Marran Hens

Marran Hen

The Marran hen (also known as the Marans breed) is a hardy, elegant chicken known for her distinctive dark brown or chocolate-colored eggs and her charming, calm demeanor. Originally from France, the Marran hen is a favorite among poultry enthusiasts for its egg color, beautiful feathering, and docile nature.

Appearance:

• Size: Medium-sized with a strong, solid build.
• Feathering: Glossy, often with copper or golden tones (depending on the variety), and a slightly iridescent sheen.
• Color Varieties: The most common varieties are Black Copper, White, and Cuckoo. The Black Copper variety is particularly prized for its stunning plumage.
• Comb: Single comb, red and upright.
• Legs/Feet: Clean, yellow legs with unfeathered feet.

Temperament:

• Calm, friendly, and somewhat reserved — Marrans are known for being docile and easy to manage, making them a good choice for backyard flocks or families with children.
• They can be a bit more independent than other breeds but are not aggressive and tend to get along well with other chickens.
• Marrans are generally non-flighty and have a calm disposition.

Egg Production:

• Exceptional egg layers, known for producing rich, dark brown eggs, sometimes with a chocolate-like hue.
• Marrans typically lay around 150–200 eggs per year, making them more productive than many ornamental breeds but less prolific than commercial layers.
• Their dark eggs are often sought after for their unique and attractive color, making them a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts and for egg-selling purposes.

Purpose:

• Primarily raised for egg production, particularly for the distinctive dark brown eggs.
• Ornamental: Known for their stunning plumage, Marrans are often kept for their beauty and display qualities.
• Meat: While they are not primarily bred for meat, they are large enough to be considered a dual-purpose breed for those interested in both eggs and meat.

Care Notes:

• Hardy and adaptable to various climates, though they appreciate protection from extreme cold or wet conditions.
• Active foragers, so they do well in free-range or larger pens.
• While they are generally low-maintenance, their egg production can benefit from a diet high in protein to maintain quality egg color and consistency.