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Marans???

Discussion in 'Meat Birds ETC' started by celticfarmer, Dec 7, 2010.

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  1. Dec 7, 2010 #1
    celticfarmer

    celticfarmer Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 30, 2009
    Northern MN
    Anyone here eaten one of their marans?

    Now I'm not asking this because I plan on doing it soon. However I am going to buckle down and focus on one breed and I will probably start in late winter here so the little buggers will be big enough to go outside when it gets nice out up here.

    I really like the Marans eggs but I also like to have birds that get big enough to put on the table.

    What are your thoughts?
     
  3. Dec 7, 2010 #2
    bigredfeather

    bigredfeather Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Marans are nice meaty birds. They are heavier than they look. Skin is nice and white, and the meat is very tasty. You can achieve a nice sized bird(3-5 pounds) in 18-22 weeks, depending on sex. They are a good DP breed IMHO.
     
  5. Dec 7, 2010 #3
    Tala

    Tala Flock Mistress

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    Benton (Saline County) AR
    I'll second that, they get really big. At least my Davis line birds do. The girls lay whopper sized eggs too, and I like that, but you can't keep ALL the roosters - so yeah, good dual purpose breed IMO. The only thing is though, if you are trying to select a breeding roo, everyone says to wait till they are around 6 months old before culling....by then they're gonna be a little older than we usually like to process them at.

    But if you aren't trying to select a new breeder roo, then I guess that wouldn't be a problem
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2010
  7. Dec 7, 2010 #4
    celticfarmer

    celticfarmer Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 30, 2009
    Northern MN
    Quote:I would have to start at the beginning so I think I will probably end up with some less than idea older roos, but I've got a crock pot that works wonders for the older boys.
     
  9. Dec 7, 2010 #5
    marquisella

    marquisella Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I processed a few at 6 months,but I didnt' know about letting them rest for 3 days before freezing,so that probably was the reason we couldn't chew them! LOL
     
  11. Dec 7, 2010 #6
    Keara

    Keara Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Vermont
    I processed two BCM roos at about 16wks. Good sized birds, easy to pluck, tasty! I like these birds as they are calm. They are a good dual bird!
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2010
  13. Dec 7, 2010 #7
    nivtup

    nivtup Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Shelton Washington
    They are good eating birds.

    Taste like chicken.

    Good size, good qty of meat.

    I have three that are nearing freezer camp now.


    Good luck
     
  15. Dec 8, 2010 #8
    celticfarmer

    celticfarmer Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 30, 2009
    Northern MN
    Quote:That's a relief, I was afraid that since they are a french breed they would taste like snails.

    [​IMG]
     
  17. Dec 8, 2010 #9
    mamaof2

    mamaof2 Out Of The Brooder

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    Dec 7, 2010
    central Iowa
    Quote:[​IMG]
     
  19. Dec 8, 2010 #10
    mstricer

    mstricer Overrun With Chickens

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    I'm also narrowing down to Marans also. I've never had a problem as far as roo's being mean and they are friendly birds and go broodie. The meat is alittle darker, but very tasty.
     
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