Black Copper Marans - How difficult are they to raise.

[hcammack]

The Marans are kind of a french broiler they were triple purpose roosters were used for meat and fighting and hens were used for eggs. This was the old variety of French Marans uses. I might have to try the red wine thing

mine eat rose petals to ! They really do eat allot 1/2 bag for 6 chicks in about 4 weeks thats a ton a food ! They sure are fast growing but mine are really sweet and love to be held and petted they are my favorite breed right now

 

[4kidZ]

Quote:
Are you debating on raising them ONLY for their dark eggs? If you are, it's a long road of breeding and sometimes re-breeding to KEEP them dark.
That's why there are only a few people that are REALLY well-known as breeders, because they are the ones that have stuck to it, working toward better eggs, better birds, etc.

Like Chris at Little Biddy Farm says:

"...the darkest eggs are laid a couple of weeks
after they start laying -- either from a pullet or from a mature hen who
has taken a break to moult or set eggs. The eggs will get darker for a
while, and then get a bit lighter in color over time. And apparently get
lighter with stress or visible-light-changes."

They are very large, energetic birds and need a lot of space.

*Warning*- they are addictive and could take over your life!

~4kidZ