WHY WE LOVE MARANS
"The Marans breed originated the historic port town of Marans, France; hence the name "Marans" (Always spelled with an s.) 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 in to the port on ships. Marans are colorful, solid-framed and balanced birds. They are larger than laying breeds and very calm and mild tempered. The males make showy pets and guardians for backyard flocks and human aggression is never tolerated. They can be friendly for years when handled respectfully. The Although Marans are an excellent meat bird, their outstanding and unique attribute is the shell color of the eggs that they lay.This is a defining characteristic of the Marans breed, so selection for egg colour 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.
UNIQUE EGGS
Aside from being flock-hearty birds, Marans lay exquisite eggs. They are famous for their unique shape and colour of eggshell. Instead of the usual oval egg shape, the egg is more round and glows a beautiful rich brown.
Marans eggs are culinary delights and highly sought by chefs and foodies throughout the world!
A SPECIFIC FIGURE
Breeding the Marans to successfully match all the standards is a challenging task. From the color of the eggs and feet, to the specific 45 degree angle tail and slightly con-caved back. Through care and selective breeding we have shaped our birds to match all the expectations of the breed. Each type of Marans has specific qualifications,
outlined by the APA board of directors. Click the "learn more" tab below to be directed to the APA Marans standards:
ABNORMAL FEET
Marans shanks are are lightly feathered, but leg feathering should never be excessively heavy. While leg feathering is not a primary concern, we would consider these feathers excessive and not use this bird for show. Marans birds like the one pictured above can lay dark eggs and make wonderful pets. They are not chosen for NSM breeding stock, or show, however it can appear in our offspring. Leg colors include white, pink, slate, gray and black.
Good things take time and we never could have rushed this project. We are thankful for each person whose own selective breeding helped us develop the Northstar line. We celebrate each hatch and the many friendships made along the way!
STANDARDS APPROVED BY THE APA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shape—Male (approved 6/11/10)
COMB: Single, moderately large, straight, upright, evenly serrated with five points; the blade not touching the neck.
BEAK: Long, stout and well curved.
FACE: Smooth, skin fine and soft in texture.
EYES: Large and prominent.
WATTLES: Medium in size, oval, skin fine in texture.
EAR-LOBES: Average in size, long.
HEAD: Moderate in size, slightly flattened on top, and long.
NECK: Moderately long and full, arched. Hackle abundant, flowing well over the shoulders.
BACK: Wide at the shoulders, long, flat, slightly tilted to the rear. Slightly more inclined than that of the female. Saddle feathers -- abundant, saddle large and slightly raised.
TAIL: Full, rather short, carried at an angle of 45 degrees above horizontal. Main tail feathers -- broad & overlapping, shorter than average. Sickles -- shorter than average.
WINGS: Short, held close to the body, carriage nearly horizontal. Primaries and secondaries -- broad and overlapping in natural order when wing is folded.
BREAST: Strong, broad, and full. Well rounded when viewed from both the front and side.
BODY AND FLUFF: Body -- deep, long and broad, especially through the shoulders which are carried high. Overall rectangular in shape. Fluff -- medium in length.
LEGS and TOES: Legs set well apart and straight when viewed from the front. Lower thighs -- strong and well feathered. Shanks -- medium length, stout, and straight; lightly feathered down the outer sides. Toes -- four long and well-separated toes on each foot. Outer toes lightly feathered, middle toes free from feathers.
PLUMAGE: Moderately tight and smooth textured.
Standard Weights (approved 6/11/10) Cock….…..8 lbs.
Hen……6 1/2 lbs. Cockerel….7 lbs. Pullet…..5 1/2 lbs.
Shape—Female (approved 7/09/10)
COMB: Single, smaller than that of the male; straight and up-right, evenly serrated with five points, & fine in texture. No female in or near production with the rear portion of the comb lopped should be discriminated against.
BEAK: Long, stout and well curved.
FACE: Smooth, skin fine and soft in texture.
EYES: Large and prominent.
WATTLES: Medium in size, oval.
EAR-LOBES: Average in size, long.
HEAD: Moderate in size, slightly flattened on top, and long. BACK: Wide at the shoulders, long, flat, and slightly tilted to the rear. Slightly less inclined that that of the male.
NECK: Moderately long and full, arched.
TAIL: Full, rather short, carried at an angle of 45 degrees above horizontal. Main tail feathers -- broad and overlapping, shorter than aver-age.
WINGS: Short, held close to the body, carriage nearly horizontal. Primaries and secondaries -- broad and overlapping in natural order when wing is folded.
BREAST: Strong, broad, and full. Well rounded when viewed from both the front and side.
BODY AND FLUFF: Body -- deep, long & broad, especially through the shoulders which are carried high. Should be more rounded than the male. Fluff -- medium in length.
LEGS AND TOES: Legs set well apart, straight when viewed from the front. Lower Thighs -- strong and well feathered. Shanks -- medium length, stout, and straight; lightly feathered down the outer sides. Toes -- four long and well-separated toes on each foot. Outer toes lightly feathered, middle toes free from feathers.
PLUMAGE: Moderately tight and smooth textured.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS