Marans Bantam

The Marans Bantam is a robust and forceful bird that retains the rustic look of its large-fowl ancestor. It is a fairly large bantam, often reaching weights of 38-40 oz (1100g) for roosters and 32-35 oz (900g) for hens. One of the most defining physical traits is the leg feathering, while English lines often lack feathers on the shanks, the original French standard—which many US and European breeders follow—requires lightly feathered outer shanks and outer toes.

• Body Shape: Slightly stretched and deep with a medium-high stance.
• Head Features: A medium-sized single comb and bright orange-red eyes.
• Earlobes: Must be red, any white is considered a fault.
• Temperament: They are lively and active birds. While they can become quite trusting of their owners, they are generally less docile than breeds like the Silkies and may require a calm approach.

Marans are legendary for their dark chocolate brown eggs. While the bantam version lays a deep brown egg, it is important to note that the color is often slightly lighter than that of the large fowl. This is due to the smaller shell surface area relative to the pigment-secreting glands, as well as the heritage of using breeds like the Cochin Bantam to develop the dwarf variety.

• Egg Color: Dark brown (termed extra-red in some standards).
• Annual Production: Approximately 150-180 eggs per year.
• Egg Weight: About 1.5-1.6 oz (40-45g).
• Broodiness: Hens have a moderate to strong tendency to go broody and generally make excellent, protective mothers.

There are distinct sexual differences in the Marans Bantam, particularly in carriage and plumage. The rooster is upright and statuesque with a wide, deep breast and a tail carried at approximately 45 degrees. His hackle and saddle feathers are typically very glossy and rich in color. In the Black Copper variety, the rooster displays vibrant copper-colored hackles that contrast sharply with his black body.

The hen has a more horizontal carriage and a well-developed laying belly, which is a hallmark of her productivity. Her comb is smaller and may occasionally tilt slightly in older birds, though a standing comb is preferred. Her plumage is broader and more tightly fit than the rooster's flowing ornamental feathers.

The Marans Bantam is very hardy and adapts well to various American climates. Their dense feathering provides excellent protection against the cold. However, because they possess a large single comb, roosters are susceptible to frostbite in extreme northern winters. Owners in cold regions should ensure well-ventilated but draft-free housing and may need to apply petroleum jelly to combs during deep freezes.

The recognized color varieties for Marans Bantams vary by country, but the most iconic is the Black Copper (Koperzwart). In this variety, the bird is primarily black with a green sheen, while the head and hackles are a rich copper-red.

• Cuckoo: A classic barred pattern similar to the Plymouth Rock but often less distinct.
• Wheaten (Fauve): A beautiful variety where hens are a creamy wheat color and roosters are multicolored.
• Black: Pure black with a beetle-green sheen.
• White: Solid white, often with blue-gray shanks.

In the Netherlands, the Black Copper is the primary recognized variety, though Wheaten and Cuckoo are increasingly popular with hobbyists.

The Marans Bantam was developed in England during the 1930s and 1940s. Breeders aimed to create a bird that possessed the dual-purpose qualities and unique egg color of the French large fowl but in a more manageable size for backyard enthusiasts. The breed was officially recognized in England in 1948.

Later, breeders in France and the Netherlands established their own standards. To achieve the dwarf size, crosses were made with other bantam breeds, including Cochin Bantams, which accounts for the persistent trait of feathered legs and the occasional challenge in maintaining the deepest egg pigments.