Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Cadeau]

I just had to share... my first BCM egg!

congrats!

Isn't it like Christmas to look in the nesters!

 

[snowbird]

What can folks tell me about split breast. I've seen a few critiques that point it out on young birds does anyone have a photo with full adult expression of the trait? I am worried I see it in a few of my young males (about 6wks old). Will get pictures this afternoon. I hear some outgrow it, but is it a sign they could carry forward the trait to their young? Do females get it or is it just males? Is it the way the feathers grow that causes it, the way the crop is anchored or, is it actually the breast bone and meat? I am worried as it seems to be my largest cockerels that show it!

Keara, I have no idea where the term Split Breast got started. There is no such fault listed in the APA SOP. What these people are talking about is where the upper breast meat sticks out . This is just another term that will mess up new poultry people. If it is not in the APA SOP just do not throw the term around like it is correct. Too many on BYC believe all this when they read so best not to post things that are not factual.

 

[gilavina]

well...don't know what to say...one of the birchen eggs I had a question about when I candled and put into lockdown started oozing this morning, which didn't really surprise me. It exploded the second the egg got outside with the heat and humidity, but luckily had put it in a bag and tied it shut before it went outside. But now I'm wondering about the viability of all the others. I know, lockdown doubts and jitters....ugh! I can't wait til hatch day to just see what I might get or if they flop

 

[Christie Rhae]

I just had to share... my first BCM egg!

Ain't it exciting? Like finding easter eggs! lol

 

[Keara]

Keara, I have no idea where the term Split Breast got started. There is no such fault listed in the APA SOP. What these people are talking about is where the upper breast meat sticks out . This is just another term that will mess up new poultry people. If it is not in the APA SOP just do not throw the term around like it is correct. Too many on BYC believe all this when they read so best not to post things that are not factual.

thanks Don,

I wondered why I was having such a hard time finding information about "split breast" on line, now I know. You have saved me culling my biggest young male birds because of a nonexistant fault. When I feel the breast on these males I think the aparent "split breast" has more to do with feathering than meat. I should note these same males have been quicker to featherout completely than the non "split breast" birds.

-Keara

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Interesting point, Keara. I would have hoped for heavier muscling. These are supposed to be dual purpose. I think I was expecting more meat.

 

[laughingclown]

Opening up a pen this weekend by getting rid of my Barred Rock hens. Going on a road trip 4 hours to get 2 doz Marans eggs to throw in the bator. So hopefully I will have some more hopefuls to add to the ones I got now.

 

[Arielle]

Safe travels!! Protect those precious eggs in a well padded cooler!

 

[berkeleysprings]

Look at those street sweepers! So cute!

im sure glad feathers didnt jump to any outher toes. that chick can get air borne just by running real fast what are my chickens turning into lol

 

[Keara]

Interesting point, Keara. I would have hoped for heavier muscling. These are supposed to be dual purpose. I think I was expecting more meat.

I personally have been breeding to a bigger bird. A lot of traits may have been lost when it was all the rage to breed for the darkest eggs. I process roosters for meat at about 16wks, and I find they are good size; they're no cornish cross but much better than a leghorn. I find them to have much bigger leg and thigh, and that is the best meat on them!