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Marans (French Black Copper)

Marans is the breed famous for chocolate-brown eggs - the darkest naturally-laid egg of any chicken. French Black Copper Marans (BCM) are the iconic variant: jet-black hens with copper-orange hackle feathers laying mahogany-dark eggs.

About this breed

Quick facts: Marans (French Black Copper)

OriginMarans, western France - early 1900s
APA recognized2011
Conservation statusRecovering
Also calledBCM, French Marans, Chocolate-egg chickens
Adult weightRoosters 8 lb, Hens 6.5 lb
Size classStandard
Eggs per year~180
Egg colorDark Chocolate
Egg sizeLarge
BroodinessMedium
Cold hardinessGood
Heat toleranceGood
Noise levelQuiet
Flight tendencyLight flight
Beginner friendlyYes

History & origin

Marans originated in the marshlands of western France in the early 1900s, named for the town of Marans. Developed as a dual-purpose dark-egg breed by crossing Croad Langshans, Coucou de Malines, and local strains. The breed nearly went extinct during World War II - revived by French breeders in the 1950s. American imports began in the 1990s; APA recognized Black Copper Marans in 2011. The 'French' strain has feathered shanks; the 'English' strain has clean legs. Both lay equally dark eggs.

Personality & temperament

calmforagingcurioustolerant

Best for: premium eggs, show, dual-purpose

Eggs & laying

Egg color is the breed's defining trait - scored 1-9 on the Marans color scale. 5+ commands premium prices.

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space4 sq ft per bird
Run space12 sq ft per bird
Roost bar10 in per bird

Space: French Marans have feathered legs - keep coops dry to prevent mud-caked foot feathers.

Feeding: Layer feed 16%. Egg color intensity is genetic but stress and age fade it; supplement with marigold/paprika if light.

Health: Feathered legs (French strain) are prone to scaly leg mite - inspect monthly.

Climate: Zones 4-9. Tolerates wet better than most breeds (French climate origin).

Buying tips

  • Egg color scores 1-9 (lightest to darkest). 5 is acceptable; 7+ is premium.
  • DON'T wash hatching eggs - the bloom is part of why they look dark. Wiping reveals lighter shell.
  • French strain has 4-toe feathered shanks; English strain has 4-toe clean shanks. Confirm with the breeder.
  • Black Copper is most popular but Wheaten, Cuckoo, and Blue Copper exist and lay equally dark eggs.

Did you know?

  • Marans eggs are the darkest naturally-laid chicken egg - rivaled only by Welsummer at the high end.
  • James Bond canonically eats Marans eggs (Fleming specified 'eggs from Marans hens' in his novels).
  • Egg color FADES as the hen ages - first-year pullets lay the darkest eggs.
  • Hatching eggs of show-quality Marans sell for $5-12 per egg.

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