Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Wynette]

Today I finally finished my rooster pens! Actually I wanted them for roosters not being used, single matings, hurt bird pen, small group of chicks, etc. I did not realize when we built our big pens that I was also going to need small pens for birds. They sure come in handy!

CR, do you have plans (measurements, materials, etc.) for this row of pens? I really like them, and have been pondering building something along these lines. I have several small "breeder cages" as I call them, and it would be great to have ONE row of them rather than 10 individual cages strewn about. If you have any plans for these, I would very much appreciate seeing them!

 

[Raven1]

We all would!

 

[Christie Rhae]

Thanks for all the compliments guys!
I usually just draw up a sketch of what I want and give it to my husband so I don't have any actual plans for these.

These pens are 2 x 3 floor space. 3 feet tall in the back sloping down to 2 1/2 in the front. The roof overhangs 6 inches in the front. They are 3 feet off the ground. We are thinking about putting tin on the roof but haven't decided. I have a roost made of 2x2 wood inside each one. The doors are 17 inches wide. The feeders work really well. I tried putting small waterers on a little square brick inside the pen but they just scratch pine shavings all up into the water so I had to go to these water dispensers. So far so good.

They only open in the front. I considered either having screen in the back or screen between the pens. I didn't want roosters fighting with each other through the wire so I closed it up. I paid close attention to the sun and how it would shine in before we built them. I have the roof sloping down to provide shade, for one reason, and also so rain would run away from the other pen. I don't think these pens would work as well in very hot weather. They would probably need to be more open to provide cross breeze. My weather is so temperate that the birds don't really ever get too hot.
Another thing I had to think about is being able to catch roosters while they were inside the pen. It is just big enough for me to reach one arm and a shoulder in and I can reach the back to grab a leg if I need to. lol

 

[Arielle]

Thanks for all the compliments guys!
I usually just draw up a sketch of what I want and give it to my husband so I don't have any actual plans for these.

These pens are 2 x 3 floor space. 3 feet tall in the back sloping down to 2 1/2 in the front. The roof overhangs 6 inches in the front. They are 3 feet off the ground. We are thinking about putting tin on the roof but haven't decided. I have a roost made of 2x2 wood inside each one. The doors are 17 inches wide. The feeders work really well. I tried putting small waterers on a little square brick inside the pen but they just scratch pine shavings all up into the water so I had to go to these water dispensers. So far so good.

They only open in the front. I considered either having screen in the back or screen between the pens. I didn't want roosters fighting with each other through the wire so I closed it up. I paid close attention to the sun and how it would shine in before we built them. I have the roof sloping down to provide shade, for one reason, and also so rain would run away from the other pen. I don't think these pens would work as well in very hot weather. They would probably need to be more open to provide cross breeze. My weather is so temperate that the birds don't really ever get too hot.
Another thing I had to think about is being able to catch roosters while they were inside the pen. It is just big enough for me to reach one arm and a shoulder in and I can reach the back to grab a leg if I need to. lol

I built similar pens. SLightly larger at 3 x 4 for the coop and 8 x 3 for the run. My boys don't fight much especially after months next to each other. I use chicken wire between them. I did raise the coops of the ground, providing a dry space underneath. I use a pallet to stand on for any that are too high, due to slope of the land. I can reach thru to open/close pop door and check on everyone.

I used Donna RIppy's thread for inspiration! If she is the Pallet Queen, I'm the pallet Princess. I used scrap plywood and pallets. Needed screws, and a few tools, and hinges.

 

[ZoiChick]

...

R.I.P. Bill.


I will miss my boy immensly, he was my buddy, my pal. My hubby always said "here comes your buddy" he followed me everywhere. He was very co-dependent.

It's already so weird.

Bill was taken by a Bald Eagle today, along with another young cockerel. The family of Eagles that lives near by was out and about today and visited here twice in a row, both times succesful with their missions. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
You have all my sympathy Kim. Bill was one well known bird.. How sad to be doing everything you can to forestall the danger then to watch it happen. You must still be in shock. Hugs



Wish I knew what I was doing wrong in posting!

 

[Cadeau]

Ordered my SOP today!
Walt had me hooked at "over 100 color illustrations" - I'm sure that will be a HUGE help!

I hope it has more specific comb info that the e-versions I found online....
I need help seeing a thumbprint better...

 

[gilavina]

awesome katelyn! Its a really good place to start and will be a resource you'll turn to often. Got your PM, will reply when I get back in from watering birds again

 

[Cadeau]

Argh!!

I was outside, doing chores and got attacked by yellow jackets....of course, I'm allergic....
Sitting here with ice on my head..

 

[gilavina]

Argh!!

I was outside, doing chores and got attacked by yellow jackets....of course, I'm allergic....
Sitting here with ice on my head..

oh no! Do you have to take something for the allergic reaction? That's no good!

 

[SIMZ]

Hello again!! I'm hoping someone would be willing to help me out with these guys! I bought them in a group of 9 weeks olds -- 4 cuckoo marans cockerels and 1 black copper marans cockerel. The supposed BCM has no copper feathers, but is getting white/cream feathers on his neck and back:


Also, one of the cuckoo marans has strange gold feathers on his back and maybe even on his neck:





Are they a special color pattern or flubs? Thanks so much!!