The Mystic Marans is a fascinating breed that stands out due to its shiny black plumage and the dark colored eggs it lays. Known for their exceptional productivity, these chickens are a unique breed that has captured the attention of backyard chicken enthusiasts.
As a special breed, they have gained popularity for their chocolate-colored eggs—a trait that makes them distinctive and highly sought after by breeders. If you’re considering adding one to your farm, you’ll find these chickens aren’t just about their dark brown eggs but also about their remarkable beauty and subtle charm.
What makes the Mystic Marans even more amazing is its breed history. This breed is rare and has its origins rooted in specific geographical areas, adding to its allure. The marins (also called Marans) are known to be attractive and easy to care for, making them a great choice for new chicken owners.
These chickens are not just about laying brown eggs but about offering remarkable productivity with less input, while still being a popular choice among farmers and those who want a chicken that’s both functional and beautiful.
What Is a Mystic Marans Chicken?
The Mystic Marans is a hybrid chicken that truly stands out among modern breeds. Originating from the Czech Republic, it was developed by crossing Barred Rocks with Copper Marans, a combination that results in dark-shelled eggs and deep black plumage. This fascinating bird is both Rustic and elegant, often referred to by names like Midnight Majesty, Dominant Noir, or Rambler, reflecting its rich appearance and unique characteristics.
The Mystic Marans is a hybrid chicken that truly stands out among modern breeds. Originating from the Czech Republic, it was developed by crossing Barred Rocks with Copper Marans, a combination that results in dark-shelled eggs and deep black plumage. This fascinating bird is both Rustic and elegant, often referred to by names like Midnight Majesty, Dominant Noir, or Rambler, reflecting its rich appearance and unique characteristics.
Mystic Marans Chicken Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Origin | Czech Republic |
| Primary Purpose | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | Roosters: 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg) |
| Hens: 5–6 lbs (2.2–2.7 kg) | |
| Color | Roosters: Barred black and brown |
| Hens: Solid black | |
| Temperament | Active, friendly, and docile |
| Broodiness | Not known for being broody |
| Egg Production | 200–250 eggs per year |
| Egg Color | Dark Brown |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Cold Hardy | Yes |
| Heat Tolerant | Yes |
| Lifespan | 6–8 years |
| Cost | $3–$10 per chick |
Origin and History of Mystic Marans Chicken
The Mystic Marans is a hybrid breed with deep roots that trace back to France and the Czech Republic. This remarkable chicken was created through a cross between Barred Rock and Black Copper Marans, producing dark, chocolate-colored eggs that have become famous among poultry enthusiasts.
In my experience visiting small farms, I’ve often noticed how their majestic appearance and friendly nature draw attention. The breed gained recognition across the world for its dual-purpose role in both meat and egg production, admired for its hardy build and docile temperament.
During the 19th century in France, local poultry farmers began refining Marans lines to enhance laying performance and plumage color. Later, these traits evolved into the standardized French type recognized by the American Poultry Association, a testament to the breed’s excellence and charm.
The Marin’s history even includes a mid-1800s effort in the Maritime city of Marin, where locals bred several dual and gameplay varieties to create stronger parents with superior traits. These early breeders valued both the beauty and practicality of the Marans, especially its rich, brown, and speckled eggs that symbolized quality and rarity.
Over time, the American and English poultry industry embraced the Mystic Marans, recognizing its popularity among farms and households. I’ve seen many locals showcase bantam and smaller varieties, bred to fit compact farm settings yet maintaining the same beauties of the larger birds.
From black and white barred patterns to the deep midnight sheen of its plumage, the Mystic Marans continues to represent a blend of heritage, appetite for innovation, and friendly cooperation between American and French breeding traditions.
Appearance of Mystic Marans Chicken
The Mystic Marans chickens are easily recognizable thanks to their striking black plumage, which has an iridescent sheen under sunlight. They are a beautiful breed, with some even having feathered feet, adding to their distinctive appearance. The males, or roosters, have a unique feature—white dots on their heads, contrasting with their barred black and brown feathers.
