Baby Chicks: Wheaten Marans

Yes, we have Wheaten Marans! This variety is exceedingly rare, and most hatcheries don't even offer them, whether as or day-old chicks or eggs.  Their eggs are among the darkest brown you'll ever see.

Hens and roosters with wheaten plumage have very different looks, both beautiful. The hens will be creamy shading to golden brown in the hackles and saddles, their tails and wing tips will darker. The roosters are different with fiery hackles and saddles; they are ebony, where the hen is creamy.

The Marans breed was developed originally in France in the mid 1800's in the town for which it bears its name, Marans. (This is why the name of the breed always has the "S" at the end, whether singular or plural.) The original French birds had feathered legs as will the chicks that hatch from these eggs. Marans became popular for their dark mahogany-brown eggs—a trait they are still known for today. Because of the beautiful eggs, Marans of any plumage are often called "chocolate eggers."

Like all Marans, our Wheatens are calm, quiet and gentle. They are also fast growers and fantastic foragers. We do select for the darkest eggs with our Wheatens and eggs are as dark as in our (coming soon!) photo. Eggs will lighten in color as the laying season progresses, then darken again after a break in laying, such as a molt.

Baby Chicks: Behind the Scenes