Chickens Of The Maran Breed: Maintenance And Breeding

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Quite common and popular breeds of chickens, which are actively bred both in households and by professional farmers, include Maran. The eggs are considered high quality and valuable in the market, making them quite popular among poultry lovers. At the same time, the breed adapts very well to various climatic conditions, which is an additional advantage.

At the same time, as with any other chickens, they need to be provided with adequate shelter during the cold season. In general, Marans are low-maintenance but do require standard care, including feeding, watering, coop cleaning, and regular veterinary checkups.

Features Of The Origin Of The Breed

Maran chickens were bred back in 1885 by breeders from France, but the mass distribution of this breed began only at the beginning of the 20th century, after they were presented at the famous La Rochelle exhibition. The name “Maran” was given in accordance with the town in France where this breed of domestic chickens was bred.

After some time, this bird began to be actively distributed, not only throughout European countries, but also throughout Russia. Today, the Maran bird has confidently won the hearts of poultry farmers around the world with its amazing ability to combine beauty and practicality. Chickens have an elegant appearance. Their elongated body and raised tail create a majestic appearance. The feathers are shiny black, giving the bird a unique shine. The bright red comb and beautiful plumage add color to this living work of art.

One of the main features of Marans is their outstanding egg production. The average for these chickens is higher than that of most other breeds. Large, white, hard-shelled eggs have become the hallmark of Maran chickens, making them an ideal choice for those who value not only the beauty, but also the usefulness of their feathered charges.

How Are Maran Chickens Different?

The feathers of birds stand out in contrasting shades, and even during the molting period they retain their external charm, only changing the tone. The color range of plumage is a rich spectrum from dark to light shades with various reflections. The feathers covering the chicken’s body fit tightly to it, and all birds have an elongated torso, broad shoulders and a convex chest.

The massive and long neck is decorated with feathers, creating the impression of a collar. The wings of Marans are quite short, but the tail is long, the paws are medium in size, and the color can vary from white to yellow. The bird’s head is slightly flattened and is of medium size. The comb is standard, red in color and has a rigid structure. Chickens of this breed are decorated with long earrings painted red.

Chickens have small eyes with a golden tint. The curved shape of the yellow beak gives the bird a special appearance. The weight of a rooster can reach 4.2 kg, while females weigh approximately 3–3.5 kg. The meat is tender and famous for its unique taste. However, their eggs are especially prized because they are large in size, reaching a maximum weight of 70 g.

By the way, Maran chickens are considered a breed of medium maturity, which is associated with the beginning of the egg production period. Individuals reach sexual maturity at 6 months. The first eggs produced by young hens can weigh up to 40–55 g and are white in color. Over time, birds begin to lay larger and darker eggs.

The average egg production is approximately 140 eggs per year, and the conditions of keeping the birds have a significant influence on this figure. The egg production period of chickens reaches 7 years, with maximum productivity observed at the age of 2–3 years, after which the flock is completely replaced.

Color Options For The Maran Breed

Not all people know that Maran chickens have not one, but several color options, with the most popular being the following:

1. Wheat color. Characterized by soft, warm shades reminiscent of the color of wheat grains. The feathers may be light brown or golden yellow, with darker stripes or borders on the edges. The overall effect gives the impression of a warm and cozy bird.
2. Silver cuckoo color. Chickens have silvery feathers with grayish patches, which may also have dark transverse stripes, creating a cuckoo-like effect. This color gives the bird a sophisticated and stylish appearance.
3. Golden cuckoo color. Includes golden hues on the feathers mixed with dark stripes. This color gives the bird a noble and elegant appearance, distinguishing it from others.
4. Black-copper color. Here you can already see pronounced black feathers, but with a copper tint. It creates a contrasting and spectacular appearance, giving the bird a special mystery and shine.
5. Speckled color. Involves the presence of various sizes and shapes of specks, dots or spots on the feathers. This can create unique and varied patterns, making each bird unique.
6. White color. Feathers are completely white, creating a clean, light and elegant appearance. This color can be especially expressive and impressive.
7. Lavender color. Includes hints of lavender on the feathers, creating a delicate and romantic look. This color can give the bird a unique and delicate appearance.
8. Silver-black color. Characterized by black feathers with silver or light shades. This creates a striking combination of dark and light, making the bird attractive and stylish.
9. Colombian color. Involves white feathers on the bird’s body with colored markings on the head, wings and tail. This contrasting coloration creates an interesting and varied appearance, highlighting the unique characteristics of each bird.

How To Properly Set Up A Chicken Coop

Experts note that in order to obtain consistently high egg production, special attention should be paid to a properly equipped chicken coop. This is an important stage for ensuring comfortable conditions for birds and successful poultry farming. The main aspects of expert arrangement of a chicken coop.