Meanwhile, the hens have all-black feathers that cast lovely shadows, especially in the coop. Their overall appearance serves a functional purpose, as the dark plumage helps them blend into the night, providing protection from predators.
These chickens have a muscly, trapezoidal body and a sturdy, hardy build, making them adaptable to both cold winters and warm climates. Their red wattles, earlobes, and orange eyes contribute to their bold look. Bantams, the smaller version of this breed, are light and compact, typically weighing between 14 and 19.5 ounces.
The full-grown males weigh between 6.5 and 8.5 pounds, while the females weigh slightly less, around 5.5 to 6.5 pounds. Whether in competition in the US, France, UK, or Australia, Mystic Marans stand out for their appearance and adaptability.
Temperament and Behavior of Mystic Marans Chicken
The Mystic Marans chickens are known for their calm and friendly temperament, making them an excellent choice for families and children. They are active and curious, enjoying activities like foraging for food and exploring their surroundings.
These chickens adapt well to both free-ranging and confinement, but they do best when given some space to move around. While they are not aggressive, they do enjoy being part of a flock, getting along well with both other chickens and poultry keepers, whether novice or experienced.
Their docile nature makes them easy to handle, which is a plus for those looking for a manageable pet. In my experience, they are also healthy and hardy, able to survive in a variety of climates, including cold temperatures. Though males can be a bit more energetic, they are not as frisky as other breeds.
Their instinctive behavior also includes being exceptional egg-layers and capable incubators, but they are not as broody as some other breeds like the Orpington. With their red comb, hazel eyes, and plumage, these chickens are truly a beautiful addition to any backyard.
Egg Production and Broodiness of Mystic Marans Chickens
Mystic Marans hens are known for being highly productive layers, capable of producing around 250 dark brown eggs each year. These eggs are a beautiful chocolate color with speckled pigmentation, making them highly sought-after by poultry enthusiasts.
Typically, they begin laying at 8 to 9 months of age and continue to do so throughout the year, even during the winter months. You can expect around three to four eggs per week, which speaks to their reliable productivity.
Despite their impressive egg-laying ability, Mystic Marans hens are not particularly broody, meaning they don’t often stop laying to sit on their eggs. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking for a consistent supply of fresh eggs without the hassle of having to deal with overly broody hens.
Their dual-purpose nature, as both good layers and reliable mothers, contributes to their popularity. While they may produce slightly fewer eggs than some breeds, their low input and high-quality eggs are what make them a valuable asset to any flock.
How to Take Care of Your Mystic Marans Chicken
Feeding
To properly care for your Mystic Marans, feeding is essential. They require a balanced diet consisting of high-quality feed, along with fruits and vegetables. They consume around 5 to 7 ounces of food per day, with a protein content of 18 to 24% during their early weeks.
It’s important to provide them with cold water at all times, as they are more active and require proper hydration, especially if they are allowed to forage or roam free-range.
Coop Setup and Roaming
When setting up their coop, ensure it is spacious, well-ventilated, and offers protection from predators. The coop should have enough room for roosting perches, nesting boxes, and bedding for your hens to lay their dark brown eggs.
In my experience, Mystic Marans thrive in a free-range environment, but they also adapt well to confinement as long as they have enough space and comfort. Make sure your coops are set up with proper lighting to encourage egg production and keep them happy in all weather conditions.
Lifespan and Health Issues
Mystic Marans chickens typically have a lifespan of 6 to 8 years, and with proper care, they can live up to 10 years. They are hardy birds that can thrive in various climates and are generally resistant to many diseases. However, they are prone to Marek’s disease due to their feathering, which can restrict airflow to their skin.
These chickens are also susceptible to respiratory infections, and if they have feathers on their legs, you’ll need to check their feet regularly to avoid problems like bumblefoot or scaly mites. To keep them healthy and long-lived, it’s important to give them regular checkups from a veterinarian.
If you notice unusual poops, lethargy, or loss of appetite in your chickens, learning about common intestinal diseases can help you protect the entire flock.
