standard breed · France
Marans (Black Copper)
Famous for laying the darkest brown eggs of any breed — sometimes nearly black. Calm, quiet, and adaptable, with feathered shanks on most strains.
| Size class | standard |
|---|---|
| Weight (hen) | 6.5 lb (2.95 kg) |
| Weight (rooster) | 8 lb (3.63 kg) |
| Eggs per year | 180 |
| Egg color | dark chocolate brown |
| Egg size | large |
| Climate tolerance | All climates |
| Temperament | calm |
| Goes broody | occasionally |
| Noise level | quiet |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes |
| Origin | France |
Is the Marans (Black Copper) right for your flock?
The Marans (Black Copper) is a standard breed that's well-suited to first-time keepers. Hens lay around 180 dark chocolate brown eggs per year and tolerate most climates well.
Temperament: calm. Broodiness: occasionally. Noise level: quiet. A reasonable choice for suburban yards.
What this breed needs
- Coop space: about 4 sq ft per bird inside the coop. Run the numbers for your specific flock size in the coop size calculator.
- Climate fit: adapts to a wide range of climates with no special accommodations.
- Eggs: a steady, reliable producer — a good general-purpose layer.