Question about Marans genetics. Serious issue with pics.

[NewHen]

They seem pretty small for 6 weeks old. I wish you could pick up in Los Angeles because I have two cockerels that need homes! I ordered eggs for blue marans from "peachick," and BCMs from Greenfire Farms. I'm pleased with them but need to find homes for the males. They recently closed the Marans thread, but there were a lot people there who seemed to know each well. I would consider just starting over with new birds from someone they recommend. Good luck.

 

[geebs]

This is intrinsic feature of this breed.... If you cull every one with the problem... You will not have any birds... I have heard it stated from a very reputable marans source that the white feathering tells a tail of lineage and guarantees the quality line... This being said it is a breed in progress....It IS entirely to early to cull... I don't cull until the birds reach 5 months.. This may not be a breed you are comfortable with... It comes with these issues from even the best breeders. It is a part of the breed itself currently. come and peruse the marans dark egg thread and post your questions there.. You will find it is very common... The feathering on the feet is generally sparse and is correct if it only is on the outside toe... It is very simple to correct this in subsequent mating, therefore not what I would call a big deal. It's your call on that. You have a limited gene pool with only three birds. sorry to hear that you had a dissapointing hatch.

Sidenote: The eggs of this breed and spectacular.

 

[wsdareme]

Just FYI -- there is a new Marans thread that has been started. Apparently the moderator had to step in as the discussions were taking on an undesirable flavor and the original thread was stopped.

I had a question about an all-white roo that I had hatch from a batch of BCM eggs. I thought the Marans thread would be the perfect place. I couldn't get even one response. I guess they were more concerned about showing everyone pictures of their birds than helping a prospective Marans breeder. I kinda got my feelings pecked at...

 

[greathorse]

This breed needs all the good breeders it can get. I truly hope enough dedicated folks stick with the Marans as there are many things about them that are very desriable, not the least of which is the awesome large and dark eggs.

I think I was just not right for the breed. I started with great birds but as all Marans breeders know even those require careful breeding.

I hope you stick with these birds and stay after it. If you got them from a respected breeder, odds are your genetics are as good as any

 

[drom]

Hi there,
I can only speak on the BCMs as that is only variety I own. White feathers on BCM chicks are very common and completely normal. It is a characteristic of the variety. Do not be in the least bit concerned with that when they are still so young. Typically, they will completely loose these white feathers within the first 6 months, however if they do not, often they will in the first molt. White feathers are a fault for adults, but still rather common. If an adult has one or two white feathers, you don't want to take them in the show ring as again, it is a fault for adults.

A small amount of red spotting on the breast of the BCM Roosters is a desirable characteristic in the French standard. Too much however, is not good. You need to wait on the cockerels to see how they finish.

My birds have varying amounts of feathers on their shanks. They are not all the same.

What you will find about the Black Coppers is that they do not all pop out of the eggs as cookie cutter replicas of the standard of perfection. The breed variety is a little more complex than that and a bit more of a challenge than some other breeds.

This Shamu colored baby chick lost all these white feathers in the first few months. She is two years now and has never had a white feather as an adult.

 

[wsdareme]

What about this chick? How did this happen? He was one of 7 BCM chicks in my first hatch. This is a photo at 6 weeks:

 

[drom]

Quote:
Hi there,
You know what, I saw your post on two different threads and I think you got a response from a gentleman named Blackdotte on the white chick. Whatever he tells you, is correct. He wrote a book on poultry genetics, so you can rely on his info he is very knowledgeable.

 

[drom]

Quote:
By the way, if that chick was mine, I might be asking someone like Blackdotte if it will have a normal White Marans variety genotype and would it breed true if you wanted to start a little flock of white Marans?

I don't know the answer myself but here is some information on White Marans genetics from the French site
http://marans-club.perso.neuf.fr/blancang.htm#BLAN

 

[TK Poultry]

the white feathers on black birds isn't uncommon in any breed. I have black ameraucanas that hatch and develope with feathers. It's a black bird (black patterned bird) charateristic. Don't be conserned at all. I think Marans are nice, just not my cup of tea so therefore I have never owned them, but I LOVE the eggs. The first time I saw them in person I didn't think it was real!

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Mine had those white wing tips too. They all grew out and most look great.