Don't pay a "pretty penny" for any clean legged marans that you can't even see the egg color. And I would want to see that bird lay an egg, not have some Joe hand me a dark egg when I show up. That brown bird, pass completely on. The pullets should have neck hackles that are clearly marked copper colored, and their eyes should be red or reddish orange at least. Don't buy any with black looking eyes. They should be a well developed bird with straigth toes, well feathered without being "soft" feahered. The hens should be around 7-8 lbs and the roos a bit heavier. The roo in the photo does not appear to have correct coloring, it is too dark and not enough of it. He should have mahogany patches of feathers on the forward bend of the wing, and coppery saddle feathers in front of his tail, not just a few, but a full saddle of long copper colored hackles. Good, strong feet that point forward, straight toes, correct beak shape and five pointed comb on the roos are some things to look for. Hen's comb should be upright, not bent or flopped over. The breast should be slightly full, not V shaped, more of a U shape when you pick up the adult bird. Hope some of this info helps you if you go to evaluate the birds.
