Maran's peoples

[Countrywife]

At what age do they start laying eggs? and how much do they lay? I googled it, but couldn't find the answer.

thanks!

 

[cobrien]

Check these websites:
http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Marans/BRKMarans.html

I only have one so have limited experience with this breed. She was a late bloomer and started laying at 7 months, but I think 6 months is more typical. Just as with people, chickens mature at different times even when they are the same breed. They are pretty good layers but not the best, mine is 10 months and I'm getting about 4-5 eggs/week right now.

 

[Harleena]

I have a pretty French Wheaton Maran hen that I bought for $35 as a pullet back in June and she is not laying!! Should I contact the breeder? Or is it the weather? Or is it chicken soup?

 

[newchickenmommy]

I have two Cuckoo Marans, and they started laying at approximately 6 months old. Surprisingly, the smaller of the two hens lays bigger eggs than her larger cohort. They both lay chocolate colored eggs with darker speckles. They are the nicest birds. One of them is so tame it is almost scary. She is just like a baby. When I walk into the coop she comes right to me and will lean against my legs. She loves to be petted. She is so docile that she is picked on a lot. She won't fight back. She just runs and hides in a corner trying to get away from whoever is picking on her at the time. Poor little Annie, if she had better toileting habits, I would let her live in my house.

The other is not quite as trusting, but still more than other hens I have. Our little Annie had a loooong bout of broodiness last summer though, and that was not fun. Lasted more than 5 or 6 weeks. She was a maniac. I have no Roosters, so her constant sitting was all for not!

Other Marans are prettier than the Cuckoo, but I like them.