Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[desertmarcy]

Any hatcheries in your state that you can ask these questions?

No hatcheries here; I think that is part of the problem. If there were commercial operations, then they'd be more on the ball, I think.

 

[Christie Rhae]

Quote: I understand your frustration. Nothing can get shipped into Hawaii unless it is NPIP certified. I called to see how I could get the NPIP cert. I was told "Hawaii does not participate with NPIP". Doesn't participate??? Except they require it before birds can be shipped in....so I guess they kinda do participate. Except they don't....

 

[Wynette]

Calamity - Check at the base of that male's tail that you posted - it appears, in the 2nd picture of the last set you posted, the he may have white fluff at the base of his tail. That would also be a point of cull (I don't think you're planning on using him anyway, as he's too overmelanized for your females, but the white "underfluff" is a good thing to see firsthand & should be avoided being used in the breed pen).

In regard to open tails - when looking at the females from behind, straight forward, the tail should look like a "V" shape, but upside down. We do NOT want a "U" shape tail like you would see in (I believe) a Brahma. But the "V" should be wide at the base, and "open" as Don said.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: THe benefits of email is no one knows where you are calling from, so to speak. Try contacting neighboring states to find out what tests they do and extrapolate from there. Of course you need to know if YOU are playing for the tests Or the state, so have 2 lists ready.

 

[snowbird]

I have been a State tester for the State of Michigan many years and will post the facts on getting approved here in a little bit.

 

[desertmarcy]

I understand your frustration. Nothing can get shipped into Hawaii unless it is NPIP certified. I called to see how I could get the NPIP cert. I was told "Hawaii does not participate with NPIP". Doesn't participate??? Except they require it before birds can be shipped in....so I guess they kinda do participate. Except they don't....

That is nuts. The proverbial catch 22.

 

[Wynette]

Ditto that.

 

[snowbird]

The state of michigan puts on a Class at michigan State University for being a Pollorum tester for Michigan. The class is always sometime first part of February and anyone can attend without a reservation. Dr. Fulton fro MSU puts on the class along with several other Professors. The liscense is got for three years.

Most states will accept these test papers when you fill them out. Some shows will not let you in their door unless the birds are tested and you have a copy with you. One show in Kentucky people without papers had to stand in line and wait on the tester if they didn't have the paper work.

 

[Debbi]

Don, Please explain to me how this all works. From what I gather, once tested and found free of diseases, the flock is good for one year? If this is the case, here is the scenario I don't quite get. Ok, flock tested, all birds are clean, and you get your NPIP #. So a month down the road, some neighbor's infected chicken finds it's way into your yard, and passes on his illness. You of course have no idea, so you are still selling NPIP certified stock and eggs. The disease spreads and chickens die and everyone is wondering why. Do you see my point? How is this number and piece of paper supposed to protect the birds and clients? I know it all has to start somewhere, but to clear a flock for a year seems to me to be asking for this type of scenario to happen. Just my thoughts on the matter, not trying to stir the pot, but would just like to know if this is all really worth the time, effort, and money??

 

[Arielle]

Don, Please explain to me how this all works. From what I gather, once tested and found free of diseases, the flock is good for one year? If this is the case, here is the scenario I don't quite get. Ok, flock tested, all birds are clean, and you get your NPIP #. So a month down the road, some neighbor's infected chicken finds it's way into your yard, and passes on his illness. You of course have no idea, so you are still selling NPIP certified stock and eggs. The disease spreads and chickens die and everyone is wondering why. Do you see my point? How is this number and piece of paper supposed to protect the birds and clients? I know it all has to start somewhere, but to clear a flock for a year seems to me to be asking for this type of scenario to happen. Just my thoughts on the matter, not trying to stir the pot, but would just like to know if this is all really worth the time, effort, and money??

In Massachusetts, the state pays for the testing and has a number of regional personnell to handle all the testing. Ususally within a week of calling for testing is my understanding. Free makes testing well worthwhile and they encourage everyone to take advantage of it for obvious reasons.

I try to protect my birds by following basic quarentine proceedures and I only buy from NPIP flocks. I generally don't go to swaps and if I do all clothes and shoes go into laundry before walking around my place. I also do not allow people that have birds onto my property.

My state people are good about scrubbing boots and wearing plastic boots; my town inspector- . . .needs a lot more training.