The Black Copper Maran is a high-class breed of chicken for show and eggs. It is from France, larger than a bantam, and black-feathered with a reputation for good egg production and egg colour – dark brown, in fact, as dark as chocolate. It is a popular breed among those who keep poultry for both beauty and eggs. Black Copper Marans are fed a ration for their improved egg laying production. Black Copper Maran ducks.They are peaceful animals that can be kept with other types of birds. The color of the eggs is estimated to be a prized characteristic among raisers, even more than the bird itself.
Overview of the Breed
The Black Copper Marans has its roots in a region of France called Marans, where it gained widespread popularity for its beautiful brown or dark-green eggs. The development of the Marans chicken has been a long process, with careful selection and breeding occurring over the years to maintain not only the unique egg colour, but the health and vitality of the chicken. The Black Copper Maran orders have distinctive black feathers with copper accents. They are nice-looking birds that are dual-purpose, which means that they give pretty brown eggs but can also be killed as meat birds.
Its temperament is also exceptional – the Maran is calm, placid, and friendly, making this the kind of chicken that mixes well with other poultry types, and is suitable for people new to keeping poultry. These birds do well in most climates and are prolific foragers, making the Black Copper Marans a resilient and durable choice of breed for backyard flocks, whether they are kept for egg or meat production, be they novice or dedicated chicken owners.
Origin and History
The Black Copper Marans has been bred over the past century in Marans, a small town in France from which the bird gets its name. Its bloodline contains local birds, crossed with stock brought over from the maritime trade, including the Langshan, whose influence is what gave the Marans its claim to fame: its dark eggs. The Marans, though it had wild variations and a wide rainbow of egg colours for most of its life, became standardised into the Black Copper Marans we now recognise, with its chocolate-brown eggs, through Légitime traditions of careful breeding in France.
From a local novelty, the Black Copper Marans over time became an internationally prized breed as people appreciated its distinctive qualities and sought to include them among their own poultry. By the middle of the 20th century, bibliographies of the breed and its prize-winning chickens show that the Black Copper Marans was attracting international attention and proper recognition by poultry clubs and organisations around the world. This chicken is a living relic of the past as a representative of the might of French agricultural history, but it is also a recognisable and widely-valued breed in poultrykeeping cultures as one that contributes to beauty and utility.
Physical Characteristics
The Black Copper Marans is a breed of chicken that you can’t help but notice. With an upright stance, and large body covered in strong muscles, the Marans has the look of a hardy, strong bird. The feathers follow the same theme: black with copper on the neck and saddle, which catches the light to brilliant effect in the sunlight. Dark feathers protect this breed’s bright orange eyes.
Black Copper Marans fall into the large breed category. Roosters weigh around 8 to 9 lbs, strong and fat. Hens are smaller, about 6.5 to 7.5 lbs. Their very size adds to their beauty and vigour. Their splendid feathers and sheer muscularity make them stunning birds.
French Black Copper Marans vs Black Copper Marans
This is what we chicken people call a Black Copper Marans; the general public might call a Black Copper Marans anything, meaning anything from, ‘That dark-skinned hen of woe,’ to ‘As pretty and nice as a French Black Copper Marans, I expect.’ The French Black Copper Marans breed is separate and distinct from Black Copper Marans, both in history and in practice. First of all, the French do not refer to their own heritage birds as Black Copper Marans; here in the US, the term was originally used to differentiate the black-skinned Marans from the white and mixed-colour Cuckoo Marans. The dark chocolate-brown egg that the Marans lays was first used as a criteria for naming the bird in France. Marans fowl had to meet the country’s poultry standards, and were categorised under the general designation of ‘Poule’ to indicate the British Isles lineage. ‘Marans de Poule’ in France, however, inherited a suite of traits from their French ancestors and grandparents: most notably, leg feathering.
In fact, Black Copper Marans abroad don’t even meet these very strict French standards, particularly when it comes to leg feathering and eggshell colour. That might be because, out of France, in part due to the profitability of the brand, breeders concentrate only on egg colour, or other traits such as temperament and productivity while skipping over the French specifications.
And that distinction is important to some breeders, especially those who are working to maintain the historic qualities of the breed, not to mention to bird-show judges. But either type of Black Copper Maran is valued by backyard poultry keepers as a poultry of striking appearance and as a prolific egg-layer of delicious chocolate eggs – which might be why they seem so popular with keepers.