Cost of Mystic Marans Chickens
The cost of Mystic Marans chickens can vary based on several factors such as age, gender, and whether you’re buying them as day-old chicks or fully grown. For example, day-old chicks can range from $3 to $10, while hens that are ready to lay eggs typically cost around $70.
If you’re looking for hens that will lay the dark brown eggs these birds are known for, you may need to pay more, with prices going up to $140 or $200 depending on the source, whether it’s a local farm, hatchery, or poultry show. Shipping costs can also add to the overall price if you choose to buy online.
While they are considered rare and can be expensive, many poultry farmers view them as a worthwhile investment because of their unique heritage and the quality of eggs they produce.
Varieties of Marin’s Chicken
The Mystic Marans comes in several varieties, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Among the most popular types are the Birch, known for its solid body and silvery white feathers on its head and neck. There are also the black-tailed buff chickens, which are easy to recognize by their bath-colored bodies and black tails.
The black variety, though rare, is highly sought-after, while the black copper variety is more commonly found and is considered one of the most majestic with its beautiful plumage. The Colombian variety, originating around 1931, is one of the oldest and rarest, distinguished by white patterns on its feathers.
Other varieties include the cuckoo, a popular choice with a black base and lighter-colored plumage, and the golden Kaku, which has bars ranging from yellow to reddish. The Wheaton variety is known for its honey-colored hens and darker-headed roosters.
For those interested in pure feathers, the white variety stands out with its crisp white plumage and is available for around $15 each. While the American Poultry Association recognizes only the black, white, black copper, and Wheaton varieties for competitions, these varieties add to the charm and value of Marin’s chickens.
Noise Levels
If you’re living in a busy city and concerned about the noise from chickens, the Mystic Marans might be the right choice for you. These chickens are generally quiet, especially when they are not stressed. While you may still hear them cooing or pecking during the day, they are much less noisy compared to other breeds.
The roosters will likely start crowing as soon as the day begins, but other than that, they are perfect for urban living conditions. You’ll also hear the occasional egg song, but this is usually not disruptive, making them ideal for your garden without too much trouble.
Advantages of Mystic Marans Chicken
The Mystic Marans chicken has several advantages. They are hardy birds, able to survive in various environments. They are also very friendly and enjoy being carried and petted, often getting attached to their owners and following them around. Additionally, they are beautiful, with chocolate eggs that make them stand out among other breeds.
Disadvantages of Mystic Marans Chicken
However, the disadvantages of owning a Mystic Marans chicken include their high price, with chicks costing around $150. This makes them a less accessible choice for some poultry keepers.
Due to their high cost, breeders often opt for more affordable breeds that sell quicker. Additionally, Mystic Marans chickens require a higher protein intake, especially if you plan to show them in competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color eggs do mystic Marans lay?
Mystic Marans: Known for their large, rich dark chocolate eggs, this breed consistently produces very dark brown eggs.
Are Mystic Marans Friendly Chickens?
Mystic Marans are friendly chickens, known for their large size and gentle nature. They are a cross between Black Copper Maran and Barred Plymouth Rock, making them easy to handle and great for interaction. These hens lay medium to dark brown eggs and are often admired for their Midnight Majesty appearance.
What is Special About Maran Chickens?
Marans chickens are famous for laying dark brown eggs. They are friendly and thrive in both confinement and range environments. Known for getting along with other chickens in mixed-breed flocks, they are perfect for backyards and barnyards.
Are Mystic Marans Good Layers?
Mystic Marans are good layers, producing dark brown eggs with a unique color and taste. They can produce up to 250 large eggs each year, making them a reliable choice for steady egg supply.
Conclusion
Owning a Mystic Marans chicken can be a rewarding experience if you can manage the price and find a reputable breeder. This unique breed is perfect for those looking for a dual-purpose bird, as it’s not only great for egg production, laying about 180 to 200 chocolate brown eggs per year, but also makes a beautiful and personable addition to your flock.
They are well-suited for moderating climates and are enjoyable to have around, adding both charm and value to your Farmhouse. If you want a chicken that stands out, Mystic Marans are certainly worth considering for their beauty and functionality.
