Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[laughingclown]

So Im having a little problem with my Marans. They are just going around antagonizing each other and pulling out feathers. They are 3 months old and on commercial feed. I think I seen somewhere on here that Marans need more protein than other breeds. Any truth to this? They have enough room. Any help would be great.

No thoughts on this?

 

[Hens and Roos]

No thoughts on this?

What percent protein are you feeding? We feed a 22% meat bird as we got a great deal on it and the birds do well. Are you able to get something like a flock block that gives them something to do other than picking on each other.

 

[Debbi]

Happy 4th everyone!!

Another majorly hot day here again, and we didn't get any more rain yesterday. I hope folks are smart enough not to set off the fireworks in this mess. I am surrounded by unmown pastures and woods, so I am keeping my fingers crossed! People are selling fireworks, but most folks I know say they won't fire them off until the fall of the year, or at least until we get some more rain...I hope so.

Laughing Clown ~ Hens is correct, you sound like you have a protein lackage there, and also a boredom problem. Put something in their run to play with, like a whole bale of straw or hay. They love tearing them apart! Cabbages, and melons are good too. Sunflower seeds, dry cat food, oats, can be added to the commercial feed to boost protein and give them some different textures to try. You may also want to add some vitamin/electrolytes to their drinking water.

 

[gilavina]

Happy 4th back at ya lady and to everyone! I'm off to the madhouse called work. The busiest day of the year by far. Luckily we have quite a few people working, so hoping it goes well! And kind of crossin my fingers I might get to go home a bit early

 

[DMRippy]

Quote: I feed higher protein and MEAT feed. I feel like all my birds do better on it.

 

[pinkchick]

Wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY AND SAFE 4th!

 

[Arielle]

Happy Fourth of July everyone!!

DH is working all day today, with the crowds , who knows when he'll be home. THat means the kids and I will work on a few runs!

 

[Arielle]

Quote: We offer entertainment. My children often pick up the birds. Or sit in a coop and visit. Bring goodies suitable for their size. I also feed meat scraps, including bugs my kids catch. I've heard people can hang a head of loose leaf letuce high enough for them to jump a bit to get a bite.

Change up their toys. I may use a different dish for food. Climbing obstacles. I was surprised how much time they spend off the ground level. Just keep safety in mind-- secure toys as needed. Put down straw and throw oats on top. THey must scratch to find.

Mine enjoy watermelon rinds. Eat the red, toss the rest. Cut grass= snip grass to a1/2 inch using scissors.

Be sure they have grit for non-commercial grains.

 

[pinkchick]

Hi Zoo!!!!!

Your little roo there is looking pretty spiffy! How are your goslings doing?

 

[pinkchick]

Debbi~ Yes, Jane is very small...I love it! Can't wait to have more someday. Yes I will milk Loosey after she is done with Jane. Nigerians are good little milkers..and besides I can try out my hand at some cheese.

What's Olivia up too?

Darryl is sitting hard at it.....sitting on nothing but she is determined. I haven't gotten around to moving her and putting any eggs under her yet. Also have a broody Welsummer hen.