Marans are prized for their dark eggs and show qualities as well. They lay around 200 eggs per year. Their gentle temperaments and quiet demeanor makes them ideal for suburban backyard chicken keepers, as well as any assorted farm flock as they rarely bully smaller breeds.

The French Black Copper Marans originated in France and are a rare breed in the United States since an import ban reduced the genetic diversity of this breed. French Black Copper Marans lays rich, chocolate brown eggs that are a favorite with folks who want a colorful egg basket. It has been accepted into the American Standard of Perfection since 2011.

 

This variety is very rare breed. They lay a deep, rich, chocolate brown egg. The Marans breed was developed originally developed in France in the mid 1800's in the town for which it bears its name, Marans. Marans became popular for their dark mahogany-brown eggs--a trait they are still known for today. The beautiful Black Copper Marans are calm, quiet and gentle. These birds have lightly feathered legs.

They are a favorite at poultry shows, and this breed is known both for its extremely dark eggs. The original Marans are feather legged birds, but the British breeders preferred the clean legged version, and thus feathered legged Marans are now mostly found in France and the United States. The American Poultry Association only recognizes feathered legged.

 

In my opinion: This breed keeps me intrigued. I can't watch them enough; beautiful both inside and out, and the roosters are brilliantly colored with gorgeous eyes. The chocolate colored eggs are a pleasure to add to my egg basket.