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Cuckoo Marans Chicken Breed Info + Where to Buy

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

This breed hails from France. It is one of the varieties of Maran chickens.

Cuckoo Marans are more popular in the United States than the Black Copper Maran, but they are still quite rare and difficult to find.

A barred Cuckoo Marans Chicken in a chicken coop.
Image source: Instagram

Much like the other varieties of Marans, these hens lay some of the darkest brown 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.

Cuckoo Maran hens may or may not set, but are good mothers when they do.

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

How to Buy Online Cuckoo Marans

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Cuckoo Marans Chicken Breed Quick Info

Cuckoo Marans Chicken Description

Cuckoo Marans Type/Size:Standard
Feather Color:Grey and white barred
Leg Type:Clean
Leg Color:Pink
Skin Color:Yellow
Cuckoo Marans Ease of Raising/Keeping:Easy
Cuckoo Marans Special Care Needs:No
Is the Cuckoo Marans breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Heritage

Cuckoo Marans Use

MeatYes
EggsYes
Dual PurposeYes
Cuckoo Marans Temperament:Gentle, docile
Cuckoo Marans Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Cuckoo Marans Egg Production

Egg ColorDark Brown
Egg SizeX-Large
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year150-200
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksLow

Cuckoo Marans Meat Production

Dressed Weight Male5 lbs.
Dressed Weight Female4 ¼  lbs.

Cuckoo Marans Climate Tolerance

HeatGood
ColdExcellent

Cuckoo 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 Size16 Weeks

Cuckoo Marans Size at Maturity

Male7 lbs.
Female6 lbs.

Origins of the Cuckoo Marans Chicken

A barred Cuckoo Marans Chicken gobbling in a backyard.

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 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 Cuckoo Marans Chicken

A young Cuckoo Marans Chicken in a backyard.

The Cuckoo Marans is a tall bird with an elegant, proud carriage. They have clean legs (meaning there are no feathers on them), unlike their Black Copper Maran relatives.

There are several varieties available, including 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 pink legs and white skin.

Their plumage is similar in appearance to the Barred Rock chicken breed. it is grey with white barring throughout.

How Easy is it to Keep Cuckoo Marans Chickens?

A barred Cuckoo Marans Chicken on a green pasture.
Image source: Instagram

The Cuckoo Marans are not necessarily good pet chickens, but they are known to be quiet, gentle, and not overly flighty. Their docile nature extends to the roosters, too, though 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.

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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 Cuckoo 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 Cuckoo Marans to your flock.

Cuckoo Marans Chicken Breed Info pinterest image.

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