Cuckoo Marans vs Barred Rocks

[enggass]

Can any of you help me with few key things to look for on what is different between a CuckooM and a BR?
I know the barring is not as distinct on the CM as they are on a BR, but what are the other different traits?
Leg color? Ears? Anything I can look for... I have what is supposed to be a BR, but she lays eggs that are considerably richer/darker in color, as well as spotting/speckles.
The top of her head is much darker as well. And I can tell you, the barring isn't great...

It's probably nothing, but I am still curious. I got her from a local feed store that gets their birds from Mt. Healthy Hatchery in Ohio. Wondering if maybe there was a mix up???

 

[Damummis]

If you got her at Ames it is a BR. Sometimes they just lay darker eggs.
I don't think Mt Healthy carries CMs.

 

[enggass]

It wasn't Ames. It was RZR in Waldoboro. She's probably just a dark egg layer, but was curious anyway.

 

[justtoni44]

HI,white legs for the marans.yellow for the BR.
My BR's lay rather medium brown eggs and my cuckoo's more like dark terra cotta.

 

[Illia]

Cuckoo Marans have white/pearly pink legs and feet. Barred Rocks have yellow. (although hatchery birds have a lot of grey in there too)

Also, Cuckoo Marans usually have a smaller tail, more robust body, and more fluff at the thighs.

 

[enggass]

I will say that the 'Hatchery' gene is evident in both of my BRs with the lack of clean barring. Don't get me wrong, still very pretty with nice combs and great egg layers, but definitely not breeder quality.
I begin my breeder quality collection this spring when I try to hatch some BCM, BWAmeraucanas and Barnevelders! Can't wait...