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Black Copper Marans Chicken Breed Info + Where to Buy

Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Phil · This post may contain affiliate links ·

This heritage breed hails from France and is one of the few breeds with lightly feathered legs.

A beautiful colorful Black Copper Marans hen on a straw bed.

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.

Jump to:
  • How to Buy Online Black Copper Marans
  • Black Copper Marans Chicken Breed Quick Info
  • Origins of the Black Copper Marans Chicken
  • Some Things to Know About the Black Copper Marans Chicken
  • How Easy is it to Keep Black Copper Marans Chickens?
  • Special Care and Considerations for Black Copper Marans Chickens

How to Buy Online Black Copper Marans

Cackle hatchery
The Best Hatchery to order from: Read reviews here.

Black Copper Marans As low as: $5.50 - Read reviews

Black Copper Marans Hatching Eggs As low as: $6.95 - Read reviews

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

MeatYes
EggsYes
Dual PurposeYes
Black Copper Marans Temperament:Docile, active
Black Copper Marans Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Black Copper Marans Egg Production

Egg ColorDark Brown
Egg SizeLarge
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year150-200
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksMedium

Black Copper Marans Meat Production

Dressed Weight Male5 ¼ lbs.
Dressed Weight Female3 ¼ lbs.

Black Copper Marans Climate Tolerance

HeatGood
ColdExcellent

Black Copper Marans Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size5 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying5 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size20 Weeks

Black Copper Marans Size at Maturity

Male7 ½ lbs.
Female4 ½ lbs.

Origins of the Black Copper Marans Chicken

A beautiful Black Copper Marans looking for food on a pasture.

This breed is fairly new to the poultry world. They originated around 1900 in the La Rochelle region of southwestern France.

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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

A beautiful Black Copper Marans hen gobbling on a green pasture.

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?

A close-up of a Black Copper Marans hen.

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.

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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.

Black Copper Marans Chicken Breed Info pinterest image.

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