The Unique Egg Color
No doubt the most distinctive feature of the Black Copper Marans is its egg colour. Its eggs are chocolate brown, which is a unique trait found in no other breed (so far), making it a quality that is sought after by enthusiasts of fowl. This egg colour results from a complex genetic trait. The protoporphyrin pigment is produced by the hen’s genome, and it is then laid down over the last few hours prior to laying, bathing the egg with chocolatey colour.
Their colour intensity varies, often due to the quality of diet, age and the hen’s overall health – a young hen can lay a darker egg than an older one, and a carotenoid-rich diet can deepen the brown colouration. The egg colour can also be affected by the hen’s environmental stressors and health – when my hens are distressed, they start laying a lighter brown egg. Keeping them well-fed, fostering a low-stress environment and providing good healthcare helps keep their eggs as deep a chocolate brown as possible.
Eggs that are darker in color and larger in size
Along with those chocolate-brown eggs, which have become popular ornaments in other parts of the world, the eggs of the Black Copper Marans are also notoriously big, which seems to spark further appreciation beyond colour – if these large eggs can be the product of a truly healthy bird, then surely they are therefore nutritious too, and great for food, which is the ultimate compliment. Eggs large and dark: size and colour calling out the health of the flock that has supplied it, the cBehavior and Temperamentare and attention of its breeding.
The large eggs were evidence of the breed’s quality, and of course they were useful for those who wished to flaunt their own. What practical advantage did changing egg colour confer? Somewhat paradoxically, the selling of the Marans eggs might appeal more to the aesthetically inclined than to those focused on nutrition: a petite golden yolk would not be seen drowning in thick albumen – the white part. Like other large eggs, I imagine the Copper Marans eggs would look nice in a sunny window in the ’50s and have been served in nicer restaurants ever since. But all this was part of what made the Black Copper Marans a breed of dual value, and what made it so desirable.
Egg Laying Age
Black Copper Marans usually start to lay their first eggs in the 6th or 7th month as the hens. Although just an estimate, most hens will start to lay around this age range if they’re in good shape with a balanced diet. Black Copper Marans hens are known for laying their eye-popping chocolate-brown eggs.
Care and Husbandry
The Black Copper Marans is helped by large, generous Housing Requirements, ideally with both covered sheltered area and open space to forage. They will thrive in freedom to roam where they can perform the natural digging and rooting behaviours of scratching and pecking at the ground. At night they need secure, well-ventilated accommodation to protect them from predators as well as weather extremes. Ideally, the coop should measure at least 4ft square per bird.
Nutrition and Diet are a top priority for Black Copper Marans to maintain their health and produce at their optimal. As these chickens are prone to be very productive egg layers, they need a high-quality layer feed which supplies at least 16 per cent protein in a balanced diet. Ideally, this diet should consist of 60 per cent grain and 40 per cent greens rounded out occasionally with mealworms or other protein sources for amino acid balance. This diet provides the highest quality egg yolks and the best lustre in the hen feathers. Access to fresh clean water at all times, clean bedding in the coop and frequent coop maintenance all make for healthy flock conditions.
Health and Wellness
Ensuring that Black Copper Marans’ health needs are met and they have optimal wellbeing is key to their longevity and productive capacity. Conditions that Black Copper Marans are more susceptible to include respiratory infections, parasites such as mites and lice, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly when specific nutritional requirements are not met. Environmental stressors including overcrowded coops and improper sanitation can amplify problems leading to decreased egg production and compromised welfare.
The best way to combat these challenges is to minimize them through preventive medicine. Regular veterinary care can catch ailments early before they can wreak havoc. Regular parasite control, a clean and well-ventilated coop, and proper spacing of the birds can ward off disease and parasites before they become a problem in your flock. Providing a proper ration of food that matches their needs will not only keep them healthy, but support good egg production and increase egg quality. All of these can make your Black Copper Marans chicks vibrant and healthy birds that will be a pleasure to keep.
The Black Copper Marans are well-loved among their owners for their temperament: they are often quite friendly, even placid, and without a mean bone in their body. All of these characteristics seem to conspire to make the Black Copper Marans among the best variants to keep in a mixed flock. Their kindness in temperament, friendliness to humans, and good nature among themselves make them a boon to a mixed flock, and make them excellent subjects for a backyard setting. They aren’t particularly aggressive chickens.
