Introducing our exquisite Black Copper Marans, an exceptional addition to any homestead. They have a rustic and traditional appearance, standing confident and dignified. The hens are plump, standing with a perfect V-shaped triangular form that lends to their familiar features. With their upright stance, feathered legs, and green sheen, you can't help but realize Marans are the ideal heritage breed.
 
Black Copper Marans (ALWAYS spelled with an 's') are fine dual-purpose chickens originating from a town called Marans, France. This breed was created as a fighting cock, but with the change in matings produced a bird that became popular for homesteaders. The French began showing Marans in 1914 under the name Country Hen. By 1920, the following standard was created - mahogany brown eggs. Unfortunately, the popularity of Marans dramatically declined in the 1930s, and many forgot about Marans. In the late 1950s, the future of Marans as a purebred was at risk as commercial poultry breeders began using them to create sex links. Fortunately, a few committed enthusiasts carried on the heritage breed and returned them to the Black Copper Marans we know them to be.
 
Interestingly enough, France had been showing Marans since 1914; in America, they were not recognized as a breed until 2011! It took the grueling work of a few dedicated breeders and the Marans Club of America to present stock that lived up to the French standard. Once a standard was established, they were recognized by the APA. Thanks to their popularity and success in the show ring, true Black Copper Marans became one of the top heritage breeds in America. 
 
Although Marans are excellent meat birds, they are best known for their large, russet brown eggs. Marans lay an egg that has a shell the color of dark chocolate. This extra deep brown egg draws French chefs to cook only with Copper Marans eggs. When cracked open, the yolk sits perfectly centered in the white and holds an ideal dome shape. In addition, they produce eggs bursting with vitamins, protein, and fats from their healthy lifestyle. Black Copper Marans eggs are reason enough to choose this breed as your go-to layer. 
 
Our hens can lay dark-colored eggs around 7, 8, or the occasional 9 on the 2018 Marans color chart. However, egg color varies seasonally – even from the same hen. There is a correlation between the number of eggs laid and their color. The fewer eggs Marans lay, the darker their eggs. For example, Marans generally quit laying in the winter, and their eggs are super dark as they begin to lay. However, as the season goes on, egg production increases, and their color lightens.
 
At Elk Valley Farm, we work with exceptional stock from champion bloodlines to strengthen the genetic foundation available to breeders and backyard flocks around the US. We're not just another Greenfire Farms reseller! Our Black Copper Marans roosters are straight from Greenfire Farms' newly imported stock, while our hens are from Bev Davis and Wade Jeane lines for diversity. We sought a line that would reliably produce dark-colored eggs and follow the breed standard for this unique breed.