Breed Overview
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Temperament >> Calm, Steady, Easy to Manage
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Egg Color >> Dark Brown Some Speckled
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Egg Production >> Moderate to Strong & Steady
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Cold Hardy >> Yes
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Heat Tolerance >> Moderate
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Broodiness >> Occasional
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Purpose >> Egg + Dual-Purpose
Why We Keep Black Copper Marans
Black Copper Marans joined our farm in 2022 as a way to add a true dark-brown egg to our egg basket while maintaining a calm, manageable flock. These birds are steady in temperament and tend to integrate well alongside other breeds, making them a practical choice for keepers who value consistency over novelty.
Egg color can vary from hen to hen and season to season, which is something we’re upfront about. Rather than chasing extremes, we focus on overall flock health, sound structure, and realistic expectations. While Black Copper Marans are not a primary preservation breed within our program, they remain a valued part of the farm for the balance and reliability they bring.
Black Copper Marans are sometimes associated with a richer-tasting egg, though we’ve found flavor is influenced far more by diet, freshness, and overall hen health than by breed alone.
Black Copper Marans are a good fit for those looking to add darker eggs to their basket without introducing a high-maintenance or high-strung breed.
Stewardship & Breeding Work
For those interested in a deeper look at this variety at Cross B Hens & Heifers, Black Copper Marans are a breed we maintain as part of a balanced, working flock. Our focus is on consistency, overall health, and practical performance rather than intensive refinement.
A Brief History of the Breed Variety
Black Copper Marans originated in France, in and around the port town of Marans, where birds were developed for both egg production and meat. From the beginning, they were valued as a dual-purpose breed, providing richly colored brown eggs alongside a sturdy, well-built bird suitable for the table.
Shaped by practical farm use rather than exhibition alone, Marans were selected for productivity, adaptability, and overall usefulness in small farm settings. As the breed gained wider attention for its dark egg color, Black Copper Marans became one of the most recognizable varieties.
Today, the breed exists across a wide range of breeding approaches, from exhibition-focused lines, to more functionally driven flocks, to soley the darkest egg color. At Cross B Hens & Heifers, we approach Black Copper Marans with an emphasis on their historical role as a reliable dual-purpose bird while maintaining realistic expectations in a modern farm setting.
Program Focus & Ongoing Evaluation
Black Copper Marans are maintained as a supporting breed within our program. Our focus is on preserving a healthy, functional flock with consistent dark egg production rather than pursuing intensive refinement or rapid change.
Selection is intentional but measured, guided by overall health, temperament, and practical performance. We continue to observe and evaluate birds over time, making adjustments as needed while allowing the flock to develop naturally within the broader goals of the farm.
This approach allows us to maintain balance across the breeds we raise, ensuring Black Copper Marans remain a reliable part of our program without placing them at the center of long-term preservation work.
Why We Emphasize Hatching Eggs & Chicks
For Black Copper Marans, we place greater emphasis on offering hatching eggs rather than maintaining large numbers of chicks or started birds. This allows us to keep our breeding flock balanced and stable while still making the breed accessible to others.
Focusing on hatching eggs supports natural development from the start and gives customers flexibility in how they raise and integrate birds into their own flocks. It also reflects our preference for maintaining a manageable flock size, prioritizing health and consistency over volume.
When hatching eggs are available, they are offered in limited windows and announced by email. This approach helps us align availability with the needs of the farm while setting clear expectations for customers.
Following the Program’s Progress
As the program continues to develop, we share updates, photos, and seasonal progress through our social channels. This allows those who are interested to follow the evolution of the flock over time and see how long-term selection translates into visible improvement.
Pricing & Availability
Please review all information below before placing your order. By ordering, you agree to the terms outlined.
Hatching Eggs
Black Copper Marans – 2026 Season
$80 per dozen – Local Pickup
$116 per dozen – Shipped
Quantities are limited and may vary weekly based on laying consistency.
Eggs are marked with breeding pen and collection date for buyer reference. As a courtesy, one additional egg is included for every five eggs purchased.
Egg Handling & Collection
Eggs are collected within a 3-day window, stored on egg turners at room temperature, and candled prior to shipment to ensure structural integrity before packing.
Orders are fulfilled in the order received. Most orders ship within 7–14 days; however, depending on laying consistency and breeding program demands, fulfillment may take up to 4 weeks.
Shipping & Pickup
Shipping is included in the listed price for up to one dozen eggs per order. Orders are packed using foam shipping systems and sent via USPS Priority Mail.
We ship to states that allow NPIP-certified poultry and hatching eggs.
AI Clean certification update expected April 2026.
Local pickup is available by appointment. You will be contacted when your order is ready to schedule pickup.
Important – Please Read Before Ordering
Due to the fragile nature of hatching eggs and variables involved in shipping and incubation:
Shipping Damage
If eggs arrive damaged, clear photos and video of the packaging and contents must be provided on the day of delivery, including the exterior box, interior packaging, and all damaged eggs. Once documentation is received, we will review and work toward an appropriate resolution.
Hatch Rates
We do not guarantee hatch rates. Hatch success is influenced by postal handling, incubation practices, equipment accuracy, and environmental conditions beyond our control.
By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
Chicks
• Straight-Run
• $15 (0–2 weeks)
• $20 (3–4 weeks)
• Pricing reflects the 2026 season
Chicks are offered in limited, seasonal batches. Availability varies by hatch.
Requests from specific breeding pens may be accommodated in limited situations. This breed is not sexed at hatch.
All chicks hatched on the farm are wing-banded at hatch for identification and tracking.
Availability announcements are sent by email when ordering windows open.
