Marans Thread for Posting Pics of Your Eggs, Chicks and Chickens

[nivtup]

Quote:
Cockerel.

 

[onthespot]

Quote:
No, you can look for bigger feet, thicker joints below the drumstick, and more pronounced comb, but I would NOT get rid of any so called cockerels until they started growing in copper colored saddle feathers on their backs. I have had some pullets with huge feet and thick shanks grow up to be loveley looking ladies.... so don't be in a rush to get rid of chicks with big feet. If they grow a tall red comb and their wattles start to hang down when they are six weeks old, now that is probably a cockerel too.

 

[pasofinofarm]

Quote:
Cockerel.

Second the cockerel.

 

[lilly]

Is it true about cuckoo marans cockerels do not have the dark striping on the legs? I have two at 4 weeks old that I thought for sure were cockerels but they have light dark stripes, but really light coloring, I guess I better hold on to them to be sure.

 

[SweetMissDaisy]

Hi ladies...
I thought about posting this in the feed/water forum, but I really want to hear from Marans owners, so I'm posting here.

I'm wondering what protein % feed you're feeding your hens. I know *most* people feed straight 16% layer, but I want to feed them more than something that will simply "maintain" them. Do you mix in game bird food, or some other feed that is higher protein?

 

[Chef]

Quote:
I do. I use a 17% layer, and mix in 30% game bird starter and some throw in BOSS. My birds are nice and healthy! I'm sure youll get all kinds of suggestions on this. Good luck.


Chef

 

[Zgoatlady]

I have a question, I have week old BC chicks and a couple of them have copper on the wingtips. Ive never seen this before, at least the other 11 older ones I have dont have that. Do you have any ideas?




__________________________________________
Mom of 2 boys, 20+ dairy goats, and 6dogs, 6 cats,and chickens, oh yes have wonderful husband.

 

[SweetMissDaisy]

Quote:
I do. I use a 17% layer, and mix in 30% game bird starter and some throw in BOSS. My birds are nice and healthy! I'm sure youll get all kinds of suggestions on this. Good luck.


Chef

Oh GOOD!! I am so glad you responded -- it's kind of like being 'validated'.

The layer feed i have access to locally is 16%, and the game bird is 28%. Are you doing a 50/50 mix, or something less/more?

I've got BOSS on hand for the goats, and toss that to the barn chickens regularly to give them something to hunt for other than offering them scratch all the time. I'll see if the Marans like it as well. I've noticed some girls do like it, and others turn their beak up at it. Figures.

I'm interested in hearing what others are feeding.

 

[Krys109uk]

Managed to get some egg pics (thanks Drom), these are mid lay. All but one from different birds. My best egg coloured hen is taking a rest so her egg isn't there.

 

[onthespot]

Those eggs look great! I have several different shades laying, but I think the darkest eggs will always be my favorites.

To the other poster with brown feather tips, that is normal. About 35% of my last hatch had some brown tinting to their chick feathers.