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

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
POST # 4,500 .... WOW ....

Back on topic .....
Now, Drom, if you are gonna mention that, you should put a link to it. Now, I have to go search for it, so I can see the pictures!

 

[drom]

Quote:
POST # 4,500 .... WOW ....

Back on topic .....
Now, Drom, if you are gonna mention that, you should put a link to it. Now, I have to go search for it, so I can see the pictures!

It's the MCC:


http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Marans_Chicken_Club/

 

[amazondoc]

Quote:
A bird must be able to lay a #4 egg *at some point during her laying cycle* to qualify as a Marans -- not necessarily during the entire cycle, although obviously it would be preferable if she did.

I know some breeders who won't sell any eggs less than a #4, even if those same hens lay good dark eggs at other times. But the issue is a bit complicated.

When you are breeding for egg color, you should actually be selecting for at least two different traits. First, you are selecting for the darkest color. But second, you should also be selecting for how well those hens maintain egg color during the laying cycle. So -- if hen #1 lays a dark egg in June but a nearly white egg in November, while hen #2 lays a medium brown egg in both June and November, what should you do? Good question! Sure, the chick from #1's nearly white egg may have the same genes as the chick from #1's dark egg -- but the chick from that dark egg probably also has the genes for losing egg color during the cycle. So it's a puzzle!

I don't know the best answer. I don't know if there IS a best answer. I suppose the ideal would be to trap nest each and every egg laid, so you know exactly what each hen is laying during her entire cycle. But for most of us that simply ain't gonna happen!

ETA: woops, you guys have been busy. I see now that you've basically answered the question already. Nevermind!

 

[k_long]

Hi Everyone, great thread. I am just starting a flock. I have some Dominique, but want some Marans also. Trying to start small with just around 20 or so along with a few varieties. I would love some Marans. Does anybody know where I can get a small number of eggs that won't break the bank. Also I've heard that hatcheries may not be the best place to go for marans eggs. Any advice or info you all have is greatly appreciated this site has been a big help in getting started.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Wow, thanks for all the good info everyone. Kathy I am glad you asked that question, I wondered too but I forget to ask because I am always busy learning or asking about something else.

I don't think that the newbies should worry at all about if they want to buy from a hatchery. What I hope is that they won't be dissappointed six months later after all the time, effort and money spent and they have a pet Marans instead of one they could use for showing.

I learned the hard way with RIR's and Barred Rocks.
Private breeders, (if you do your homework) usually will be able to start you out with much higher quality stock if you are willing to hatch the eggs.
That is what I would like the newbies to understand.

 

[onthespot]

I have a dozen going cheap, from good birds, flexible ship dates, in the crazy 24 hour auction thread if you are interested. They are two lines, kept separate, you can mix 'n match, or keep it to just one line, or whatever you want from my birds. You can even choose your shipping date. here's a link if interested. You won't find them this cheap on eggbid or ebay! LOL. I just LOVE that thread! It is completely addicting to me. Check it out!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=281963&p=11

 

[kathyinmo]

Thanks, Amazondoc.

Geezzzz, I have not even collected a BCM egg from my coop yet ... and I have all these questions already! I guess I will be prepared with all the answers, by the time mine are at POL!

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

Some pics are up of the show winners on the Marans Club site if anyone is interested...

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Marans_Chicken_Club/

 

[M To The Maxx]

I can finally say I am a part of this thread!! We got a BCM hen today!! Her name is Onyx (my mom named her). Here is a pic of her.

 

[AHappychick]

Quote:
I dont have a yahoo account can you post the pics? or the best or most interesting ones?