Marans Chickens

Marans chickens originated in Marans in Western France. The correct spelling has an ‘s’ on the end of the name wether it is single or plural. They are a dual purpose breed that are especially prized for their dark brown eggs but also have good meat qualities. Marans eggs should be an extra large size. Marans are quiet and docile, however they are active foragers and can free range even on rough terrain. Marans chickens were accepted into the American Poultry Association in 2011. English standards call for clean legs, while the french standard calls for feathered legs. The presence of feathered shanks (legs) is expressed by a dominant gene. Therefore a bird with 2 dominant genes will throw all feather legged offspring, while a bird with one dominant can throw both. A bird that is clean legged will always throw clean shanked offspring when it is bred with another clean shanked bird. The american standard models that of the French calling for feathered shanks. Standard weights are 8 lbs for a rooster and 6 1/2 lbs for a hen. Note: Even if a bird is a perfect show quality example of a marans if it eggs are lighter than a #4 on the marans egg scale the bird is not a marans.

Duckopolis breeds:

Black Copper

 

Marans chickens are sold as day old chicks or juvenile/mature chickens.

Day Olds:

Chicks are sold straight run (unsexed). The minimum order for marans chicks being shipped is 6, this number can be made by combining any breeds of chicks or guinea keets.

Hatch dates are on Tuesdays. Chicks ordered for pickup can be picked up between the Wednesday to Saturday following the hatch. We are not able to allow pickups on the actual hatch date. You will be emailed prior to the hatch to schedule a pickup appointment. An appointment must be made to ensure we will be available to help you.

Pre-orders for hatch dates will begin on the Wednesday 3 weeks prior to the hatch. Please sign up to our email list (sign up form is at the bottom of the page) if you want to receive emails with updates on availability.

THE FIRST HATCH DATE FOR 2022 WILL BE APRIL 5TH. SUBSEQUENT HATCHES WILL BE EVERY TUESDAY.

 

Juvenile/Mature Poultry:

Juvenile and mature poultry are posted for sale once they are ready to go, whether by pickup or to be shipped. After an order is received we will contact you within 1-2 business days to make arrangements for pickup or a ship date.

Juvenile and mature poultry are available on a first ordered basis. Please sign up to our email list (sign up form is at the bottom of the page) if you want to receive emails with updates on availability.