Marans

Marans originated in western France in the town of Marans, is best known for its dark chocolate coloured eggs.

It is a fast grower and does well in damp areas, having been developed in a marshy portion of France. The original French birds have feathered legs, but this characteristic has been bred out of the British and many American lines.

The French recognise 9 varieties:

1. Silver Cuckoo;
2. Golden Cuckoo;
3. White;
4. Coppered Black;
5. Black;
6. Wheat;
7. Black-tailed Fawn;
8. Ermine; and,
9. Silvered Black.

In the Cuckoo Marans, males are lighter in colour than females - it is possible to sex them even as chicks with reasonable good accuracy.