Which Black Copper Marans Roo (of 5)

[zchickens]

I hatched out my first group of black copper marans this spring (six roos, three hens). They are now just over 17 weeks old and I went to select the best two roosters to keep. I was not able to get pictures of the sixth rooster as my camera ran out of battery charge (and the charger was left at my in-laws

). Please let me know which to keep (go ahead and be critical of the birds, I won't take it personal

).

Bachelor #1

Bachelor #2 - he moved to much so the second picture did not turn out. His comb has more than five points

Bachelor #3

Bachelor #4

Bachelor #5 - he is the nicest of the group - roosts on my lawn chair, wanting to be petted.

Personality wise - besides #5, the birds seem to all have fairly good temperment thus far. However, they are running in a flock with two other year old roosters (a welsummer and a brabanter), so they are not dominant birds in my flock by any means. The egg color that they hatched from was good and fairly consistent, so there is no significant difference in the darkness of the eggs that the roos hatched from. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Z

 

[isadream]

Personally I like number 3 the best. I know nothing about marans though.

 

[Randy]

They are still a little young to know for sure what they will look like when they fully mature.

 

[zchickens]

How long should I wait then before judging which birds to cull?

 

[onthespot]

I would keep number three for sure. I kept one like number five and he fathered a lot of pullets with little or no copper on their necks. I would find number five a new home, regardless of how tame he is. In fact the fact that he is so tame should help find him another place to live.

The comb on number four is pretty ugly, and doubtful it will change much when he grows.... i would put him in the sell pen too.

 

[Elite Silkies]

Quote:
I agree with onthespot..............

 

[lotzahenz]

I like number 3 best too. He has a good amount of red, but not too much. I like his comb and stance. Maybe if you wait until around 20 weeks, it will be clear. HenZ

 

[Byrdj]

I like #3 the best also, but would wait until they are about 6 months before deciding. Nice group to choose from. I've got problems with too much gold/yellow in hackles, too much copper in the breast, comb side sprigs, and dark eyes so I have to choose the lessor of the evils.
What line did they come from?

 

[atarunomiko]

zchickens, where are you located? I'd love to take #5 off your hands if you decide to rehome him. I've been thinking about starting some kind of experimental breeding program to breed for temperament because many people I know are only interested in friendly chickens to keep as pets. If you don't mind him becoming a spoiled lap-rooster, send him on my way. Or I can pick him up if you're in or near SoCal. Please feel free to PM me. Thanks!

 

[JewellFarm]

Personally, I like number 3 the best out of all of the pics. They could change greatly though over the next few months. I wouldn't cull until around 7-9 months.