Help me understand - Marans

[ourblessednest]

I'm new to this internet chicken-palooza. I never knew there was so much to chickens, and I love learning from all of you!

Now the Marans that are going for so much, I know they have the darkest eggs, but is this a new breed? Or a fad? Have they been around for a while and always been so sought after? Just wondering if chicken breeds "come and go" so to speak.

Thanks!
Lisa

 

[Oblio13]

Hi Lisa, welcome.

They've become a fad. There's a lot of ignorance and chicanery involving them at the moment.

The people out to make a fast buck are damaging the breed.

Having said that, they're my favorite breed, with an interesting history.

White eggs are just ... boring.

 

[hcammack]

That is why I will never really get into breeding marans just to complex for me

I love owning them in my laying flock I have two cuckoo's and I am adding 4-6 blue and black copper marans.

Good luck in the long learning process involved in this breed,
Henry

 

[klf73]

Quote:
X2

(except for the favorite part, it's tied with Ameraucana and Araucana for my favorite

)

 

[Katy]

Quote:
X2

X3

 

[kinnip]

There's some very useful information and knowledgeable folks in the Marans Chicken Club on yahoo groups. (Hey Oblio, I just noticed you over there. Pretty birds.) I love my Black Copper Marans. I just put them to bed and had to force them off my arm. They really are personable birds and pretty to boot!

 

[klf73]

Lisa,
If you research it and it is a breed you are interested in and want to obtain some then you will need to do your homework. Also, you may have to wait if you don't want to spend a small fortune. There are a small group of people that are willing to share their eggs for a reasonable price and a small wait, good lines. But even if you get a good "deal" you can still expect to pay about $60 for a dozen. Good luck in your endeavors.

Krista

 

[WoodlandWoman]

They are not a new breed, they are an old breed, from Marans, France. I would say that they have become trendy. The demand is exceeding the supply, which is why they are so expensive.

 

[Dustin Biery]

I disagree with the price. They are so high because people know they can charge that for them. There was a lady local to me who was selling 2 mo. old pair for $50.00 each. They are not proven in any manner, show or eggs...Thats just to gouge people.

 

[tfpets]

Yeah, what they all said. I agree with em all. And that said, I am also Marans fan, and I give my current stock of Cuckoo Marans eggs away for the price of postage only, and several BYC members have taken me up on my offer and are currently incubating my little fuzzies! Gotta love it!

My Cuckoo Marans are Valentine Hatchery, Kelly Cratty and Iona McCormick lines (When you research them more, that may or may not mean something

)

Yep, its sorta a fad for some, and yep, the price is ridiculous for some birds/eggs. But these are great birds and they lay really pretty eggs.

I am willing to pay certain breeders what they are asking for their stock. These are breeders that I have researched and believe have worked for years on their stock and that can be trusted. (Bev Davis for an example)

Even I wont be able to give away eggs forever. I am just sharing while I can, during my learning curve? For fun