May 2020 Hatch-A-Long

[sdm111]

What color will it be when older

I dont know they're crosses that I'm hatching for someone

 

[sdm111]

I think it's a black grey so something like this

Pic pulled from the net not mine

 

[FortCluck]

I dont know they're crosses that I'm hatching for someone

Hmmm interesting keep us updated

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Egg color in Marans is developed by selective breeding so it's not necessarily the color of the bird that will determine the color of the egg but there does seem to be a much higher demand for both blue and splash Marans so what I often find with breeders is they focus on either or and not necessarily both. They either focus on getting a higher percentage of blue and splash hatches or they focus on the egg color. Fortunately a couple of my local friends have their blue flocks established and their primary goal now is to breed for the darkest eggs.

Some of the darkest eggs I've hatched were from a BBS (Blue/Black/Splash) flock. The flock was 100% blue but when you breed blues you will typically hatch 50% Blue/25% Black/25% Splash.

I hope that answers your question!

This is a local breeders image from her Blue Marans flock.
View attachment 2147230

These are gorgoeus! Thanks for the info. I thought the BCM were the ones that had the darkest eggs. Very helpful! First time incubating Marans. Do you know the difference between blue birchen and blue copper? Is there one? I know the blue birchen can be black, blue or splash because of the blue genetics. If the "black" blue birchen and the black copper are black when hatched (with the yellow underbelly and throat) can you tell the difference between them? Just want to make sure when they hatch I will be able to tell! I did get some colored leg bands, but I will not be able to place them until the hatch is complete. Might be difficult to tell the difference as they will all be hatching in the same incubator. Thanks!

 

[AUChickenGal]

Came home and (of course - I'm one of *those* people) did another quick candle. I have two for sure internal pips now! Working from home tomorrow, so I hope these little ones decide to make their grand appearance in the next 36-ish hours.

 

[sdm111]

Hmmm interesting keep us updated

But I have Kelsos. About 5yrs in the making for these

I see at least 5 ribbons in there lol

 

[LadiesAndJane]

But I have Kelsos. About 5yrs in the making for these



View attachment 2147371

View attachment 2147375

They look so dignified!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Look a bit like the feral chickens we have in Hawaii which are descended from game fowl and random feral chickens!

 

[CluckNDoodle]

These are gorgoeus! Thanks for the info. I thought the BCM were the ones that had the darkest eggs. Very helpful! First time incubating Marans. Do you know the difference between blue birchen and blue copper? Is there one? I know the blue birchen can be black, blue or splash because of the blue genetics. If the "black" blue birchen and the black copper are black when hatched (with the yellow underbelly and throat) can you tell the difference between them? Just want to make sure when they hatch I will be able to tell! I did get some colored leg bands, but I will not be able to place them until the hatch is complete. Might be difficult to tell the difference as they will all be hatching in the same incubator. Thanks!

As chicks, I don't know. I think they might look the same at hatch.
I've never hatched birchens though. I just know as adults they have silver in place of copper.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

As chicks, I don't know. I think they might look the same at hatch.
I've never hatched birchens though. I just know as adults they have silver in place of copper.

Thank you!!!