Activity levels: Moderately active. They like to forage and that is an important part of their day, so they also appreciate ambling around finding insects, seeds and greens. This keeps them physically active and mentally engaged, which helps keep them sound. She likes to range. She does quite well in an environment where she can range around, although she can also be confined if you give her some space and things to do.
Breeding Black Copper Marans
Breeding Black Copper Marans can help emphasise various characteristics, most notably the intense chocolate brown of the egg, but also just general egg quality. Breeders will often select parent stock not just based on egg colour, but on the birds’ health, temperature or conformation with breed standards. This ongoing selection process rightly carries forward desirable traits, enhancing and perpetuating them with each new generation.
On the other hand, when you’re breeding them, it’s another sort of challenge, too. Anyone who’s worked with chickens can tell you that genes are rarely straightforward. Hens can vary in the type and depth of colour from the yolks of their eggs, depending on what they’re eating and in which environment they’re raised. It takes careful selection amongst the offspring to maintain the depth of colour, to make sure that the traits are correctly retransmitted. And, of course, whether you’re rearing chickens for their eggs, meat, show, or pets, you have to spread yourself thinking not just about the colour, but the health and vigour of your birds. It’s about creating birds that are sustainable and unmixed. Just try to hear a Black Copper Marans rooster’s voice once.
Feeding for Optimal Health and Egg Production
For the Black Copper Marans to stay healthy and lay as many eggs as possible, they need a special diet. Here’s what and when. A pelleted or crumbled layer feed that combines all the right proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals so they can meet their body’s daily needs, plus what their egg-laying system has to do each day.
Many of them benefit still more from supplements in their rations, such as oyster shell for calcium to create healthy eggshells, flax seeds for omega fatty acids and egg quality, as well as a improved growth and feather health, and vitamin A, D and E supplements for overall health, especially immunity and reproductive function. The plus for Marans is that a diet rich in carotenoids – which can include marigold petals – will create eggs of deeper, more coppery brown in Marans eggshells.
Of course, fresh water in reasonable draughts is vital. Any change in the availability of water impacts on egg-laying, just as they are made. A sound balanced ration and supplements, together with clean water at all times, will lead to healthier birds and their marvellous chocolate brown eggs.
Housing and Environment
A healthy, productive life for Black Copper Marans requires a home that is safe, comfortable, and appropriate to their needs. This means provisioning housing that allows sufficient space and flow, and that is safe from the elements and predators. These requirements support their natural inclination to roost and nest. The Black Copper Maran rooster shows off his personality by calling and engaging in strutting and displays. The coop should be dry, ventilated, and provisioned to keep the birds protected from the extremes of heat and cold. Hot, humid conditions and dankness might contribute to respiratory illness, while cold weather and drafts can cause frostbite. A deep layer of dry bedding material, appropriate to the weather conditions, allows the birds to burrow and keep warm by huddling together. Each bird should have sufficient space to manoeuvre freely; best-practice guidelines suggest no more than four birds share an indoor coop that occupies no more than 4 square feet of floor space per bird, with about 8-10 square feet of space in an outdoor, open-air run.
Access to outdoor space is also essential for Black Copper Marans, who thrive on foraging. Offering a secure, enclosed, outdoor space for the hens to exercise, forage, dustbathe andSunbathe gives them much needed physical exercise and environmental enrichment, and also maintains our investment in them, not to mention as a source of free eggs. If possible, having tall shrubs or bushes or apple or pear trees in the run area will be very helpful, especially if you live in a hot area, as it will provide shade to the chickens and help them feel less like they’re living in a barren alien environment which does not allow them to thrive as chickens should. They can tolerate being confined and will thrive on the kind of welfare any chicken needs, but having quick and easy access to outdoor runs will make their lives easier and more enjoyable, and will help increase their level of welfare. We are now offering them an environment, along with biodiversity to sustain their community, that will be more like that which their ancestors experienced and we should like to help support.
Egg Collection and Usage
How to Collect and Store Eggs
Eggs should be collected daily for freshness from Black Copper Maran birds: if nothing else, regular collection will prevent overheating and disruption of the eggs from drying out, and reduce the risk of breakage. It is best to collect eggs at least once a day, but two collections daily should prevent the loss of any eggs to drying out before they are collected, and accidental breakage. Once collected, you might choose to brush them off very gently: any drying dirt should be removed promptly, but do not wash them in cold water – cold water will drive bacteria into the pores of the shell. Wiping with a dry cloth, or a very slightly damp cloth, should be enough.
