Search results for query: *

I should add - forgetful is absolutely correct that the American Marans is to have feathered shanks; the feathering should go down the outside of the legs, and along the outside toe. It should not be found on other toes, or between the toes, and should not be extremely thick - nor sparse.

That's not exactly true - we used the French standard as a basis for the American standard, but they are not exactly the same. :)

Hi, Preston - they don't fit in more with European; Faverolles and Marans are very similar in my opinion. And even not far from Lafleche, size and purpose wise.

I would certainly not cull these at this point; it's awfully early to know for sure. HOWEVER - their shank feathering is definitely much too heavy. That is not a DQ, though. As far as them looking different as chicks, different breeders breed for different things after they breed to standard...

This is not scaley leg mite. It's related to feathered shanks, and may be sex linked. See here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/244582/feather-legged-cock-bird-with-inflamed-feather-shafts

I've had hundreds of Marans cock birds on my property, and have been breeding them for eight years now; I have had just one that was mean spirited, and that was very early in my breeding experience. I strongly believe that it's much about how you handle/present yourself whether you'll have one...

I run mine at 62-65; when that first chick hatches, the humidity will rise rapidly so you don't want to begin a hatch with it too awfully high.

The hackle is the neck feathering. Yes, if you click on that picture to enlarge it, can you see the copper "stippling" - it looks like it's sort of sprayed on, in tiny dots? That is mossiness. That area should be solid black. I hate to hear so much talk about this line and that...folks...

Nerd, the area with the copper feathering in the pic above is called the hackle area. Unfortuanately, this bird is what we call "mossy" - look toward the bottom of the picture - do you see the feathers on the back with the brown/copper edges to them? They should not have color like that. I...

Hi, nerd - may I call you nerd? The white question in your 2nd paragraph is a subject that's being discussed in a sort of "hush hush" way all over the place. On here, on Showbidbird, in the Marans forums...it's my feeling that no one seems to have a handle on it just yet, and that's why...

Once an egg is incubated, it becomes quite runny; the chance of cracking it open and the yolk staying intact are VERY VERY slim.

Nope. Not necessarily. Once an egg is incubated, you cannot tell whether it was fertile or not.

The approved standard can be found in the APA's Standard of Perfection. Also, you can view a copy here: http://maranschickenclubusa.com/SMF/index.php?board=20.0 (if it doesn't pull up for you, let me know & I'll copy/paste here). In the U.S. Marans are to have feathered shanks.

yup. The folks I know who are working on them may not have them out quickly, but - they breed for excellent egg color & type, taking no "shortcuts" along the way. :) OH - @DMRippy - I am not referring to you in any way here!

I'll get some pictures, soon. I'm not known for my picture taking ability, but I'll try. I have a couple good friends breeding the lavender; I suspect they'll soon be released for distribution to responsible breeders this year or next.

'tis true. I have pure Blue Marans, they have just started to lay and color is pretty good. Funny thing, I think the Black Coppers are just gorgeous...but I don't care for the blue coppers at all. However, the solid blue...to me is just as pretty as the Black Copper! I need to get some...

No, this is not normal. I would anticipate you'll have issues with that one eventually. Very sorry to hear it, but I do hope the rest do well!

Oh my word - NO NO NO - PLEASE DON'T DO THIS, folks! If an egg can't hatch on its own, it ought not be incubated! Think about this - seriously, have any of you ever seen a hen with a piece of sandpaper? Ridiculous.

I've had eggs shipped to me three times now in the foam and I can't say I really liked them much, personally. Also, folks reuse them, and to me...I prefer fresh, never-been-used packaging for hatching eggs. But, everyone has their preferences.

I ship like Hangtown - I will say that if I had the $, I'd definitely DEFINITELY ship using preemie diapers rather than bubble wrap pouches. I've gotten a few shipments in them, and they are awesome. MUCH more padding than bubble wrap pouches, and so you don't even need to line the bottom...