One of the most popular breeds of chicken in recent years is the Black Copper Maran. They got their name from the way their black and copper plumage stands out in the wild.

This type of chicken is suitable for a variety of purposes, including raising hens for eggs, meat, or companionship.

History

Marans chickens were first bred in the town of the same name in western France. Renowned for their dark chocolate brown eggs, Black Copper Marans All Marans eggs are darker than Black Copper Marans eggs, which are the darkest.

The Marans breed is from southern France and is one of the oldest.

Aside from their chocolate-colored eggs, they’re well-known for their sweet demeanor.

Despite the fact that their exact ancestry is unknown, they are considered to be an ancient landrace bird.

As an excellent layer of exquisite dark chocolate-colored eggs, this breed gained widespread recognition in France during the 1800s and 1900s.

Breed recognition in the United States didn’t occur until 2011, however.

Black Copper Marans produce the darkest eggs of any Marans, while there are many other types.

It’s possible that the Black Copper Marans, a pleasant and calm species that produces lovely chocolate-colored eggs, is just what you’re looking for.

After a time of rest, the eggs will brighten slightly before returning to their deepest hue. The hens will produce 3-5 eggs a week.

When left to their own devices, Black Copper Marans do well because their intense scratching is less damaging.

It’s a fantastic choice for a household or backyard flock because of its rapid growth.

Appearance

The beauty of a Black Copper Marans rooster cannot be overstated.

His feathers, which are copper-colored on top of black beetle-sheened feathers, are really stunning.

Because of their lighter coloring, the hens are easier to spot in the flock. Their crimson flecked hackle markings, on the other hand, make them still pretty beautiful.

Strong and well-built, these hens have a polished appearance. They have a well-proportioned head with a single comb that has distinct points on each side.

Her wattles, ear lobes, and eyes ought to be red and orange, respectively.

Their beak is usually horn colored and slightly curved downward.

White is the natural color of Marans’ skin, although their shanks should be pink or slate, and the bottoms of their feet white.

Color

As with other breeds, there are a variety of colors to choose from, but only these nine are officially recognized.

The Black Copper Maran’s plumage should be mostly black, from head to toe. The reddish-coppery hackles of a rooster should cascade over his back and then into the saddle part of the animal.

For this reason, her eggs will appear more dark chocolate in color when she does not lay as many as the average hen does.

In contrast, hens who produce more eggs than normal would produce eggs that are a darker shade of brown.

The markings on some eggs may be darker than the rest of the egg.

Check out this video to see what Black Copper Maran eggs look like…

 

Weight and Size

Marans are a common breed of chicken with a standard body size.

As for the hens, you should expect them to weigh around 6.5lb and the roosters to weigh approximately 7-8lb, respectively.

There are bantams that weigh 38oz (for boys) and 31oz (for girls) (for hens).

Marans in bantam form do exist, but they are quite rare.

These birds are referred to as Continentals in the United States and as huge soft feathered birds in the United Kingdom, respectively.

It’s not uncommon for female French Black Copper Marans to weigh in at around 6.5 pounds.

Egg Facts

The beauty of a Black Copper Marans rooster cannot be overstated.

His feathers, which are copper-colored on top of black beetle-sheened feathers, are really stunning.

Each week, Black Copper Marans produce an average of three eggs.

It can take up to eight months for the Marans to begin laying these rich red/chocolate colored eggs.

The pigment that provides the egg its color comes from the hens’ bodies in a limited supply. More than three eggs a week from the same chicken will result in a lighter-colored egg.

Because hens that lay less eggs produce the darkest eggs, this is the case.

As their ink runs out at the end of the laying season, the color of the eggs will become lighter. Each year, the color will gradually lighter, but it will return to its natural black hue the following year.

When purchasing Black Copper Marans hens for your flock, exercise extreme caution. Breeders may use photos of dark eggs to promote their less-than-stellar animals, but unfortunately not all of them are honest.

Be sure to work with a reputable breeder.

Personality & Temperament

Black Copper Marans are an excellent addition to any flock. Gentle, peaceful, and accepting are all words that describe these birds.

The hens, on the other hand, are far more docile than the males. Expect the roosters to be a little bit aggressive because of the heritage of gamecocks in the genetic makeup.

As a result of the presence of other roosters in your yard, there may be some fighting.

However, many owners of Black Copper Marans say that their roosters are laid back. It’s all down to the individual bird and their ancestry.

These birds, on the other hand, are not extremely social. Depending on the breed, some chickens may even like to be handled when they’re sitting on your lap.

There aren’t any Black Copper Marans like that. Because they’re so energetic, they’d want to run around the yard unrestrained. They’ll handle confinement better if they get ample exercise.

Do you have to deal with a lot of snow and ice where you live? To thrive in a frigid northern area, this hardy breed should be considered.

You won’t have to worry about your Black Copper Marans surviving the winter if you provide them with adequate shelter.

This breed’s disposition is well-known for its wide range. This is mostly because to the region’s long history of crossbreeding (described above).

This chicken’s DNA combines the traits of a tough-as-nails combat chicken with a gentle barnyard bird.

As a result, these birds have lost most of their gamecock heritage. Consequently, you don’t have to stress about your Black Copper Marans chicken battling with other birds on a regular basis.

It’s possible that the roosters will fight from periodically, but it’s unlikely to turn into a major conflict.

Even while these birds aren’t typically kept as pets, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t make excellent companions.

It’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t an usual use for them. There are better options if you’re looking for a chicken as a pet.

Summary

Not only are Black Copper Marans beautiful, but they’re also versatile.

A laid-back and peaceful bird, they aren’t the most affectionate of breeds.

I love my Black Copper Maran hen because she is a happy and peaceful member of my coop.

Among my other hens, she stands out because of her brightly colorful feathers.

Black Coppers are excellent pets if you can find a breeder that offers them.