French Marans are such a majestic looking big utility hen, they are fairly docile in nature and lay a gorgeous dark brown egg. They have lightly feathered legs, stunning black plumage with rich copper red neck feathers. They are surprisingly friendly with people and can live in mixed flocks of bantams and larger hens quite easily.
French Maran Chickens at a Glance
Suitable with most (see the guide)
Up To 200 Dark Brown Per Year
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2
3
4
5
1
Single Combe and Wattle
2
Lightly Feathered Legs
3
Large Hen
4
Stunning Copper Neck Feathers
5
Dark Brown Egg Layer
generally a docile and friendly chicken, they are a large hen but have a calm temperament. They area flight bird and do enjoy to roost and perch, they are well suited to free range situations, they can handle confinement but as long as there is plenty of room and enrichment. They are not an aggressive breed and are well suited in mixed flocks of both larger and smaller chickens, but always be wary mixing larger breeds with delicate bantams.
Marans are a beautiful hen, they are good pure breed laying chickens and make lovely additions to a mixed flock, they do well on their own in a flock and don’t necessarily need a breed companion. They do like to forage and free roam, they would not be the best hen for a back garden but can live in smaller set ups provided they have lots of enrichment. They are fairly docile and amicable with most other breeds, they are not overly fond of being handled, but they can be hand tamed with patience and lots of treats.
was developed in the town of Marans, located in the Charente-Maritime region of France, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The breed was originally used for both egg production and meat, and it was prized for its rich, dark brown eggs. The Black Copper Marans is the most common variety in France. It is also the most well developed and has the best egg color.