Hello, Karen. Thanks for the information. I've had Marans and know about their general characteristics so I knew that the bird in question was not a Marans, but I've never had Golden Salmon Marans.
It sounds like they are not Speckled Sussex as they should be showing some white speckling. It's impossible to say what they are without some pics. I would suggest posting some photos of them on our What Breed or Gender is This? section and let us take a look at them there.