This heritage breed hails from France and is one of the few breeds with lightly feathered legs.
Black Copper Marans are a rare breed that is not very common in the United States due to an import ban. However, they can be found online and at some local hatcheries in limited quantities.
These hens lay some of the darkest eggs of any breed. They are very popular at farmer's markets and among chefs. In general, the fewer eggs a hen lays, the darker the color of the eggs will be. Egg color also tends to change as the laying season progresses, getting lighter as time goes on.
Hens may or may not set and are good mothers when they do.
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Black Copper Marans Chicken Breed Quick Info
Black Copper Marans Chicken Description
| Black Copper Marans Type/Size: | Standard |
| Feather Color: | Black/Copper |
| Leg Type: | Feathered |
| Leg Color: | Slate |
| Skin Color: | White |
| Black Copper Marans Ease of Raising/Keeping: | Easy |
| Black Copper Marans Special Care Needs: | No |
| Is the Black Copper Marans breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken? | Rare, “study” status |
Black Copper Marans Use
| Meat | Yes |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Dual Purpose | Yes |
| Black Copper Marans Temperament: | Docile, active |
| Black Copper Marans Ability/Likelihood to Free Range: | Yes |
Black Copper Marans Egg Production
| Egg Color | Dark Brown |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year | 150-200 |
| Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise Chicks | Medium |
Black Copper Marans Meat Production
| Dressed Weight Male | 5 ¼ lbs. |
| Dressed Weight Female | 3 ¼ lbs. |
Black Copper Marans Climate Tolerance
| Heat | Good |
| Cold | Excellent |
Black Copper Marans Age to Maturity
| Number of Months to Reach Full Size | 5 Months |
| Number of Months to Start Egg Laying | 5 Months |
| Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size | 20 Weeks |
Black Copper Marans Size at Maturity
| Male | 7 ½ lbs. |
| Female | 4 ½ lbs. |
Origins of the Black Copper Marans Chicken
This breed is fairly new to the poultry world. They originated around 1900 in the La Rochelle region of southwestern France.
Local landrace chickens were crossbred with Indian and Indonesian gamecocks to create the original version of the Marans chicken, also known as the Marandaise.
Marans continued to develop into the breed we know today through the addition of several breeds, including Brahmas and Langshans. They became famous in France for their dark red eggs.
Following World War 2, though, Marans were close to extinction. A breeding program started by the French Department of Agriculture helped to restore the breed by increasing their egg production, thus making them more popular.
Some Things to Know About the Black Copper Marans Chicken
The Black Copper Marans is a tall bird with an elegant, proud carriage. They will sometimes have lightly feathered legs.
There are several varieties available, but the most common in the United States is the Black Copper Marans. The other varieties include silver cuckoo, white/black, black copper neck, ermine, golden cuckoo, and red.
Their body is long, wide, and sturdy. Their frame forms a “V” shape when viewed from the side. Marans have a single red comb, wattles, and earlobes with slate-colored legs and white skin.
Their plumage is mainly an iridescent black with a beautiful greenish sheen. Their hackles are copper-colored. In the rooster, the copper feathers extend down over the back onto the saddle region.
How Easy is it to Keep Black Copper Marans Chickens?
The Black Copper Marans is not necessarily a good pet chicken, but they are known to be quiet, gentle, and not overly flighty. Their docile nature extends to the roosters, too, although they can be confrontational with other roosters.
This breed is active and is an excellent forager, making them an ideal free-range bird. However, they are adaptable and also do well in confinement.
These are very winter-hardy birds that are ideal for cold climates. They also do well in the heat, provided they have access to shade, water, and a fan or two.
Special Care and Considerations for Black Copper Marans Chickens
As with all chickens with a single comb, there is a risk of frostbite in the winter. A swipe of vaseline on their comb can help to protect it from the cold.
Due to the rarity of this breed, limited quantities are available. Be sure to check with your local hatchery and order early if you plan to add Black Copper Marans to your flock.
