Chicken Marans, we loved the amazing chocolate eggs

Summary

The Marans chicken, a dual-purpose breed from France, is known for its dark chocolate-colored eggs, which vary in tone based on the hen's age and egg-laying frequency. Originating in the 13th century, the breed developed from crosses between native chickens and birds brought by monks. Marans were further refined by Brahma and Langshan bloodlines in the late 19th century. The breed is celebrated for its excellent meat quality and resilient nature, thriving in various weather conditions. While rare and sometimes challenging to find, Marans are prized for both their egg color and strong, transport-resistant shells.

Takeaways

• 😀 Marans is a dual-purpose chicken breed, known for its meat and unique chocolate-colored eggs.
• 😀 The breed originated in La Rochelle, southwestern France, and is also called marsh hens due to the region's low, marshy terrain.
• 😀 Marans chickens trace their development to the 13th century, with crosses between native chickens and various breeds brought by monks.
• 😀 The breed became famous for its dark chocolate eggs, which can vary in color depending on the hen's laying frequency and age.
• 😀 Modern Marans began appearing in bird shows in 1914, and the breed was officially established by the 1920s.
• 😀 The Marans breed nearly went extinct after World War II but was revived, especially after soldiers returned to the U.S. with the breed.
• 😀 Marans hens typically produce 150-200 eggs per year, with the darkest eggs produced when laying less frequently.
• 😀 Roosters weigh up to 4 kg, while hens weigh about 3 kg, with a smaller dwarf variety that weighs less.
• 😀 Marans chickens have orange eyes, a red crest, and slate-gray or pinkish-white legs, with feathered legs according to country standards.
• 😀 Marans are calm, friendly, and docile, making them easy to handle and suitable for confinement, but they need space to avoid becoming obese.
• 😀 The breed is resilient to various weather conditions and diseases and is highly valued for its egg shell's durability during transport.

Q & A

What is the Marans chicken breed known for?

The Marans chicken breed is known for its excellent meat quality and its unique ability to lay dark brown or chocolate-colored eggs.

Where did the Marans chicken breed originate?

The Marans chicken breed originated in La Rochelle, in southwestern France, and is named after the historic port city of Marans.

How did the Marans chicken breed develop?

The Marans breed developed through crosses between native chickens and various breeds brought to France by monks during the 13th century. The breed was further refined by the introduction of Brahma and Langshan blood in the late 19th century.

When did the Marans chicken start to appear at bird shows?

The Marans chicken breed began to appear at bird shows in France in 1914.

What is the significance of the Marans chicken's eggs?

The eggs of the Marans chicken are famous for their dark chocolate color, with the tone varying depending on the hen's age and laying frequency.

What is the average egg production of a Marans hen?

On average, Marans hens produce between 150 and 200 eggs per year.

What are the physical characteristics of Marans chickens?

Marans chickens typically have orange eyes, a simple red crest, dewlaps, and their legs are slate gray or pinkish white. Their feet have white soles, as they have white skin, not yellow.

What is the size range of Marans chickens and roosters?

Roosters can weigh up to 4 kilos, while hens typically weigh around 3 kilos. There is also a dwarf variety, where roosters weigh up to 1.1kg and hens weigh 900g.

How is the Marans chicken breed categorized in different countries?

In France, the Marans chicken is recognized in nine color varieties, including black, black copper, birchen, and cuckoo. The French standard requires feathered legs, while the English standard calls for clean legs.

What are the benefits of keeping Marans chickens?

Marans chickens are calm, friendly, and easy to handle. They are also resistant to various weather conditions and diseases, making them a low-maintenance breed suitable for confinement.