What breed of chickens lay the darkest egg?

[Chickengirl1304]

Is it black copper Marans? Or the French black copper marans? Is there a difference in egg color from the 2 breeds?

Have a set of french black copper Marans but my pullet has not started too lay yet. would really like to breed for darkest eggs possible

 

[3riverschick]

My answers in bold type.

Is it black copper Marans? Or the French black copper marans? Is there a difference in egg color from the 2 breeds?

They are the same breed. Most people tack the "French" on there to proclaim their birds have featherd shanks/feet.
Have a set of french black copper Marans but my pullet has not started too lay yet. would really like to breed for darkest eggs possible

1. Select your hen laying the darkest eggs.
2. Get a male from a line related to yours who comes from a mother who lays extremely dark eggs.
3. Breed him and your darkest egg laying girl together. (keep the best girl and best boy.).
4. For the next 2 generations, take the darkest egg laying pullet and breed her back to this original rooster.
5. In the mating that will create the fourth generation, breed the darkest laying pullet from generation 3 to the best son of the original rooster.
Best,
Karen in western PA

 

[Chickengirl1304]

Thank you very much