Splash Maran... Pullet or cockerel???

[One Chick Two]

Marans often start laying around the 5 month old mark. So, this might give you an idea of possible age.
If you see her starting to squat for you, she will probably start laying very soon afterward.

 

[jbruner51]

Quote:
What do you mean by "squatting for me?"

 

[kzane23]

I have one hen that squats. When I go into the coop, instead of running for her life she hunkers down low to the ground. She the only one I can catch almost.

 

[jbruner51]

Quote:
I have 2 EE Hens that are about a year old and have been laying awhile but neither has ever "squatted" when I go in there... Is that just when they're pullets or should the hens do that too?

 

[kzane23]

This hen of mine is over a year old, but like I said, she's the only one that will do that in a flock of 12. I think its because she assumes i'm the rooster or boss since I don't have a rooster.

 

[jbruner51]

Ahh ok... I have a Blue Maran Cockerel thats about 10 weeks old he thinks he's king till he messes with the EE's then they put him in his place for now.

 

[One Chick Two]

Quote:
When you pet her, she will begin to squat down, extending out the shoulders of her wings to form a flat zone, usually dropping down her head and slightly lifting her tail. This is dominant positioning for the rooster- or another hen, acting dominate. After petting, she will shake herself as if she's been mated. Once they start squatting, they continue doing this on occasion, even after they start to lay, even when there are roosters around.

We have one Marans who always squats down very quickly when being picked up or petted, and trembles. We always speak softly and calmly to her, and handle her gently, she seems to enjoy petting time and closes her eyes, so can't imagine why she trembles, lol. Doubt that it's fear, seems more like it could maybe be a pleasant petting anticipation possible.

 

[One Chick Two]

Ahh ok... I have a Blue Maran Cockerel thats about 10 weeks old he thinks he's king till he messes with the EE's then they put him in his place for now.

Cockerels seem to act better as adults when they have been dominated by hens until they reach maturity. Love the Marans (always with an "s" at the end) males. They are the softest, sweetest boys, and so great to their ladies.

 

[jbruner51]

Well that's good... I had a RIR Rooster that I rescued and he got a lil aggressive with me so he got sent to freezer camp. I have a 3 and 6 year old daughters so I can't have an aggressive rooster because they're my big time helpers and love to play and hold the chickens, so that might work out the best.

 

[One Chick Two]

A shame about your RIR. Sometimes in any breed you can get a male who just has an aggressive attitude, and there's not much that can be done to change that but culling.

My all-time favorite roo is a PR RIR. This is a high energy, workaholic breed that IMO is always on the go (ants in the pants). I think they can be a bit flighty and restless for little ones. Our roo decided one day when he was about 6 weeks old that he really liked us. He comes along on my walks, and tugs on my pantlegs when he wants to be picked up. Never had any odd behavior from him, nor does he act like I am a hen, or try to jump out of my arms when he's being held. He's a softy, and a great hugger! I am always amazed at his good manners, balanced behavior, and how well he communicates.

Our full grown Marans males are much larger than he is, but, the Marans we have are slower in action overall than the PR RIR, less active, much more docile- very gentle natured and dignified. I would trust our grown Marans boys around children (of course, always with supervision- since they are roosters.). In our freeranging flock, we have a 1 3/4 lb OEGB (below) who rules the roost. One day, the 8 lb Marans got out of his pen, and wouldn't you know it- the tiny bantam beat him up... and even he's a friendly little guy too. Marans IMO are definitely lovers, not fighters. lol