Hatchery Choice Rare Marans Chickens

Day Old Hatchery Choice Rare Marans Baby Chicks

Hatchery choice means those that have not been sold as specific breeds or varieties. We do not guarantee a variety. It is possible to get all of one kind. We do not mark or record the kind sent.

When you place an order for Hatchery Choice Rare Marans you can expect to receive any of the following:

• Black Copper Marans
• Blue Birchen
• Blue Copper
• Blue Cuckoo
• Blue Splash Marans
• Golden Cuckoo Marans
• White Marans

All of these color varieties are in high demand, due to the fact Marans lay very dark brown eggs. The darkest eggs come from Black Copper Marans, but the others lay darker-than-average eggs as well.

Aside from laying very dark brown eggs, all Marans make great dual-purpose birds. They are productive and they grow to a good table weight.

Marans originated in France, and like many old breeds, their early history is not clear. They are named for the port town of Marans, France, which is surrounded by wetlands. In the 12th century, English ships would dock at Marans, and other towns along the coast of western France, and release game roosters. Those English game roosters bred with the local, native "swamp hens" that populated the wetlands of the area.

Those crosses gave us the breed that eventually became the Marans. As a whole, the breed enjoyed periods of popularity with poultry fanciers, as well as suffered through periods when they were out of favor. Currently, they are enjoying a time of renewed interest and are one of the most sought-after breeds.

Marans have not always been easy to obtain in the United States, and demand still outpaces supply. Black Copper Marans are particularly difficult to come by, but all of the colors included in this assortment are rare.

Aside from their dark eggs, their practicality, and their rarity, there is one more reason many people want to raise Marans: their beauty. Regardless of the color, Marans are gorgeous birds.

Weights: Cockerel 7 lbs, Pullet 5.5 lbs