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.