The Copper Marans, specifically the Black Copper Marans, originated in the Marans region of western France in the early 1900s. These chickens were developed through selective breeding, likely by crossing local French hens with game birds and imported breeds such as Croad Langshans. The goal was to create a hardy dual-purpose bird with excellent egg-laying abilities and quality meat.
What truly set the Marans apart was the deep chocolate-brown color of their eggs, which quickly gained popularity in French markets. The darkest eggs often came from the Black Copper variety, named for their striking black plumage with copper-colored feathers around the neck. These birds gained a reputation for being both beautiful and productive.
The breed was officially recognized in France in 1929 and later spread to the UK and the United States. In the U.S., the Black Copper Marans gained widespread attention when celebrity chefs and food enthusiasts praised their rich egg color. Today, they are especially popular among backyard chicken keepers and small farmers who value both appearance and performance. However, finding true-to-type birds can be challenging due to inconsistent breeding standards outside of France.