The Maran chicken breed was developed on an Atlantic coast farm during the late 1800s. Named for the French town of Maran where this farm was located, the Maran bird was created by crossing the Asiatic breed, Langshan, with the dominant gaming birds that were located throughout the region. This breed displays characteristics of both the Langshan breed and the game-type birds of Maran.

The feathers of the Maran are referred to as "tight", meaning they are narrow and short with a tough shaft and absent of the fluff. These characteristics are common with the game birds of this Atlantic coast region. The body is solid and the tail is somewhat short when compared to other traditional chicken breeds. This French breed has feathered legs which is a trait of many Asiatic breeds. However, the English developed their own version of this breed during the 1920s and '30s that does not display the feathered legs.

Marans average seven to nine pounds with cocks typically weighing more than hens. The Bantams of this breed range from 32 to 38 ounces. The comb has a rough texture featuring five points that stand erect. The wattles and earlobes are fairly long and will be bright red in color. The color of the beak is "horn" with the eyes typically being dark red and the shanks and toes are slate except in a few varieties.

The plumage colors range from tones of gray and silver to brownish red. The diversity of colors that the Maran displays adds special qualities to this proud bird. Some of the color varieties seen include Birchen, Black-Tailed Buff, Columbian, Silver Cuckoo, Wheaten, and a white variety that has white shanks and toes. The Golden Cuckoo variety has dark slate bars set against white on its body except for the feathers on the head, hackle, and back which have golden bars set against white. The black variety will have a black beak, shanks, and toes.

Maran hens produce large, very dark brown eggs. The color is known to be the darkest brown of all chicken eggs which has been described as dark chocolate to a vibrant copper in color. Marans that are crossed with other breeds will generally produce lighter toned eggs. The hens will on occasion go broody. Both roosters and hens are highly active and are expert foragers but will adapt to confined cages and spaces. The Maran is not considered a docile breed or one that adapts well to extremely cold temperatures.

The Maran is not currently recognized by either the American Poultry Association (APA) or the American Bantam Association (ABA). There have been clubs formed in several countries including the United States and France. These clubs promote the Maran breed in hopes of drawing further attention to the breed and expanding their popularity. The status of this breed is generally not noted due to it not being recognized as an official breed in North America. Breeders agree that the Maran is a rare and unique breed that deserves higher recognition especially within the US.

References:

STOREY'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO POULTRY BREEDS, by Carol Ekarius, copyright 2007.

http://www.maransofamericaclub .com/home_0.html

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