Here's one of my naughty girls, anytime the gate is left open, she's sure to be found snooping in the garage, lol. She's a black copper, btw. When I go to retrieve her, she's very calm and seems to indulge in affection.
Good question, @Naliez . Marseilles and Eperny, my Black Copper and Blue Splash, are incredibly individual and interesting in their own ways. Personality-wise, both girls are superb. Eperny is friendly, approachable, and ORNERY to the max; using the element of surprise by sneaking up behind me and tugging at my hair rather hard seems to amuse her greatly. Marseilles isn't the sort to come near for affection, but the word I would apply to her is docile. It is incredibly easy to handle or pet her. Also, I don't know about anyone else, but I happen to think that their appearance is attractive. And last, but not least, the pair's eggs are simply spectacular. Needless to say, I would never be without Marans!So, I have a question for all you Marans fans! I'm fairly new and still learning about the different breeds out there. One thing I've noticed was that Marans seem to be a highly desired breed and can get pretty expensive for a good quality chicken. I mean, that's kind of true for most of the higher quality end of any breed, but people who own Marans REALLY rave about them and Marans enthusiasts take them pretty seriously.I've noticed this about several breeds. People who love Silkies, LOVE their Silkies, and the Ameraucana people are another intensely passionate crowd. So, my question is, other than the dark eggs, what is it about Marans that makes them so unique and desirable? I made the mistake of calling a BC Marans a Black Sex Link (won't do THAT again!) but to a newbie such as myself, they don't LOOK incredibly exotic or anything. I'm interested in some of the more talked about breeds and these are one of them! So tell me! What is it that makes Marans so special? What do YOU like most about YOUR Marans? And last, who do you recommend them to? Thank you for reading and I am looking forward to your responses!
I still can't get over how much Daisy & Eperny look alike. I'm starting to think they actually are long lost sistersGood question, @Naliez . Marseilles and Eperny, my Black Copper and Blue Splash, are incredibly individual and interesting in their own ways. Personality-wise, both girls are superb. Eperny is friendly, approachable, and ORNERY to the max; using the element of surprise by sneaking up behind me and tugging at my hair rather hard seems to amuse her greatly. Marseilles isn't the sort to come near for affection, but the word I would apply to her is docile. It is incredibly easy to handle or pet her. Also, I don't know about anyone else, but I happen to think that their appearance is attractive. And last, but not least, the pair's eggs are simply spectacular. Needless to say, I would never be without Marans!
Eperny
Marseilles
The second and fourth eggs on the top row are Eperny's.
Top row first egg: Marseilles.
A side-by-side comparison between Marseilles' and a Welsummer egg. -Alex
I know! They are pretty much carbon copies of the same gorgeous bird.I still can't get over how much Daisy & Eperny look alike. I'm starting to think they actually are long lost sisters!
I never realized how dark Marseilles' eggs are! Beautiful!
Those are truly amazing looking birds! Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for the response! I didn't know they had splash Marans. I'm getting the "itch" again! I'd definitely like quality birds, but I don't think there's any breeders locally and I've had a hard time with shipped eggs. Also, eventually, I'd like to make a couple Olive eggers for my own flock just because they definitely add a uniqueness to your carton. Are the quality of the Marans birds (hatchery vs SQ) directly related to the darkness of their eggs? Or is that something you can get with either?Good question, @Naliez . Marseilles and Eperny, my Black Copper and Blue Splash, are incredibly individual and interesting in their own ways. Personality-wise, both girls are superb. Eperny is friendly, approachable, and ORNERY to the max; using the element of surprise by sneaking up behind me and tugging at my hair rather hard seems to amuse her greatly. Marseilles isn't the sort to come near for affection, but the word I would apply to her is docile. It is incredibly easy to handle or pet her. Also, I don't know about anyone else, but I happen to think that their appearance is attractive. And last, but not least, the pair's eggs are simply spectacular. Needless to say, I would never be without Marans!
This is one of two black copper roos. They aren't really wanting attention from people, will go about their business, do respect people and even small children, but if you must catch them they don't peck or fight too much, jmo.
This is one of five black copper hens, very curious, intelligent, and sweet. They are a little more gawky and un-graceful as teen agers.
This is one of three Cockoo hens, this one is currently molting, poor girl.
I originally got the cuckoo as chicks, only pullets, for egg color and they were quickly putting themselves at the top of the pecking order, every bird respects them. They will protect more submissive hens from unwanted roo advances, it's great to watch. The black coppers came in when I could afford them. They were ordered from a breeder straight run so I ended up with some of the most active roos ever. They're great.
Yea, those are to be proud of.Good question, @Naliez . Marseilles and Eperny, my Black Copper and Blue Splash, are incredibly individual and interesting in their own ways. Personality-wise, both girls are superb. Eperny is friendly, approachable, and ORNERY to the max; using the element of surprise by sneaking up behind me and tugging at my hair rather hard seems to amuse her greatly. Marseilles isn't the sort to come near for affection, but the word I would apply to her is docile. It is incredibly easy to handle or pet her. Also, I don't know about anyone else, but I happen to think that their appearance is attractive. And last, but not least, the pair's eggs are simply spectacular. Needless to say, I would never be without Marans!
