Minnesota!

[AlezaJ]

Do any of you know what a black australorp and black copper maran mix would look like?? My black australorp is sitting on a mixture of eggs from all my hens and my roo is a black copper maran. I figure I will probably keep those ones and eat the rest when they get bigger. I like how broody the australorp is and I'm hoping for the darker eggs from half marans.

 

[MNwaterfowler]

Anyone make it to the critter exchange in Isanti last Saturday?

 

[Minniechickmama]

Do any of you know what a black australorp and black copper maran mix would look like?? My black australorp is sitting on a mixture of eggs from all my hens and my roo is a black copper maran. I figure I will probably keep those ones and eat the rest when they get bigger. I like how broody the australorp is and I'm hoping for the darker eggs from half marans.

If you want the eggs darker, then using the Marans roo should help if he comes from a dark strain. The offspring will likely share some of the outward appearances. I am not sure if the feather legs carry with the rooster or hen or with both, but I believe you should see some feathering or stubs on the legs. As far as chicks, you might not be able to tell at hatch. However, the crosses should have some color leakage as they get older, like around 3-5 months depending on their maturity rate.
This has been my experience in using those breeds as crosses.

 

[AlezaJ]

Ok. He doesn't have any feathering on his legs. I think hes closer to the British variety. It would be cool to get the French ones though. And shes my only black chicken right now. The other ones we've hatched have taken their mothers coloring.
I wonder what it would look like if I mixed with a black Cochin?? I don't have any but it would be interesting.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Ok. He doesn't have any feathering on his legs. I think hes closer to the British variety. It would be cool to get the French ones though. And shes my only black chicken right now. The other ones we've hatched have taken their mothers coloring.
I wonder what it would look like if I mixed with a black Cochin?? I don't have any but it would be interesting.

I have Black Cochins. Need any?

 

[Triplell]

Minniechickmomma,
I have a question for you. Three of the cochins I got from you look like a dark blue with black lacing. Is his normal in some blues? I have two roosters out of the 10. One is Black and beautiful, his feathering on his feet are great. Also his comb, tail and disposition is what I expected. He is going to the fair for sure. The other roo is a splash but his feathering on his feet is poor so I think he is going by-by. Now to get splash do I breed a black roo to blue hens? I will send pics as soon as I get them downloaded to my new PC.

 

[AlezaJ]

Lol, if I buy any more chickens they will be orpingtons. But my sister just bought 2 blue cochins from a hatchery(through fleet) and her German shepherd ate them when she wasn't looking, so i think she might be looking for more. How much are they and where are you located?? We live about 30 min west of bemidji.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Lol, if I buy any more chickens they will be orpingtons. But my sister just bought 2 blue cochins from a hatchery(through fleet) and her German shepherd ate them when she wasn't looking, so i think she might be looking for more. How much are they and where are you located?? We live about 30 min west of bemidji.

I am down by Rochester, about 25 miles north of it.
Sorry to hear of the dog problem. They can really ruin a flock.
I have both the Cochins ($5each for day olds) and Blue Orps ($4 day old). I would offer to ship, but tomorrow is my last ship day as I am done hatching until next season which will start Jan/Feb. Perhaps if you know someone traveling this way, they could pick some up for you?

 

[Minniechickmama]

Minniechickmomma,
I have a question for you. Three of the cochins I got from you look like a dark blue with black lacing. Is his normal in some blues? I have two roosters out of the 10. One is Black and beautiful, his feathering on his feet are great. Also his comb, tail and disposition is what I expected. He is going to the fair for sure. The other roo is a splash but his feathering on his feet is poor so I think he is going by-by. Now to get splash do I breed a black roo to blue hens? I will send pics as soon as I get them downloaded to my new PC.

Ideally, with the Blues, you want a clean medium blue with good, clear lacing. However, when dealing in Blues, it gets a bit complicated. You will get a wide range of Blues, from very dark, almost Black to light Blue running almost to the point where you think they are Splash, but they are just really really light blue.
I will PM you on some other things.

 

[Keggen]

Do any of you know what a black australorp and black copper maran mix would look like?? My black australorp is sitting on a mixture of eggs from all my hens and my roo is a black copper maran. I figure I will probably keep those ones and eat the rest when they get bigger. I like how broody the australorp is and I'm hoping for the darker eggs from half marans.

That sounds like a nice mix! I'm raising some French black copper Marans and plan to keep a roo or two. I'm interested to see how they mix with my other breeds. I just hatched some that were mixed with a blue splash Marans and a lot of the babies got the feathered legs.