Marans (always spelled with an “s,” whether referring to one bird or many) are a distinguished dual-purpose breed from France. They trace their roots to the port town of Marans in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France, where seafarers in the 1800s left behind an assortment of chickens that eventually formed the foundation of the breed. Originally bred as fighting cocks, chance matings gave rise to a bird better suited for the barnyard, these birds were originally known as the Marandaise fowl. Over time, the Marans were further refined through the influence of Croad Langshan, Brahma, Coucou de Malines, Coucou de Rennes, and Gatinaise chickens, shaping the foundation of the breed we recognize today.

In France, the Marans quickly gained a reputation for their rich, dark red eggs, though their plumage remained quite varied and inconsistent. In the early 1920s, poultry enthusiast Mrs. Rousseau set out to standardize the Marans’ varied plumage, leading to the creation of the Cuckoo Marans. By the early 1930s, six varieties had been formally recognized: silver cuckoo, white, black, black copper, ermine, golden cuckoo, and red. However, in post-war France of the mid-1940s, the breed was nearly lost. To rescue it, the French Department of Agriculture launched breeding programs aimed at preservation and increased egg production. These efforts succeeded, and by 1952, Marans were laying around 200 eggs per year. When the official programs ended, dedicated amateur breeders took up the cause, successfully maintaining and improving the breed. From France, Marans spread to England and eventually to America, where in 2011 the Black Copper Marans earned acceptance into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection.

The Black Copper Marans are known for their striking plumage—glossy black feathers accented with deep copper hackles, with roosters showing extra copper on their saddle and covert feathers. They feature feathered legs, red earlobes, and an upright single comb. Though prized as a quality table bird, their real claim to fame lies in their eggs: the darkest, richest chocolate-brown shells of any Marans variety. Inside, the yolks of free-range hens shine a vibrant orange, brimming with vitamins, protein, and healthy fats.

Black Copper Marans are generally calm, friendly birds that do well in a mixed flock. The hens are steady layers and may occasionally go broody, making them dutiful mothers when they do. Roosters, while striking and confident, can be territorial and don’t always integrate well with other males, so it’s best to introduce newcomers gradually. They’re highly attentive to their hens and are generally not aggressive toward people. We’ve found that a rooster-to-hen ratio of 1:10 works best for the Marans. These birds enjoy free-ranging and are active foragers, yet they aren’t particularly flighty, preferring to stay close to home while exploring their surroundings.

In France, Marans are showcased in two distinct categories at poultry exhibitions: eggs and birds. In the egg category, the Black Copper Marans’ eggs are judged for the depth and sheen of their color, along with size, shape, and overall quality—all in pursuit of the perfect Marans egg. In the exhibition category, the birds themselves are evaluated for body type, plumage, and adherence to the written breed standard. Both categories come together at the prestigious national Marans show in France, which we’ve had the privilege to attend. The quality of both the eggs and the birds there is nothing short of remarkable. To share a glimpse of this, the gallery below features egg photographs we captured during the French national show.

Marans are a versatile dual-purpose breed valued for both their meat and egg production. While best known for laying large, dark chocolate eggs, they’re also prized for their exceptionally flavorful meat. Black Copper Marans are distinguished by their black plumage highlighted with rich copper coloring on the neck and hackles. Roosters also display copper tones on their saddle and covert feathers. This breed is characterized by red earlobes, feathered shanks on grey legs, a full tail, and a strong, broad chest.

For a more in-depth look at the breed standard, visit the links below. Both sites also provide detailed information on the breed’s history and the standards of perfection for other Marans color varieties.

Official Marans Standard | The Marans Club

Black Copper

We incubate at 99.5°F and 55% humidity, and typically achieve a 75–85% hatch rate from the Marans. Hatching eggs from this breed can present some challenges. The deep pigmentation of Marans eggs makes it difficult to see the developing embryo during candling. Their shells also tend to be thicker than those of other breeds, which can slightly delay hatch times or cause some chicks to struggle when pipping. We recommend keeping your eggs in the incubator through day 22 or 23 to allow every chick time to hatch!

When hatching eggs from this breed, it’s important to pay close attention to leg feather quality. Occasionally, some chicks may hatch without fully feathered legs; these individuals should not be kept for future breeding. Any chicks displaying crooked toes or fused toes (this is less common in the Marans) should likewise be excluded from breeding programs. The merits of each bird should be evaluated as they reach adulthood.

In 2024, we had our Black Copper Marans breeding flock genetically tested to ensure our birds do not carry the white recessive gene. Simply put, this means that when our chickens are bred together, they will not produce solid white chicks. In March 2024, we sent samples from our flock to the IQ Bird Testing Lab in Miami, Florida, where they were confirmed free of this gene. For those interested, more information about the white recessive gene is available online.