Eggs need to be stored properly to see to it that they remain at their best quality. Eggs should be stored in a cool, dry location, such as a refrigerator, at a temperature of less than 40°F (4°C). Keep them for as long as four weeks but, for the freshest taste, use them within two weeks. Eggs should be stored pointed end down in the carton with the yolk centered.
Culinary Uses of Black Copper Maran Eggs
The very rich brown eggs – their yolks literally chocolate-coloured – are even prized for their taste and texture. They are at home in all sorts of cooking. Relatively low in cholesterol, the Maran breed is popular for baking; the firm, almost dense whites make cakes and pastries richer than ordinary eggs ever could, while the lush, buttery yolks become luxurious mustards. Their taste also makes even the simplest breakfast eggs, scrambled or omeletted, taste special.
The egg whites of Maran eggs are so firm and the yolks so creamy that they’re ideal for poaching, retaining their shape nicely and providing a splendid visual dish. Such eggs are also beloved by artisan chefs and food lovers who know that the difference between a great pasta or custard can largely depend on the quality of the eggs from which they are made. Whatever the culinary pursuit – elegant or humble – Black Copper Maran eggs elevate the gastronomic experience. No more joking about ‘eating a rainbow’ because your egg has more than just yellow in its shell: This one, immaculate white band leading to a dense and golden yolk, represents the intertwining of nutritional value and evocative taste.
The Importance of Genetic Diversity
It’s important to keep genetic diversity among Black Copper Maran flocks, too. A flock with diverse genetics will be robust, more able to withstand disease and environmental stresses, and more resistant to inbreeding depression that can cause lower fertility rates and weak chicks. It will continue to transmit the best traits of the breed through future generations in terms of their eye-catching egg colour – chocolate brown, with a lovely swirl of dark brown or deep mahogany around the top – their size, and their overall health.
Maintaining Genetic Health in Flocks
To sustain the genetic integrity of Black Copper Maran chickens, we should practise heterogeneous breeding. This involves the careful selection of a multitude of healthy, unrelated birds for breeding, in order to sustain a diverse gene pool. The monitoring of the flock for genetic disorders or weaknesses would allow for intervention before such are expressed. This maintains the robustness of the breed and ensures that no inherited health conditions are propagated.
Sourcing Birds Responsibly
If you want to expand your flock or start with Black Copper Marans, seek to buy birds from responsible, conscientious breeders who care for their birds’ wellbeing, keep their genetics sound and healthy, and follow the breed standards. For those who want to acquire birds from breeders who undertake their role conscientiously and ethically, this not only promotes the health of your flock, it helps to sustain this wonderful breed. If you further your sources and network, they will be happy to share their findings, tips and experiences with you. Knowing and telling where you got your birds builds a traceability, which greatly contributes to maintaining genetic diversity and avoiding inbreeding.
Showing Black Copper Marans
You can take your Marans to poultry shows, to showcase their qualities and receive credit for your breeding achievements. Understanding what shows require, and the details of winning them, takes time and preparation, and the capacity to follow the marker of what judges look for. It includes the chicken’s overall conformation to breed standards, the richness and evenness of the feather colour, and the general health and vitality of the chicken. In the days leading up to the show, the Marans need to be well-preened, and comfortable around being handled. Health checks should be performed regularly, regular baths are needed, and the feathering tidied up to show the beauty of the Marans. Training them to stand proudly and calmly when called upon for judging can also influence the success of the showing.
Judges focus on skin colour – in the Black Copper Marans it needs to be slate or bluish, and egg colour if they are being judged for egg production, traditionally a blackish-dark brown. Keeping accurate records of your birds’ ancestry and health history can also give you an edge in the show, and the general immersion in the Marans world that the shows provide can result in a long-term set of allies and associate breeders, keen to talk over ideas and help each other improve their lines.
Challenges in Raising Black Copper Marans
Black Copper Marans are not the easiest birds to raise, but they are well worth it. One challenge to raising them is keeping the deep, rich egg colour. Genetics, diet and environmental conditions can all cause the eggs to lighten over time. Both selective breeding and diet may be needed to keep the eggs consistently dark. Another challenge is some of the health problems seen in the breed, including feather pecking and leg issues, which requires careful oversight of their health and their environment.
This breed, too, must have plenty of room to flourish and be kept free from overcrowding, which can cause stress and disease. Genetic balance, to keep them hardy without diluting the traits of the breed, is a challenging breeding proposition. Yet, it’s a rewarding undertaking to keep the Black Copper Maran.
