Marans chicken breed (Marans) It originates from the city of Marans (Marans) in the west of France. During the 19th century, it was created by crossing native chickens with chickens from many countries that arrived by boat in the coastal region.
Marans are very popular for their dark brown, chocolate-like eggs. which is considered unique and is regarded as one of the breeds that produce the darkest eggs in the world.
Breed characteristics
shape
Big, strong body
Broad chest
Medium length back
tight structure
It is a half-meat, half-egg chicken (Dual Purpose).
Features
Slight hair on the outside of the legs (Especially the French breed) Single bright red crest, orange-red eyes, white skin.
Popular coat colors
Black Copper Marans
shiny black
Copper neck and shoulder feathers
It is the most popular breed.
Blue Copper Marans
bluish gray
drinker
Cuckoo Marans
black and white pattern
Wheaten Marans
light golden brown
White Marans
Pure white
weight
Male 3.5-4.0 kg.
Female 2.5-3.5 kg.
Highlights of the breed
✅ Give eggs a dark chocolate brown color.
✅ Eggs are highly valued in the market.
✅ Can be raised for both eggs and meat.
✅ Strong and durable
✅ Calm and docile personality
✅ Adapts well to free-range rearing.
Egg characteristics
The most distinctive feature of Marans is its egg color.
Color levels can range from
🥚 Light brown
🥚 Red brown
🥚 Dark brown
🥚 Dark chocolate
🥚 Very dark chocolate.
Egg color is darkest at the beginning of the laying season. and may fade slightly as hens age.
egg production
Start laying eggs at 22-28 weeks of age.
Gives about 150-220 eggs per year.
Average egg weight is 60-75 grams.
The eggs are quite large.
The bark is stronger than other species.
How to raise
1. Greenhouse
Airy, well ventilated, with 3-4 eggs per square meter, dry, not damp ground, and clean nest boxes. Because it is a large chicken You should arrange your sleeping perch to be stronger than usual.
2. Feeding
Chick stage (0-8 weeks) 20-22% protein feed, clean water at all times.
Young chicken stage (8-18 weeks) 16-18% protein, supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
Protein egg laying stage 16-18% Calcium 3.5-4% supplement with crushed shellfish or crushed limestone.
3. Free-range farming
Marans are chickens that like to scavenge for food and can find their own supplements, such as
young grass
insect
earthworm
seeds
Reduces food costs and increases egg quality.
4. Light management
Requires 14-16 hours of light per day, supplemented during days when there is little natural light.
5. Health care
Important vaccines include:
Newcastle (ND)
Gamboro (IBD)
Infectious bronchitis (IB)
Chicken smallpox
They should be dewormed every 4-6 months and keep the house clean regularly.
strength
The chocolate-colored eggs are strikingly beautiful.
The selling price of eggs is higher than normal eggs.
Thick-shelled, strong eggs
Easy to raise, calm temperament
Can be used to raise both eggs and meat.
weakness
They produce fewer eggs than commercial laying hens such as Leghorns.
Egg color may become lighter with age.
Purebreds are quite expensive.
Breeds must be selected to maintain the intensity of egg color.
summarize
Marans chicken (Marans) It is a famous egg-laying chicken from France. Characterized by dark brown eggs resembling chocolate. It produces about 150-220 eggs per year. It has a calm, strong temperament and is easy to raise. Suitable for those who want to produce high value premium eggs. They are popularly raised together with Ameraucana (blue eggs), Araucana (blue eggs), Easter Egger (multi-colored eggs) and Olive Egger (olive-green eggs) to create a multi-colored egg farm that stands out in the market. 🥚🍫🐔🌈