Marans is the breed famous for chocolate-brown eggs - the darkest naturally-laid egg of any chicken. French Black Copper Marans (BCM) are the iconic variant: jet-black hens with copper-orange hackle feathers laying mahogany-dark eggs. FastPoultry takes free quote requests for Marans (French Black Copper) as hatching eggs, day-old chicks, started pullets, and breeder pairs and matches each one with NPIP-certified breeders within 1 business day.
| Origin | Marans, western France - early 1900s |
|---|---|
| APA recognized | 2011 |
| Conservation status | Recovering |
| Also called | BCM, French Marans, Chocolate-egg chickens |
| Adult weight | Roosters 8 lb, Hens 6.5 lb |
| Size class | Standard |
| Eggs per year | ~180 |
| Egg color | Dark Chocolate |
| Egg size | Large |
| Broodiness | Medium |
| Cold hardiness | Good |
| Heat tolerance | Good |
| Noise level | Quiet |
| Flight tendency | Light flight |
| Beginner friendly | Yes |
Marans originated in the marshlands of western France in the early 1900s, named for the town of Marans. Developed as a dual-purpose dark-egg breed by crossing Croad Langshans, Coucou de Malines, and local strains. The breed nearly went extinct during World War II - revived by French breeders in the 1950s. American imports began in the 1990s; APA recognized Black Copper Marans in 2011. The 'French' strain has feathered shanks; the 'English' strain has clean legs. Both lay equally dark eggs.
Best for: premium eggs, show, dual-purpose
Egg color is the breed's defining trait - scored 1-9 on the Marans color scale. 5+ commands premium prices.
| Indoor coop space | 4 sq ft per bird |
|---|---|
| Run space | 12 sq ft per bird |
| Roost bar | 10 in per bird |
Space: French Marans have feathered legs - keep coops dry to prevent mud-caked foot feathers.
Feeding: Layer feed 16%. Egg color intensity is genetic but stress and age fade it; supplement with marigold/paprika if light.
Health: Feathered legs (French strain) are prone to scaly leg mite - inspect monthly.
Climate: Zones 4-9. Tolerates wet better than most breeds (French climate origin).
You can request Marans (French Black Copper) through FastPoultry, which matches buyer requests with breeders. Choose from 4 request pages for hatching eggs, day-old chicks, started pullets, and breeder pairs, then tell us your quantity, preferred age, and delivery state in the form on this page. Matched breeder options arrive within 1 business day, and you arrange payment, pickup, or shipping directly with the breeder you choose.
Prices for Marans (French Black Copper) are set by each breeder and change with season, line quality, age, and quantity, so FastPoultry does not publish a fixed price. Submitting a request is free. Matched breeders reply with current pricing, and you should ask whether the quote includes boxing, shipping, and vaccinations before you pay the breeder directly.
A Marans (French Black Copper) hen lays roughly 180 eggs a year, and the eggs are large and dark chocolate. Egg color is the breed's defining trait - scored 1-9 on the Marans color scale. 5+ commands premium prices. Broodiness is rated medium. Real production depends on strain, hen age, season, and daylight, so ask breeders about the laying record of their parent stock.
Yes. The Marans (French Black Copper) is rated beginner friendly. Temperament: calm, foraging, curious, tolerant; cold hardiness: good; heat tolerance: good; noise level: quiet. It is best for premium eggs, show, and dual-purpose. Check local rules on roosters and flock size before you buy.
The USDA NPIP state importation table (May 20, 2026) lists VS Form 9-3 as required for shipments into 44 of 50 states, and 31 states list a permit, approval number, or other entry requirement, so check your state's location page before you order. VS Form 9-3 is the NPIP report of sales that the shipping breeder completes, and some states add a permit number, a Pullorum-Typhoid or avian influenza clean-flock rule, or a health certificate. FastPoultry does not ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands through standard requests.
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