In 2024, we welcomed our 3rd generation of Silver Marans at NorthWoods Poultry!
There several names that this variety of Marans is referred to such as Black Silver, Silver, BBS Birchen, Birchens, etc. Whatever that breeder chooses to use, it's referring to the variety whose otherwise copper coloring is replaced with white.
This striking variety of Marans is not yet officially recognized. However, we're working on developing quality birds in the hopes that the APA will consider making this a standard.
This striking variety of Marans is not yet officially recognized. However, we're working on developing quality birds in the hopes that the APA will consider making this a standard.
|
|
|
|
Our original flock was sourced from reputable breeders located throughout the U.S. This effort was taken to provide a diverse gene pool immediately to ensure healthy and robust birds to establish our flock.
We only utilize the birds with the cleanest white or "silver". Any birds that possess off-white, yellowing, or straw-colored type feathering are omitted from the breeding program. Conformation is also taken into consideration, mirroring that of the standard for Black Copper Marans. While this variety can produce black, blue, and splash, we are focusing on the black and blue which readily display the silvering. |
Our foundation Blue Silver Marans Rooster - "Reykr"
|
Our foundation Black Silver Marans rooster - "Kolr"
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Marans breed originated in France, in marshy areas close to the Atlantic coast. The breed is named after the historic port town of Marans. Evolution of the Marans type bird is said to have begun as early as the 13th century, with crosses between the local marsh hens and various gamecocks brought in to the port on ships.
Gradual development of the breed then continued through the centuries, including the introduction of Brahma and Langshan blood during the late 1800s. Marans in their modern form first began appearing in French poultry shows in 1914. The Marans Club of France was organized in 1929, and that club established the first standard for Marans in 1931. |
A lovely Blue Silver Marans hen of Greenfire Farms.
|
Stunning Blue Silver Marans rooster from Sunbird Farms.
|
Marans have been imported to the USA in small numbers for many years now, probably beginning around the time that soldiers returned to the States after World War II. Over the years, birds and eggs have been brought in not only from France but also from countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and possibly Belgium and Switzerland. Importations of "English type" clean-legged Marans have led to the establishment of many clean-legged flocks in this country, especially in the cuckoo variety; nonetheless, the American standard adheres to the French standard calling for lightly feathered shanks and toes.
|
|
|
|
Marans are best known for their large, russet brown eggs. This is a defining characteristic of the Marans breed, so selection for egg color and size should never be neglected. Physically, the Marans is a medium-sized bird with the character of a rustic farm hen, giving an impression of solidity and strength without being coarse. The legs are lightly feathered, but leg feathering should never be excessively heavy. Eye color is bright and clear in all varieties, never darkening into brown nor paling into yellow or pearl.
The Marans is a general purpose fowl for production of both meat and eggs. The breed is most famous for its large, dark chocolate-russet eggs, but it is also known for the fine flavor of its meat.
Color of skin, white; color of egg shells, very dark reddish brown.
Standard Weights:
Cock….…....8 lbs Hen……..6 1/2 lbs
Cockerel….7 lbs Pullet…..5 1/2 lbs
The Marans is a general purpose fowl for production of both meat and eggs. The breed is most famous for its large, dark chocolate-russet eggs, but it is also known for the fine flavor of its meat.
Color of skin, white; color of egg shells, very dark reddish brown.
Standard Weights:
Cock….…....8 lbs Hen……..6 1/2 lbs
Cockerel….7 lbs Pullet…..5 1/2 lbs
Black Silver rooster and hens from large hatchery: Too much yellowing in areas where white should be prevalent.
|
Roosters:
COMB: Single, moderately large, straight, upright, evenly serrated with five points; the blade not touching the neck. BEAK: Long, stout and well curved. FACE: Smooth, skin fine and soft in texture. EYES: Large and prominent. WATTLES: Medium in size, oval, skin fine in texture. EAR-LOBES: Average in size, long. HEAD: Moderate in size, slightly flattened on top, and long. NECK: Moderately long and full, arched. Hackle abundant, flowing well over the shoulders. BACK: Wide at the shoulders, long, flat, slightly tilted to the rear. Slightly more inclined than that of the female. Saddle feathers--abundant, saddle large and slightly raised. TAIL: Full, rather short, carried at an angle of 45 degrees above horizontal. Main tail feathers--broad and overlapping, shorter than average. Sickles--shorter than average. |
WINGS: Short, held close to the body, carriage nearly horizontal. Primaries and secondaries -- broad and overlapping in natural order when wing is folded. BREAST: Strong, broad, and full. Well rounded when viewed from both the front and side. BODY AND FLUFF: Body--deep, long and broad, especially through the shoulders which are carried high. Overall, rectangular in shape. Fluff--medium in length. LEGS and TOES: Legs set well apart and straight when viewed from the front. Lower thighs--strong and well feathered. Shanks--medium length, stout, and straight; lightly feathered down the outer sides. Toes--four long and well-separated toes on each foot. Outer toes lightly feathered, middle toes free from feathers. PLUMAGE: Moderately tight and smooth textured. |
Blue Silver rooster from large hatchery: Too much yellowing appearing in areas where white should be present.
|
Hens:
COMB: Single, smaller than that of the male; straight and upright, evenly serrated with five points, and fine in texture.No female in or near production with the rear portion of the comb lopped should be discriminated against. BEAK: Long, stout and well curved. FACE: Smooth, skin fine and soft in texture. EYES: Large and prominent. WATTLES: Medium in size, oval. EAR-LOBES: Average in size, long. HEAD: Moderate in size, slightly flattened on top, and long. BACK: Wide at the shoulders, long, flat, and slightly tilted to the rear. Slightly less inclined than that of the male. NECK: Moderately long and full, arched. TAIL: Full, rather short, carried at an angle of 45 degrees above horizontal. Main tail feathers--broad and overlapping, shorter than average. |
WINGS: Short, held close to the body, carriage nearly horizontal. Primaries and secondaries--broad and overlapping in natural order when wing is folded. BREAST: Strong, broad, and full. Well rounded when viewed from both the front and side. BODY AND FLUFF: Body--deep, long and broad, especially through the shoulders which are carried high. Should be more rounded than the male. Fluff--medium in length. LEGS AND TOES: Legs set well apart, straight when viewed from the front. Lower Thighs--strong and well feathered. Shanks--medium length, stout, and straight; lightly feathered down the outer sides. Toes--four long and well-separated toes on each foot. Outer toes lightly feathered, middle toes free from feathers. PLUMAGE: Moderately tight and smooth textured. |
|
|
|
- Yellow on shanks or toes.
- White ear lobes.
- Pearl or black eyes.
- Absence of feathers on shanks.
- Presence of prominent or pale yellow/straw-colored feathering (NWP standard)
Provided by : Marans Chicken Club USA
Foundation flock is sourced from all NPIP certified farms:
- Brier Bend Farm - Missouri (MO#1074)
- C. Ville Farm - Louisiana (Currently closed)
- Gypsy Hen - Kansas (KS-567)