Which Black Copper Marans Roo (of 5)

[JewellFarm]

Also, Do they all have feathered legs? I can't tell from the picks.

Are you going to breed for feathered legs (French Standards)? If so that is a huge factor in which bird you keep also.

 

[geebs]

I agree on the no cull... I would separate them and keep them all... ha ha ha... Number 3 at this age exibits good traits... The proof cannot be shown until they are MUCH older.. temperment.. will they throw sports? (always good to have a backup here)...will one turn mean.... mean breeding habits Plus any white feathers??? We cannot see that at all in the pix.

 

[L&Schickens]

I would go with the one with the best comb and the least amount of white in the wings and or tail. No white would be best.

 

[Wynette]

I didn't read to see what other folks say, but from the pics, I like #3 the best.

 

[Brick243]

I'm with everyone else. I picked #3.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Bachelor #3. He's hawwwttt!

 

[blackdotte]

You are trying to pick a Miss World from a bunch of 12 year olds. Let them grow out for another 6 months at least. During that time cull for obvious faults, sprigs, shortened toes etc, don't cull on plumage alone until after the first adult moult.
David

 

[zchickens]

Thanks for the responses everyone. The birds come from Buddy Henry (Ron Presley's line). They are feather legged (some the alot of feathering, others with so-so feathering at this point). I live in South Dakota, so I think that SoCal is just a bit far for you to drive for one bird

. I will keep them for a few more months before evaluating them again. I just worry a lit bit that they may impact the hens negatively since I have about 13 roosters right now in a flock of 41 birds (one welsummer, one brabanter, six BCM, three wheaten/blue wheaten ameraucana, & two BLRW). However all but two of the roosters are the same age as the black coppers (17 weeks; the welsummer and brabanter are a year old), so other than the one year old roos, the other roos have shown minimal interest in the hens to this point (but I know that will change soon). I am hesitant to pen them up seperately in the barn, as it will take away their access to the outside (they free range in a one acre fenced area and are locked up in the barn at night). I already maintain two seperate flocks (the other flock is blue orpingtons and faverolles), so I do not have any other enterances available in my barn to divide them into three flocks at this point.

Z

 

[Byrdj]

At what age do chickens have their first adult molt?

Quote:

 

[M To The Maxx]

I go with #4.