Black Copper Marans

While this breed is highly sought after, there are many challenges with breeding and raising this bird. Feathered legs need extra care. Feathers can be painfully plucked from other hens, more susceptible to scaly mites, and in cold wet weather frostbite can occur. Egg color can vary. The color can be dark brown, chocolate, russet brown, or even a copper tone. Whatever color the hen lays will lighten with age. When breeding for this very dark desirable color, many undesirable traits are lost of the standard characteristics typical of Marans. These birds are one of the most difficult to sex, but if hens are the only concern, English Maran chicks are the better bet. When ordering female chicks expect a rooster or two. The hen that lays the darkest eggs will lay the fewest. And when the eggs are exposed to air over time they will darken.