Question about Marans and eggs.

[keds]

I am sorry if this question has been answered elsewhere in the forums, but I am totally OVERWHELMED by the amount of info on Marans chickens.

So here's the question(s) I know BCM's lay a really dark egg but how often? Are they prolific layers? Also how does the cuckoo maran compare in term's of egg color and quantity?

How does one obtain a few really dark brown eggers for a backyard flock?

Thanks to all of those in the know!

 

[Illia]

Black Copper Marans lay a really dark egg EVERY time if you got them from good quality stock.

But in reality, with any quality, they lighten up as the hen's egg cycle goes on. The better quality equals the slower the eggs will lighten. They lay really well too, and often (say, in Bev Davis lines) have REALLY big eggs.

With Cuckoos, quality varies. Since most Cuckoos come from hatcheries, and it takes focused, specific breeding to retain the egg color - Their egg color is extremely poor and often does not qualify for a Marans.

To get good quality stock, simply ask for breeders. We over at the Marans thread would be happy to help you with anything.

 

[keds]

Thanks ! That really helps alot!

 

[keds]

Hi! I'm back! My pet chicken offers BCM chicks from, i believe, the Jean Wade line? Of course now they are out of stock, but I was thinking of getting 3 chicks from them next spring if they are available again. Do you think that might work? I am just looking for a nice pet chicken that will lay a pretty spectacular egg for my family and friends, not a "show chicken". I like the idea of getting from MPC as I can just get a few and they are already sexed. Any words of wisdom?

 

[pinkchick]

Keds~

I believe that BCM's are new to hatcheries and I personally would not purchase these birds from a hatchery, but this is just my opinion. I would be hesitant that the hatchery may not be as strict with their breeding practices and there for some qualities that make Marans special may be lost...ie egg color. Don't get me wrong I am not against hatcheries at all just leary of this particular variety of Marans being offered from them.

 

[keds]

That makes sense, and thanks! I am hoping to add 2-3 BCMs to my flock NEXT spring so I am doing my homework now! Are there any BCM people oregon or southwest washington?

 

[Illia]

Quote:
I'm in Northwest Washington, will be available to sell next spring, and certainly can go down to meet you.

 

[pinkchick]

I'm in SW Washington (Kelso) and I have Black Coppers, Blue Coppers and Splash Copper Marans. I'm always hatching and selling hatching eggs.
There are quite of few of us here on BYC

Illia
geebs
mybackyardfarm
lensters- I believe he breeds Marans....I know I read he did somewhere
nivtup- Nothern WA towards Seattle
Zgoatlady- Northern WA towards Seattle
and many more I know that I am leaving out (No offense peeps I just can't recall everyone ...I'm sorry!)
The Washingtonians thread is a very fast paced thread but I always see lots and lots of pretty birds being posted over there.

 

[keds]

Thanks alot! I have your names down in my chicken notebook. I'll continue to do my homework and if all goes well next spring I'll be looking into getting some BCM chicks or pullets! You guys have been really helpful! Thanks. Illia your website/blog spot is stunning! Have a great coming up week!

 

[hoppy]

Quote:
what does a splash copper maran look like?? sounds pretty.
I have had splash being solid white with blue flecks, is it that but with copper?