Welcome
The MCCUSA is a non-profit organization, which is governed by elected officers who are non-paid volunteers. Each officer serves the club voluntarily while juggling home-life, career, farm management, exhibition preparation as well as daily care of the farm animals. While every officer attempts to handle club business as quickly as possible, there are life events that may make it difficult to respond in a timely manner. We appreciate your understanding when unforeseen circumstances delay our response.
Please email Secretary@maranschickenclubusa.com if you have any concerns.
All About Marans
General Description
General Description
General Description
Approved 07/26/2010
The Marans breed originated in France in marshy areas close to the Atlantic coast. The breed is named after the historic port town of Marans. Evolution of the Marans type bird is said to have begun as early as the 13th Century, with crosses between the local marsh hens and various gamecocks brought into the port on ship
Approved 07/26/2010
The Marans breed originated in France in marshy areas close to the Atlantic coast. The breed is named after the historic port town of Marans. Evolution of the Marans type bird is said to have begun as early as the 13th Century, with crosses between the local marsh hens and various gamecocks brought into the port on ships. Gradual development of the breed continued through the centuries, including the introduction of Brahma and Langshan blood during the late 1800s. Marans in their modern form first began appearing in French Poultry shows in 1914. The Marans Club of France was organized in 1929, and that club established the first standard for Marans in 1931.
Marans have been imported to the USA in small numbers for many years now, probably beginning around the time that soldiers returned to the States after World War II. Over the years, birds and eggs have been brought in not only from France but also from countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and possibly Belgium and Switzerland. Importations of "English-type" clean-legged Marans have led to the establishment of many clean-legged flocks in this country, especially in the Cuckoo variety; nonetheless, the American standard adheres to the French standard, calling for lightly feathered shanks and toes.
Marans are best known for their large, russet-brown eggs. This is a defining characteristic of the Marans breed, so selection for egg color and size should never be neglected. Physically, the Marans is a medium-sized bird with the character of a rustic farm hen, giving an impression of solidity and strength without being coarse. The legs are lightly feathered and should never be excessively heavy. Eye color is bright and clear in all varieties, never darkening into brown nor paling into yellow or pearl.
Economic Qualities
The Marans is a general purpose fowl for production of both meat and eggs. The breed is most famous for its large, dark chocolate-russet eggs, but it is also known for the fine flavor of its meat. Color of skin white; color of egg shells very dark reddish brown.
Varieties
General Description
General Description
The American Poultry Association currently recognizes four varieties of Marans. They are Black, Black Copper, Wheaten and White. Many other varieties exist, but only these four are currently recognized.
The MCCUSA encourages all Poultry enthusiasts to join the American Poultry Association.
A Breeders Top Six
General Description
A Breeders Top Six
Type
Above all, a breeder is using the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection as the guidebook.
Egg Color
Breed Marans that can lay a 4 or better on the MCCUSA egg shade card, and breed for rounder eggs.
Selective Hatching
Hatch only the darkest eggs each breeding season to increase egg color in future generations.
Balance
Focus on
Type
Above all, a breeder is using the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection as the guidebook.
Egg Color
Breed Marans that can lay a 4 or better on the MCCUSA egg shade card, and breed for rounder eggs.
Selective Hatching
Hatch only the darkest eggs each breeding season to increase egg color in future generations.
Balance
Focus on breeding a well-balanced bird with a correct top-line and a 45-degree tail-set.
Cull
Remove birds from your breeding flock that don't closely represent the SOP.
Grow
You have to raise a lot of cockerels to pick the "Top Dogs" to use in your breeding program. Slow maturing cockerels are often the best ones in our experience!
Build the barn first, then paint it!
Membership
The MCCUSA is always accepting new members! In your member packet, you will receive a standard egg shade card, a pocket egg shade card and more!
Egg Shade Cards
Please make sure that all of your information is correct in PayPal so that your items can be shipped in a timely manner. Shade cards will be mailed as soon as possible but may take up to 4-6 weeks to arrive due to unforeseen circumstances.