Pros and Cons of Raising Black Copper Marans
Pros
Eggs: Black Copper Marans lay dark, chocolate-brown eggs. These eggs stand out in a brood or bowl, and taste better than most; they’re favoured by chefs. Egg colours vary throughout the seasons, because the pigments in the shell change with the animal’s diet. Uniqueness: Each Marans egg has a rich flecked pattern.
Robustness and Adaptability: They’re strong and can fare well in a range of different environments Redundancy: As these birds easily breed in captivity, the breadth of their available gene pool keeps the population robust and strong.
Show Quality and Breed Interest: They are excellent show birds, and their appearance and quality eggs make them popular at poultry shows. Winning at shows increases a breeder’s reputation and also furthers the goal of preserving the breed.
Pleasant Temperament: Black Copper Marans are calm and friendly birds making great additions to a backyard flock, easy-going, good foragers, making them a perfect bird for beginners and experienced keepers.
Cons
Keeping their shells that bright blue-green isn’t easy: as well as genetic, dietary and stress impacts, add to that the logistics of getting many hundreds of eggs into their cardboard cartons.
Health: Prone to some health issues that need preemptive care, as well as plenty of space to avoid stress and therefore health problems – difficult for people with limited space. Space: Needs lots of space to avoid stress and stress-related health problems – difficult for people with limited space.
Maintaining Genetic Diversity: maintaining adequate genetic health without losing breed traits requires careful, sometimes even outcross breeding.
Cost: More expensive upfront in establishing and maintenance than other breeds, and edible eggs are expensive because they require extra feed for colour.
And that’s about the barest nutshell summary I can give you of simply four of the many factors bedevilling raising Black Copper Marans, with one line for each side of the ledger in this devil’s-advocate case. Certainly not every aspect affecting a backyard flock of Black Copper Marans – not to mention what they eat and where they lay their eggs – may be either frustrating or rewarding, but when it comes to the hobbyist keeping such birds, quality of life and volume of work must be taken into account. For this reason, breeders would do well to consider these factors as they plan lines and produce their flocks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raising Black Copper Marans
How can I ensure the egg color of my Black Copper Marans remains dark?
To keep egg colour dark, you need to keep breeding from parents known to lay deeply coloured eggs, you need to add high-quality feed to the feed, vitamins and minerals, and have ample natural sunlight in the laying barn, and as little stress on the hens as possible.
What are the key health issues to watch for in Black Copper Marans?
It’s common for birds to suffer from feather pecking and have problems with their feet and legs, and to become obese. These issues can be minimised by regular health checks, providing balance in the diet and allowing birds enough space. Routine preventative care, such as vaccinating and parasite control, is also important for maintaining flock health.
How much space do Black Copper Marans need?
Black Copper Marans are active birds so they need to be able to forage freely. They thrive in a free-ranging environment if possible, and should be provided with at least 10 square feet of outdoor space per bird to avoid overcrowding and related stress and health problems.
Are Black Copper Marans suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are gentle and easy-going birds, but they still carry requirements that relate to space and ways of keeping (such as egg colouration and resolving health issues) that will demand commitment, more so beyond the egg stage. Coming from someone who is a beginner herself, if you are a beginner, this particular breed will require extra work and dedicated time on your part.
Can Black Copper Marans adapt to cold climates?
Black Copper Marans are generally tough birds and can manage cold weather quite well. In the winter, provide them with a dry, draft-free coop and give them access to unfrozen water and a few extra calories to keep them comfy and healthy.
How do I get involved in showing my Black Copper Marans?
Send some emails or call around to poultry shows in your area, find out entry dates, regular meeting times and ask questions about entry requirements. Find some local poultry clubs near you or basset and cochin enthusiasts online. Study ‘the breed standard’, which is essentially a description of what your bird should look like, examining condition of feathers, the colour of the legs and the overall health and conformation of your bird.
Conclusion
Overall, keeping Black Copper Marans is a challenging road but ultimately a rewarding one, whether you’re drawn to their gorgeous egg colour, their hardiness, or their calm temperament. Their challenges are serious, from meeting their hoarding and territorial urges to providing the deep-coloured diet they need for pigmentation of their eggs. Overall, it’s a formidable task, but one made less daunting by the many rewards, including breed preservation, poultry-show enthusiasm and the simple satisfaction of living with a beautiful hen. To those thinking of raising them, I recommend it – and to those already doing so, keep it up!
