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

[Germaine_11.20]

Mmm that is what I thought. It is very frustrating seeing such DQ's
I still have to work with them because that is what I have. I will just have to put alot more time and effort than I would have hoped to get a good quality.

Thank you

 

[Krys109uk]

Is it only the Roo that passes the genes for feathered shanks on?

No both sexes pass on the trait equally. Yes lack of leg feathering is a DQ but sometimes getting the best birds is a slow process. Type is the most important. Without type you don't have a breed.
It is highly unlikely that one will be able to get the perfect male to use. If one discounts each bird for periferal faults one may finish up with a bird of good colour with 5 points on its comb, feathered legs, maybe even with offspring which lay dark eggs........& the body of a leghorn.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

LOL, Thank you Krys. I feel there is hope now...

 

[Krys109uk]

If one is using a bird with one or more DQs one would need to be sure not to double up on the faults. i.e be sure the females are not carrying the same trait.
A lot of offspring will need to be bred, this will enable you to cull heavily in favour of desired traits & get your line going in the right direction.
If you get wheaten segregating out you can use them to test mate to find which birds carry wheaten. You might even start your own wheaten line, though you might need to clean them up.
Also, while I'm know loads of people do, it probably is a more responsible approach not to sell offspring until you know the birds are more reliable, or at least to discuss the issues with prospective buyers. .

 

[verycherry]

The legs should be slate with pinkish bottoms... But yours are young that could still change...

Slate?


Can I ask why no one will respond about my cockerel? I've posted pics of him twice, several days ago and about a week or so ago, and all I heard was crickets. If you think he's that terrible, I'd seriously like to know.​

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Sorry, what post number is he, I missed it

 

[verycherry]

He's at #3429. He's around 6 or 7 months old, and a little lanky still, but I've noticed a difference just the last few weeks. He's finally starting to fill out and look more like he should. I hope he turns out nice.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

I think he looks great. I am still learning the basics though. He has a very nice comb, tail, feathered shanks.
I can't really tell his body type, he looks a little on the thin side. It could just be the picture.
He is very nice.
I would love to hear comments about the color of his feet. Some of mine have that exact color. I don't know if it is a DQ or not.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

LOL I just saw that you said he is lanky. Babysitting my GS and he takes lots of attention

 

[verycherry]

Yes, but I'm feeling better about his "lankiness" day by day. I was beginning to worry. He's much taller than my other boy though, so I'm thinking it's just taking him longer to fill out. Thanks for the comments. As far as leg coloring, I think white or pink is actually what's in the standard. I think (but may be wrong) that a lot of cuckoos have dark shading though. A few of mine do at least.