French Black Copper Marans for Sale​

Our French black copper marans for sale​ are known for their striking plumage, glossy black feathers accented with deep copper hackles, with roosters showing extra copper on their saddle and covert feathers. They feature feathered legs, red earlobes, and an upright single comb. Though prized as a quality table bird, their real claim to fame lies in their eggs: the darkest, richest chocolate-brown shells of any Marans variety. Inside, the yolks of free-range hens shine a vibrant orange, brimming with vitamins, protein, and healthy fats.

Black Copper Marans are generally calm, friendly birds that do well in a mixed flock. The hens are steady layers and may occasionally go broody, making them dutiful mothers when they do. Roosters, while striking and confident, can be territorial and don’t always integrate well with other males, so it’s best to introduce newcomers gradually. They’re highly attentive to their hens and are generally not aggressive toward people. We’ve found that a rooster-to-hen ratio of 1:10 works best for the Marans. These birds enjoy free-ranging and are active foragers, yet they aren’t particularly flighty, preferring to stay close to home while exploring their surroundings.

In France, Marans are showcased in two distinct categories at poultry exhibitions: eggs and birds. In the egg category, the Black Copper Marans’ eggs are judged for the depth and sheen of their color, along with size, shape, and overall quality—all in pursuit of the perfect Marans egg. In the exhibition category, the birds themselves are evaluated for body type, plumage, and adherence to the written breed standard. Both categories come together at the prestigious national Marans show in France, which we’ve had the privilege to attend. The quality of both the eggs and the birds there is nothing short of remarkable. To share a glimpse of this, the gallery below features egg photographs we captured during the French national show.

About Cackle Hatchery Black Copper Marans​

Marans are a distinguished dual-purpose breed from Marans in western France, originally developed from a mix of local chickens left by seafarers in the 1800s. Initially bred as fighting cocks, they evolved into barnyard birds known for their rich, dark red eggs. The breed was refined over time with the influence of Croad Langshan, Brahma, Coucou de Malines, Coucou de Rennes, and Gatinaise chickens.

By the 1930s, several varieties were recognized, including the Cuckoo Marans, but the breed nearly disappeared during the mid-1940s. French breeding programs successfully revived them, and dedicated amateur breeders continued the effort, leading to the breed spreading to England and America, where the Black Copper Marans gained official recognition in 2011.

Cackle hatchery black copper marans​ are notable for their dark chocolate egg color, glossy black feathers with deep copper accents, feathered legs, red earlobes, and upright single combs. They are calm, friendly, and good foragers, with hens laying about 200-250 eggs per year. Roosters require careful integration with established flocks due to territorial tendencies. Marans are valued both for their exceptional eggs and flavorful meat, and they are showcased in French exhibitions for both bird and egg quality.