Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[Cadeau]

Hi all

Just wanted to say HI!

Have been totally busy with our new little boy!
Not planning on hatching until spring - working on culling down to the very best of the best.

 

[chicken pickin]

HI all, This is my first time posting on the marans thread as I just received my first marans chicks. I have a lot to read with all the 4041 pages. But I thought I would introuduce myself and share pics of the new babies. These chickens will be for pets/eggs not breeding. I received them from a fellow BYC member. (pics arent great but here is a few of each)

Chick 1




chick 2



chick 3




chick 4



and not good shots but all 4 together

 

[heath_elisha]

Tried searching this thread for the answer to my question- but can't seem to find it. Please forgive me- as I am certain this question has been asked a million times........................... at what age do you determine that the bird is done developing, specifically- the copper color coming in? And is the first color you see what you are going to see as an adult? I have seen so many birds change over a large course of time- and I am looking at all these young birds wondering how much longer till they are done maturing. Thanks for the input in advance.....

 

[SarniaTricia]

Welcome Chicken Pickin - nice lookin little babies

I would also like to know about the colouring issue... I have a REALLY nicely built boy... 16 weeks... but next to no copper....
Thanks
Patricia

 

[pinkchick]

Welcome Chicken Pickin! Those babies are adorable.

 

[pinkchick]

Thanks Don, you know I value your imput greatly.

I am very happy with the shade of blue that I have reached...this seems to be pretty consistant of late, but I am concerned with the lack of copper, I usually see a sign of it by this age. He has nothing, period. So what I am worried about is if I use him I will never be able to get color back....especially with already over melanized copper lacking females.

I want the copper back in my females.....how do I get it back without bringing in more birds????

Also...(aside from the copper) Can you tell me what you can see that needs improving? Lay it on me brother! If you would like more photos I am happy to get them, just say the word.

 

[pinkchick]

Tried searching this thread for the answer to my question- but can't seem to find it. Please forgive me- as I am certain this question has been asked a million times........................... at what age do you determine that the bird is done developing, specifically- the copper color coming in? And is the first color you see what you are going to see as an adult? I have seen so many birds change over a large course of time- and I am looking at all these young birds wondering how much longer till they are done maturing. Thanks for the input in advance.....

Well here's my take on this....IME, my males can and do continue to "beef up" until they are approx. 1 year of age. As for copper..my Bill Sr., at 1.5 y.o. was still developing copper. Not huge amounts but deposits of it in his wing bow that he had not had prior to.

The copper can take it's time......depends on the bird. That blue cpr male I was just talking to Don about is a prime example of taking his time to express it..if he ever does. I have been battling over melanization from the beginning. Wierd I usually produce nice coppered males but haven't been able to produce a good or correctly colored coppered female in 3 years.

The color of the copper is pretty much going to be the color it is when you first see it....but you should hold off for more to give comment as well as I must confess that this is something I haven't focused on or made a permanant mental note of yet.

 

[gilavina]

Mornin Kim!

Sorry I've not been around as much lately. Show prep and work are pretty much all I do besides sleep lately...oh, except working with the birds, cullin down and getting the ones I want to show in condition with all the typical stuff.
I did see your copper boy is starting to get color, even if its just one feather so far! I also saw your birchens! I can't wait to see how they fill out. I need to contact Rodney about replacement eggs. I've just got so much on my plate at the moment.

 

[pinkchick]

Hi Vicki! No worries everybody gets busy and we all have lives my friend...that is how it goess. Glad that you are doing good. Hope mom and dad are good too.
Good luck with the show I know you have been working hard putting things together. I hope you have a great time. Will you be able to take photos? Particularly the egg table???

 

[pinkchick]

Hi Cad!!!!!!