Which BCM cockerel do I choose?

[gojira]

Give him some time. His hackles should fill out with maturity, and it will make his neck and back look more proportioned.

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Another pic that shows his back length and funky neck better. Is this ok?
View attachment 1183764

I have never heard of swan neck, but I have heard of wry neck. Have you had this boy since he was a chick? Are you familiar with wry neck?

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Give him some time. His hackles should fill out with maturity, and it will make his neck and back look more proportioned.

X2

 

[FreedomFarm13]

I have never heard of swan neck, but I have heard of wry neck. Have you had this boy since he was a chick? Are you familiar with wry neck?

Yes, I've had him since he was a chick. I've heard of wry neck, but I've only ever had a bird with wry tail. I'm assuming it's similar...like the neck leans to one side or something? He didn't show any signs of anything like that as a chick, though.

 

[FreedomFarm13]

Give him some time. His hackles should fill out with maturity, and it will make his neck and back look more proportioned.

Ok, thanks. At what age do you think he'll be ready to be reevaluated?

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Ok, thanks. At what age do you think he'll be ready to be reevaluated?

It looks to me like he's moulting right now. Maybe his feathers are just twisted.

In my experience, wry neck is kinda looking up all the time.

 

[gojira]

Ok, thanks. At what age do you think he'll be ready to be reevaluated?

That is tough to say. As another said, he could be in a molt, and he may look amazing in a few weeks. It might be 8 or 9 months old, or even a year. Of the two, he is the better bird, if you are needing to make a decision now.

 

[FreedomFarm13]

That is tough to say. As another said, he could be in a molt, and he may look amazing in a few weeks. It might be 8 or 9 months old, or even a year. Of the two, he is the better bird, if you are needing to make a decision now.

Not now, exactly. Just by the time all my girls are laying, so I can separate them immediately. I already pretty much decided whoever wasn't used for breeding was gonna be used to make some OEs with my splash Ameraucana girls, since they're not really being used in my Am breeding program. I'm glad to hear that I had the right boy in mind for my Marans, though. I'll keep an eye on him to see how he matures in the meantime. Thanks for all the advice and tips, everyone!! I really really appreciate it!

 

[gojira]

Not now, exactly. Just by the time all my girls are laying, so I can separate them immediately. I already pretty much decided whoever wasn't used for breeding was gonna be used to make some OEs with my splash Ameraucana girls, since they're not really being used in my Am breeding program. I'm glad to hear that I had the right boy in mind for my Marans, though. I'll keep an eye on him to see how he matures in the meantime. Thanks for all the advice and tips, everyone!! I really really appreciate it!

Your females may not lay for a few more months. I would separate the males now. Since the better male is younger, the older male could dominate him, and the younger male might not reach his potential.

 

[FreedomFarm13]

Your females may not lay for a few more months. I would separate the males now. Since the better male is younger, the older male could dominate him, and the younger male might not reach his potential.

Ok, will do! Thanks!