Could it be one of my Australorps is A Black copper Maran?

[Casastash]

My girls had a hard moult and have recently started laying again. During this time we added new hens and today I was shocked to find a very dark brown egg!

My question is could it be a Maran masquerading as an Australorp?

Pictures of hens will be posted shortly but here are the eggs I collected today!

 

[Casastash]

This is the hen I suspect, none of he others have the rusty throat!

 

[Casastash]

 

[JedJackson]

She does look like a Marans but that egg seems small for that breed and not quite dark enough. Maybe she's a Marans cross.

 

[lilmillefleur]

She could just be a poorer quality or hatchery quality marans.

 

[Casastash]

Thanks!!!

 

[CharB]

I have two Australorps and have seen eggs that look very similar to the dark one. Also with the specks. They can lay lighter colored eggs as well and in the same week. Mine just finished their first adult molt and I am so ready for eggs.

 

[Gray Farms]

Her shape looks more like a Marans than an Australorp to me. Could be a cross, could be a hatchery quality Marans...its hard telling for sure. It could just be a fluke darker egg. See if she consistently lays a darker egg.

 

[rebrascora]

It would help to know a little more about your flock..... What breeds are your older girls and what are the ones you just added.
The bird in the photos has quite a pale comb so I would be surprised if she is laying.
The egg in question looks more like a welsummer egg to me.

 

[Freisian]

She does definitely haVe a Marans look, but no feathered legs as the black coppers should have, egg will be small as a new pullet but should be much darker if it were her first egg and she were a full Marans. However they can be variable early on too as they get into the swing of laying.
it’s nice to have a mix of colours and she’s a pretty gal whatever she is.
Here is one of my French black copper marans and an example of the marans eggs (compared to white Friesians)