I have been getting some great info from BYC on raising both chickens and quail for some time, so I thought it was about time I signed up and introduced myself. Firstly I should mention that I am from Australia, I'm currently hatching out my 2nd batch of cotournix quail and am interested in setting Maran eggs next. I have heard that Marans eggs can be difficult to hatch, something to do with the egg colouring making it tough for the chicks to pip the egg. Any thoughts.
and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your hatch! You might like to post on / check out the Marans thread, lots of breeders on there 
