Wrath's Marans

[Tstraub]

DDi

Did you check their bellies to see if they are overweight?

As a dual purpose breed they tend to put on weight after their second year and if, just to give an example, they are being kept in a run with feed available at all times, they get too fat which leads to fewer and smaller eggs.

In case they get scratch, sprout it, best for them is sprouted barley. Up their carrot/vegetable intake and have them work for their feed.

It’s been a while since I have really put my hands on either one. They don’t look overweight to me but I know feathers can hide a lot. They do get free access to food 24 hours a day. I feed Kalmbach flock maker 20% protein oyster shells on the side, and some kitchen scraps(mostly vegetables). I tried catching them today but they outran me lol. Maybe I’ll get them off the roost tonight if the are on a roost close to the door.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Yes that is low. Little purple band is 6 months @ 49g.
I don't actively keep track of they're egg weights. But they seem to be in the right viscinity.

Just took a few more for curious.
Jett is an OG at 4. Black and Copper are F1s.View attachment 4093329View attachment 4093328View attachment 4093324

That's what my pullets are giving right now at almost 6 months, 49-52 grams

 

[wrathsfarm]

That's what my pullets are giving right now at almost 6 months, 49-52 grams

I say go for it if your antsy. You could follow them growing out and see how they do. And always hatch more when they're bigger.
That pullet egg weight pic I posted was from Jessie the pullet last fall. And these seem to be growing out just like normal with normal weight and size eggs for their age.

I have excuses tho...

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I say go for it if your antsy. You could follow them growing out and see how they do. And always hatch more when they're bigger.
That pullet egg weight pic I posted was from Jessie the pullet last fall. And these seem to be growing out just like normal with normal weight and size eggs for their age.

I have excuses tho...

You are a class A enabler sir

 

[wrathsfarm]

You are a class A enabler sir

Misery loves company !!!

 

[wrathsfarm]

Latest update...Chloe has hatched 5 of Solo's eggs so far. But now has 6 as I've decided to keep this little one with the head spot. I've leg banded it Blue and of course don't know which hen it come from but it should be fun to follow.
Chooks Man says the head spot at hatch in BCMs is a sign of purity. I had a male last year with a head spot at hatch also, but it sadly developed a back deformity.

 

[TexasBlues]

Cute chick. I remember the rooster I used last year had the copper head spot as a chick too.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Cute chick. I remember the rooster I used last year had the copper head spot as a chick too.

I'm curious to see if this one is male or female. My last one was male.

 

[Tstraub]

DDi

Did you check their bellies to see if they are overweight?

As a dual purpose breed they tend to put on weight after their second year and if, just to give an example, they are being kept in a run with feed available at all times, they get too fat which leads to fewer and smaller eggs.

In case they get scratch, sprout it, best for them is sprouted barley. Up their carrot/vegetable intake and have them work for their feed.

I managed to grab Penny out of a nest box this afternoon. She is the one that lays 2-3 small eggs a week. Her is about 5 1/2 pounds. The scale was bouncing around because she wouldn’t stand still LOL. She feels OK to me but I’m not an expert. I can definitely feel her keel bone when I hold her. It feels like there is some meat or fat between her skin and the bone but not so much that you can’t feel the bone is there.


You’ll have to excuse the ruffled feathers it’s real windy today.

 

[BlueTheBrahma]

I managed to grab Penny out of a nest box this afternoon. She is the one that lays 2-3 small eggs a week. Her is about 5 1/2 pounds. The scale was bouncing around because she wouldn’t stand still LOL. She feels OK to me but I’m not an expert. I can definitely feel her keel bone when I hold her. It feels like there is some meat or fat between her skin and the bone but not so much that you can’t feel the bone is there.


You’ll have to excuse the ruffled feathers it’s real windy today.
View attachment 4094057View attachment 4094058View attachment 4094059View attachment 4094060

I think she’s just a small girl. Marans hens should be 7 lbs, so 5 1/2 is quite a small hen. I think that is a matter of her genetics since I know you’ll take good care of her.

Small hens lay small eggs, so I doubt her egg size a matter of her health. Correct me if I’ve missed something because I didn’t catch the start of this conversation.