1. Size and shape. The area of ​​the chicken coop should be calculated taking into account the number of chickens you plan to keep. Typically, it is recommended to provide an area of ​​0.2–0.5 m2 per chicken. The optimal shape for a chicken coop is a rectangle, as it provides better use of space.
2. Materials. For walls and floors, use materials that are easy to clean and disinfect, such as brick, concrete or wood. Provide good ventilation. For the roof, choose durable and waterproof materials to prevent leaks during the rainy season.
3. Ventilation and lighting. Provide good ventilation to avoid moisture and odors. Place vents at the top of the walls. Natural light is important for bird health. Place insect screens on windows.
4. Nests and sticks. Nests should be placed in quiet corners of the coop. Use straw or dry grass as filler. Set up sticks at different heights to allow the chickens to sit and rest. This will also help them avoid injury and keep their paws healthy.
5. Feeding and watering. Place feeders and waterers so that they are easily accessible to all chickens. Avoid overfeeding and control the quality of feed. Provide access to fresh water throughout the day. Use automatic waterers to maintain constant access to water.
6. Protection from predators. Secure the coop with a strong fence with a tray to prevent predators from entering. Install the bottom rim of the mesh underground to prevent digging under the fence.
7. Care and hygiene. Develop an easy cleaning system. Use lift trays to collect manure. Disinfect your coop regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
8. Temperature control. Make sure the coop provides protection from cold and excess heat. Use insulation and ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature.

By following these recommendations, you can create optimal conditions for Maran chickens, which will contribute to their health, as well as a qualitative increase in the productivity of all domestic poultry farming.

What Should Be The Place For Walking?

You need to understand that raising chickens is not only a source of fresh eggs and meat, but also an activity that requires attention and care from the breeder. One of the key aspects of caring for chickens is providing them with a decent place to roam.

Important Aspects:

1. Size and layout. An important factor is to provide the chickens with enough space to roam. This allows them to roam freely, dig around, and exhibit instincts. Creating a variety of areas, such as beds with sand for “bathing” and trees or bushes for cover, promotes mental and physical well-being.
2. Safety and protection. One of the primary issues is ensuring the safety of chickens. Choose a location for the coop where they will be protected from predators and adverse weather conditions. High fences, enclosed night spaces, and portable umbrellas or canopies will provide the necessary protection.
3. Natural vegetation. Using natural vegetation in a chicken run is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also helps enrich the soil and gives chickens additional opportunities to dig and forage. A variety of herbs and leaves can also provide additional sources of nutrients.
4. Drainage system. To maintain the cleanliness and level of hygiene in the walking space, it is necessary to provide a drainage system. This may include using sand or crushed stone on the ground to ensure efficient water drainage and reduce the risk of mud formation.
5. Health support. Consider the chickens’ needs for minerals and vitamins. Placing mineral blocks and containers of sand for bathing will help them maintain healthy feathers and skin. Also, provide free access to clean water and food.
6. Solar lighting. Chickens, like all living things, need enough light. Position your walking area so that it receives maximum sunlight. This not only promotes egg production but also provides the chickens with essential vitamins.

Creating the perfect chicken run is a creative process that combines attention to their natural needs, safety, and site characteristics. However, investing time and resources into creating a comfortable space will not only bring health and happiness to your chickens but will also provide you with fresh and delicious food.

Features Of Proper Poultry Feeding

By the way, feeding chickens is not just a routine task in agriculture, but a key element in successfully raising healthy birds. Only proper nutrition can ensure not only healthy poultry but also maximum production of high-quality eggs and meat. Knowing the main principles of proper chicken feeding, you can create the most suitable and optimal conditions for your chicken flock.

One of the key aspects of proper feeding is creating a balanced diet. It should include all the essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Consider the age, weight, and physiological characteristics of your chickens when determining the optimal composition of the diet. Protein plays an important role in the formation of eggs and meat. When choosing protein sources, preference should be given to high-quality and easily digestible foods such as soy, fishmeal, and yeast.

Monitor amino acid levels, especially lysine and methionine. Carbohydrates are a source of energy, but they should be selected based on their digestibility and effect on blood glucose levels. Cereals such as corn and wheat can be a good source of energy.

The Importance Of Good And Balanced Dietary Supplements

As practice shows, it is quite difficult to independently create nutritional mixtures by mixing the necessary components. In this regard, it is much more convenient to use ready-made feeds, each of which is intended for consumption at a specific age period of the chicken.

Start feeds provide the necessary level of protein for the active growth and development of young chickens. A balanced vitamin and mineral complex supports health, as well as strengthens the immune system, and promotes bone formation.

After 2 months, Maran chickens can begin to be given food Growth, which helps activate the egg production process.

Then you can switch to Layer feed, which is used at the egg-laying stage, which leads to high-quality results in a short time. This food contains calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen the eggshell, preventing damage, as well as beta-carotene, which contributes to the formation of a rich color of the yolk of eggs and increases their nutritional value. Vitamins D3 and E improve egg quality and support overall bird health.

Providing access to fresh water

Access to fresh, clean water is an essential part of caring for birds. Water plays a key role in digestion, body temperature regulation, and overall health of chickens. Make sure drinking bowls are always filled and water is available throughout the day.

Regular monitoring of the weight and health of chickens allows you to promptly identify any deviations. Based on your monitoring results, adjust your diet to suit your herd’s changing needs. Proper chicken feeding is an investment in the future productivity and health of your chicken flock.

A balanced diet, quality sources of nutrients and careful adherence to care recommendations will ensure successful chicken breeding and high levels of production. By following these principles, you will create the conditions for high-quality eggs and meat, as well as long-term health for your flock.

Chickens of the Maran breed are poultry that are attractive for their beautiful color and unique appearance. It provides experienced poultry farmers with excellent opportunities for successful breeding. The characteristics of the breed, including high egg production, resistance to various climatic conditions and excellent taste of eggs, make them an excellent choice for those who strive not only for economic success, but also for the pleasure of caring for chickens.