, you silly girl!

 

[Debbi]

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Are the backups something that would sell at say, a Radio Shack or some place like that? Sounds like it's just what I need! Power outages here, unless it's a major storm with lots of damage, usually only last average of 5 hours or so.

As for the roos, keep them as long as possible. They can change so drastically from week to week, and month to month. If pressed for space and time, I would try keeping them until they are at least 5-6 months old. Look for true type, as in a chunky, well proportioned body, well balanced, poor combs (cull for side sprigs or oddly shaped), poor tail sets (as in too high or wry tails), feathered shanks, eye color (which should be close to true by 5 months), color or lack of, proper color balance from hackles to saddle, and just an overall nice total picture is what you want, with all the other factors adding towards it. Hope this helps some?

 

[DMRippy]

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Are the backups something that would sell at say, a Radio Shack or some place like that? Sounds like it's just what I need! Power outages here, unless it's a major storm with lots of damage, usually only last average of 5 hours or so.

As for the roos, keep them as long as possible. They can change so drastically from week to week, and month to month. If pressed for space and time, I would try keeping them until they are at least 5-6 months old. Look for true type, as in a chunky, well proportioned body, well balanced, poor combs (cull for side sprigs or oddly shaped), poor tail sets (as in too high or wry tails), feathered shanks, eye color (which should be close to true by 5 months), color or lack of, proper color balance from hackles to saddle, and just an overall nice total picture is what you want, with all the other factors adding towards it. Hope this helps some?

I found it!

e I would think anywhere that sells computers and such would have them. You may have to look hard to find one that will last 6 hours but I am sure they have them. Try online if you can't find one at Radio Shack.

How much is too much feathers on the legs? I have them with a little to fully feathered legs. My biggest guy is very friendly and has fully feathered legs but no real colors yet. I like his looks best. Space is not an issue. I seem to have the space for 4 mini condo setups, one for each breed I have. We got lucky when we bought this land to build on. They are going to be set up in an old tractor barn. It is really like a 3 car garage only deeper. The two side parts will have two coops and runs each and the bigger center part is my area to feed and water and gather eggs. Love the fact that one day I will not have to walk in the runs to do chores only to play with my birds.

 

[Debbi]

DMRippy

According to the new SOP (Standard of Perfection),

Shanks -- medium length, stout, and straight; lightly feathered down the outer sides.
Toes -- four long and well-separated toes on each foot. Outer toes lightly feathered, middle toes free from feathers.

I like the kind of true feathering that my avatar, Clyde, has. That's my interpretation, and what I am breeding for.

 

[DMRippy]

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My big guy and one of my girls has really nice feathering, more than your pic and I think it looks good so I may breed for that but I would also like the good coloring. I have noticed that some of them reflect purple. I read on here that would be disqualified if judged. Is the purple normal will it change or should I just not breed them?

 

[Debbi]

Purple and green sheen are both the result of over melanizing. Unless it's a DQ/cut according to the APA, which I have yet to read, it isn't a DQ in the Marans SOP. I'd almost bet your roos have very dark (mahogany colored) hackle and saddle feathers?? Can you post some pics of your birds??

 

[DMRippy]

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Yes. These were taken over a week ago, maybe two. I am just now noticing the purple. They are a lot bigger now and have been moved to bigger quarters since these pics.

BTW the guy I got these from, his hens were very dark and had very little if any copper, but they were huge and laid very dark and huge eggs.

 

[Mountain Mel]

When I walked out in the field yesterday the new calf was laying down & I didn't want to disturb "it" so these are the pics I got. I'll get some better ones that show all "its" pretty when the opportunity presents itself.

 

[Mountain Mel]

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Imagine, if you will, the offspring that such a mating could produce.

A wild turkey tom that has a tail as big as a male peacock.

When he fans that tail at some hunters' decoy, the hunter is going to have a heart attack!!!!