Which BCM cockerel do I choose?

[FreedomFarm13]

Ok, so I'm new to having BCMs, and I'm not 100% sure about what the SOP says about them, or even which SOP to follow (American or French) so I thought I'd ask for opinions on my two boys. I'd like to know which you like better for striving for SOP, which SOP they would be good for, and why. I know it's a lot to ask, but until I'm able to get my own SOP book, I need all the help i can get. I'm also planning on posting this in the Marans thread. Thanks in advance! Here are the boys!

Cockerel #1: Vincent, 9 months old

Cockerel #2: Jacques, 6 months old

Here's a pic of my best (in my opinion, as she's got both plenty of copper and feathered shanks) girl, Ember, just as an fyi. She's 6 months, not yet laying, and unrelated to both boys:

Now for my opinion of the boys. I like Cockerel #1's body type more, though I'm not sure it's what the standard calls for. I don't like that he's rough on the girls, picks fights with the other boys, or has that light golden color in his hackles. I love Cockerel #2's feathered shanks, his color is more mahogany, and so far he's been a perfect gentleman to everyone. But, his neck is kinda swan-like and thin, and his back seems long to me, but I don't know if that's a deal breaker or not. I'm having a hard time choosing which should be my breeder.
So, what do you guys think? I'd love any opinions or advice you can give, including opinions on my girl. Thank you all so much!

 

[Bonniebooboo]

Not sure on it, but Think #1 other than light gold in hackles looks pretty good for American standard. If his hackles were darker, he would look Identical to my Old roo I had named Rambo. I don't like feathers on the legs. Rambo was a most excellent rooster. quite the gentleman, great with me and all his ladies.Rambo was my best rooster ever. sorry yours is a bit naughty. I think # 1 is the most beautiful of the two. Second roo, better neck color and with a black copper Hen, you may just get a really nice built, colored roo next generation that you would like best. Wish I had a picture of Rambo to post, but I don't. It's been a number of years since he passed.

 

[Bonniebooboo]

This might help. http://maranschickenclubusa.com/standard-of-perfection.html
according to this, the "English type" is clean legged. American standard is lightly feathered on outside of leg. I guess I like the English type. The SOP is adhering to the French standard with the light feathering.

 

[gojira]

It looks like you are you the US, so why would you not use the US Standard? The Standard in the US, as far as I know, was based on the French Standard, as opposed to the British Standard. It may be too early to judge, but the second cockerel has more going for him than the first. The first is light in the hackles, and lacks feathering on his shanks. Once the second cockerel's tail comes in better, check the tail angle. It looks like it could be too high. The pullet seems ok, but it would be good to have a better picture of her tail, from the side and above.

 

[LilJoe]

@Chooks man
@Fanci Feathers Marans

 

[LilJoe]

The pullets eyes are too dark... at that angle her back doesnt look flat...

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Okay, I know they are moulting, but Vincent has straw coloring in his hackles, which isn't good, plus I don't like how big his tail is.
Is Jaques beak kind of raptorish/pointy or is that the photo?

Really you need to wait for the boys to feather out before we can tell, but I would choose Jaques.

 

[FreedomFarm13]

It looks like you are you the US, so why would you not use the US Standard? The Standard in the US, as far as I know, was based on the French Standard, as opposed to the British Standard. It may be too early to judge, but the second cockerel has more going for him than the first. The first is light in the hackles, and lacks feathering on his shanks. Once the second cockerel's tail comes in better, check the tail angle. It looks like it could be too high. The pullet seems ok, but it would be good to have a better picture of her tail, from the side and above.

Here's some more pics of her:
A better profile, showing her back:

Her tail from above. A little pointy:

A photo from behind. Sorry it's a little off-kilter, my bielefelder roo was in the way, feeling needy:

I know her eye is dark, I'd read about eye color for Marans and knew it was. It's a chocolate brown, as opposed to reddish bay.
I guess I prefer the American/French standard, because I really like feathered shanks. I think they're cute. And I do agree that Jacques has more going for him, I was just concerned about his weird neck and back length. If those aren't major problems, though, I would much prefer to keep him. I love me a sweet boy!

 

[FreedomFarm13]

Okay, I know they are moulting, but Vincent has straw coloring in his hackles, which isn't good, plus I don't like how big his tail is.
Is Jaques beak kind of raptorish/pointy or is that the photo?

Really you need to wait for the boys to feather out before we can tell, but I would choose Jaques.

I'm so glad to hear you say that! I love Jacques and thought I was being biased, but having someone else say it is very validating, lol. As far as I can tell (just went out and looked at him) his beak may be a little raptor-ish, but it's not very bad at all. Do you think his swan-like neck is ok? What about his back length?

 

[FreedomFarm13]

Another pic that shows his back length and funky neck better. Is this ok?