Marans Chickens: Complete Breed Guide

If you've ever seen a deep chocolate brown egg and wondered where it came from, the answer was probably a Marans. These French hens lay some of the darkest eggs of any breed, and they're calm, hardy birds that fit easily into a backyard flock.

This guide covers what makes Marans eggs so dark, the varieties we offer, and how to raise Marans in the Mid-Atlantic.

Quick facts

Egg color	Dark chocolate brown
Egg size	Large
Eggs per year	About 150–200
First eggs	About 24–26 weeks
Adult hen weight	About 6.5–7 lbs
Temperament	Calm, quiet, independent
Cold hardy	Yes
Heat tolerance	Good with shade
Broodiness	Sometimes
Purpose	Dual purpose, prized for egg color
Comb	Single
Legs	French Black Copper: lightly feathered

History of the Marans

Marans come from the area around the town of Marans in western France, a marshy coastal region where farmers developed a hardy bird that could handle damp ground. Local hens were crossed with game birds and other breeds, and by the early 1900s breeders were selecting for the very dark eggs Marans are known for. The breed became popular across Europe for its eggs and table quality. In the United States, the Black Copper Marans was accepted into the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 2011.

Marans varieties

• French Black Copper Marans: glossy black feathers with copper on the neck and lightly feathered legs. The best-known variety and our darkest egg layer.
• Blue Copper Marans: blue feathers with copper hackles. Some chicks grow up black or splash.
• Cuckoo Marans and Blue Cuckoo Marans: barred feathers in gray and black or soft blue tones.

Why Marans eggs are so dark

All chicken eggs start out white inside the hen. Brown color is a coating added in the last hours before the egg is laid. Marans hens add a very heavy layer of that pigment, which gives their eggs a deep chocolate shell. Breeders often rate Marans eggs on a 1–9 color scale, with the best lines laying eggs at 4 or darker.

Egg shade varies from hen to hen. It's usually darkest at the start of a laying season and gets lighter as the season goes on, then darkens again after a rest. That's normal. Our chicken egg color chart shows how Marans eggs compare with other colors.

Eggs and laying

Marans hens lay about 150–200 large eggs a year, usually starting at about 24–26 weeks. That's fewer eggs than a production breed, but each one is a standout. Many keepers add two or three Marans to a flock of strong layers for a basket with real color. For an olive-green egg, try an Olive Egger, which gets its color from Marans-type genes.

Temperament and personality

Marans are calm, quiet and fairly independent. They're not usually lap chickens, but they're easy to manage and rarely aggressive. They're active foragers that do well free ranging or in a roomy run, and they get along well in mixed flocks.

Raising Marans in the Mid-Atlantic

Marans were developed in damp coastal country, so they handle wet Eastern Shore winters well. Keep the coop dry and ventilated, and keep an eye on their single combs on the coldest nights. Lightly feathered legs stay cleaner with a well-drained run and dry bedding.

In summer, give them shade, airflow and plenty of cool water. They cope with heat better than very heavy breeds. For more, read the best chicken breeds for Maryland, Virginia and Delaware weather.

Space, feed and care

• Brooder: keep chicks warm, dry and draft-free for the first several weeks. Our guide to how to set up a brooder for baby chicks walks you through it.
• Coop space: plan on at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and about 10 square feet per bird in the run.
• Roosts and nests: one nest box for every four or five hens, and enough roost space for everyone to sleep side by side.
• Feed: chick starter from day one, grower feed from about 8 weeks, then layer feed with oyster shell on the side once they start laying.
• Egg color: good layer feed, oyster shell, low stress and a seasonal rest help hens keep laying their darkest eggs.
• Lifespan: with good care, many Marans live 6–8 years.

Sizing your flock? Read how many chickens should I get? and day-old chicks vs started pullets.

Frequently asked questions

How dark are Marans eggs?

Marans lay some of the darkest eggs of any breed, in deep chocolate brown. Shade varies from hen to hen and through the laying season.

How many eggs does a Marans lay?

About 150–200 large dark brown eggs a year.

When do Marans start laying?

Usually at about 24–26 weeks.

Why are my Marans eggs getting lighter?

Egg color is usually darkest at the start of a laying season and lightens as the season goes on. It typically darkens again after a rest or molt.

Are Marans good for beginners?

Yes. They're calm, hardy and easy to care for. They lay fewer eggs than production breeds, so many keepers mix them with strong layers.

Can I buy Marans hatching eggs or started pullets?

Yes. We offer French Black Copper Marans hatching eggs and French Black Copper Marans started pullets as well as day-old chicks.

Ordering Marans chicks from Chesapeake

All chick orders are pre-orders by hatch date. Shipped chicks travel by USPS Priority Mail to your local post office for pickup, and the post office calls when they arrive. Most breeds have a 6-chick minimum for shipping, and you can mix breeds that ship the same week. Live near Maryland's Eastern Shore? French Black Copper Marans are available with Free local pickup in Preston, with no minimum order. Blue Copper, Cuckoo and Blue Cuckoo Marans are available for shipping only. Marek's vaccination is optional and can be added in your cart, and every order is backed by our live arrival guarantee.

See chick shipping rates and times and free local pickup details, read when to order baby chicks, or compare all of our chicken breeds.

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