A Little History - The Marans chicken originated in western France in a town called Marans. Marans are a first class utility fowl and are best known for its dark chocolate colored eggs. These chickens are docile in nature, consistent layers, fast growers. Marans also come in many different color varieties, with the most well known being Cuckoo and Black Copper.

The one thing that sets them apart from all other chickens, is that dark chocolate colored egg. One often wonders how the Marans can lay such a dark egg. The Marans egg is given its color right before laying. A layer of pigment is deposited over a finished egg. This pigment comes from mucus glands located within the very last 10 centimeters of the oviduct. As the egg passes through, these glands secrete the pigment and tints the shell. Immediately after laying, the layer of mucus dries quickly and the shell keeps its color. The color on a Marans egg may be smooth, stippled, or even spotted, depending on how the layer of pigment is deposited as the egg moves through the oviduct.

Rooster above is our Rooster - George - He's a sweetheart! The other four roos are Sam, Abe, JohnA and Ben.   Yes I can tell them apart and 2 of them are going to next show in our area this fall.