Question about Marans

[GRG]

Although I have raised poultry almost all my life this is a breed I am not familiar with.I know people will pay alot more for top lines and show qualities but I have seen prices as low as
$4 for chicks to as much as $100 for a doz. hatching eggs and everything in between.Why is there such differences in the price range?

 

[elliemay0305]

i think it depends on what they are and if they are hard to find in your area. if someone has some that always places first in show and they are consider perfect then they would probably try to sell them for alot more. now maybe its just me and i have chickens for a hobby but sometimes i cant see where one looks any better than another. and if you have a breed of chicken thats not common in your area you can sell them for more because people will want them and if they do they will have to come to you. not to mention once you sell say a pair they will be your compation on selling the babies. so some people try to get more than they are worth sometimes. thats just my opinion.

 

[Solsken Farm]

Quality, knowledge and the price people are willing to pay. Hatchery cuckoos probably do sell for $4 a piece but do not lay dark eggs from what a number of folks have told me, although I have no actual experience with them. Typically hatchery stock is bred for egg production and with Marans, the egg color is often a very challenging thing to achieve.

So many folks are selling them at this point because they can fetch high prices. Sadly there are many poorly bred birds out there or, folks get them and instantly start selling them, not having any idea about breeding, or even what makes a quality bird.

Do your research. Typically the established breeders (those who have created numerous generations) sell their eggs for $60-$75 a dozen. Sometimes the eggs on ebay are ok, but often they are NOT. Waiting lists can be a year or more from a really good breeder. Sometimes less for sure. Don't just hop in, learn and ask the breeder a lot of questions. Look for an experienced breeder who will answer all your questions openly. Ask for an egg sample. Ask what number the eggs are on the scale. Ask what flaws their birds have. I have researched and done all this and still gotten very light eggs from folks who assured me their eggs meet the standard.

There is the Marans Chicken Club or Marans breeders of America online as a resource.

They are a wonderful wonderful breed, but are a work in progress continually due to the challenge of achieving the dark egg color.

Best of luck!

Good luck!

Edited to add: JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPENSIVE DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE QUALITY.

 

[GRG]

The dark egg color is what attracted me to this breed in the first place and it sounds like darker eggs = larger $$$.Is that correct.I have also noticed it seems some colors are higher priced.Do some colors lay darker eggs or are they just a rarer color?An example two colors I see alot are cuckoo and black copper the cuckoo seem to be less expensive(most of the time)would their egg color be comparable?

 

[Solsken Farm]

Quote:
yes and no. Dark eggs are elusive, and conformation is important too. I am seeing people selling dark eggs that just got their birds and haven't culled for quality. Also, there are unscrupulous sellers who misrepresent what they have.

Go join those groups and read a ton before taking the plunge. JMHO.