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Pure Breed French Marans

Stunning Chocolate Eggers French Maran Chickens

Introduction to Pure Breed French Marans Chickens

French Marans are such a majestic looking, big, utility hen, they are docile in nature and lay a gorgeous dark brown egg. They have lightly feathered legs, come in various colours the most popular being the Copper Black. They are surprisingly friendly with people and can live in mixed flocks of bantams and larger hens quite easily.

Good With Most

This breed will be suited with most other breeds, however, some gentle breeds are not compatible with Hybrids or more aggressive breeds. Check the full breed guide for more information.

Chicken Buying Guide

Aloof But Friendly

This breed will be very inquisitive and friendly; however, they can seem a little aloof as they do not like being handled too much and will be self-sufficient, they prefer to chicken about doing their own thing.

150-200 Medium/Large Chocolate PA

This breed will lay up to 200 medium to large dark brown chocolate-coloured eggs per year, they are not known for being broody.

More About French Marans

Character
Suitability
History

Character

Marans are generally a docile and friendly chicken, they are a large hen but have a calm temperament. They are a flight bird and do enjoy roosting and perching, 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.

Suitability

French 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 small back garden but can live in smaller set ups provided they have lots of enrichment. They are 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. They can manage a house with a ladder or ramp, they like to roost and would enjoy some roosting bars to sleep on at night.

History

The breed 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 colour. They lay well and will offer up to 200 medium eggs a year, they have a life expectancy of up to 8 years.