Description
The Marans is now officially a recognized breed of the Continental Class by the American Poultry Association. The Cuckoo Marans were developed in France in the town of Marans during the mid 1800’s. It is a dual purpose bird and is known for its deep chocolate brown eggs though some eggs may have some speckled dark pigments in the egg shell. The brown egg color can vary in darkness as the hens go through their laying cycles. Vitamin K and calcium can have some limited help with keeping the dark brown egg shell color. They are a fast growing bird and a very rare breed here in the United States. The Cuckoo Marans have a black and white feather color pattern similar to the Barred Plymouth Rock. Cackle Hatchery®’s Cuckoo Marans have limited/to no feathers on their legs and are a production type blood line.
Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the original French version of the breed French Cuckoo Marans.
We also have Cuckoo Marans Started Pullets available to order.
We also offer at limited times of the year Cuckoo Marans Fertile Hatching Eggs
Check out our blog to learn more about the differences between Cuckoo Marans and French Cuckoo Marans here
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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| 2025-02-05 |
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| 2025-02-12 |
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| 2025-02-19 |
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| 2025-02-24 |
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| 2025-02-26 |
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| 2025-03-03 |
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| 2025-03-05 |
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| 2025-03-10 |
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| 2025-03-12 |
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| 2025-03-17 |
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| 2025-03-19 |
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| 2025-03-24 |
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| 2025-03-26 |
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| 2025-03-31 |
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| 2025-04-02 |
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| 2025-04-07 |
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| 2025-04-09 |
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| 2025-04-14 |
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| 2025-04-16 |
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| 2025-04-21 |
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| 2025-04-23 |
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| 2025-04-28 |
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| 2025-04-30 |
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| 2025-05-05 |
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| 2025-05-07 |
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| 2025-05-12 |
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| 2025-05-14 |
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| 2025-05-19 |
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| 2025-05-21 |
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| 2025-05-26 |
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| 2025-05-28 |
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| 2025-06-02 |
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| 2025-06-04 |
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| 2025-06-09 |
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| 2025-06-11 |
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| 2025-06-16 |
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| 2025-06-18 |
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| 2025-06-23 |
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| 2025-06-25 |
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| 2025-06-30 |
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| 2025-07-02 |
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| 2025-07-07 |
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| 2025-07-09 |
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| 2025-07-14 |
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| 2025-07-16 |
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| 2025-07-21 |
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| 2025-07-23 |
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| 2025-07-28 |
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| 2025-07-30 |
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| 2025-08-04 |
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| 2025-08-06 |
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| 2025-08-11 |
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| 2025-08-13 |
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| 2025-08-20 |
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| 2025-08-27 |
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| 2025-09-03 |
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| 2025-09-17 |
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| 2025-09-24 |
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| 2025-10-08 |
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| 2025-10-15 |
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| 2025-10-22 |
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| 2025-10-29 |
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Abigail W –
We originally purchased three day-old pullets, and received an extra, which we really appreciated. All four girls were healthy and vigorous at six weeks, when we gifted three of the four to our friends who were looking to start a flock. The one we kept is easy to work with, gets along well with the rest of the flock (which includes standards hens from multiple breeds), and lays beautiful, dark eggs. I do have to say that some of her eggs, particularly when she first lays again after molt and winter break, are more of a rosy-peach color. After a few weeks, they get a lot darker, and are a gorgeous dark copper color by mid-late spring. She does not lay much once summer temperatures soared and drought set in (100s and up for multiple weeks), but that is true of most of the flock. It is now mid-January, and since she started laying again two weeks ago. She is generally more aloof than many of our other hens, but is friendlier when she is laying. We have not tried processing any as meat birds, but she is a sturdy and well-built hen that would likely make a good table bird. Another bonus: her eggs hold up beautifully when preserving with water-glassing.
William –
Happy Camper
I was a little concerned that my order said “processing” after ship date of the 27th. I received my order of 18 healthy Cuckoo Marans +1 on Friday the 29th. They are doing great. No issues yet, no losses. Did have 2 develop “pastey butt” this morning the 31st. I added Dr. Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar to the water. I am very pleased with the quality and health of the chicks. Will definitely order from again without hesitation.
J –
Nice layers, lighter eggs than anticipated
We ordered 3 Cuckoo Marans female chicks last spring, and they are now beginning to lay at about 8 months. All three arrived perfectly healthy, and grew into big, agreeable hens! They are reliably laying decent sized, darkish eggs, though they are noticeably lighter than the eggs pictured. We were very excited about the dark eggs, but despite this are pleased with them overall.
Robert C –
Thanks
We ordered 50 birds back in july. 15 easter eggers, 10 Jersey giants, 10 Buffs, 5 Leg horns, 5 welsumers, and 5 marans. All of the birds arrived alive which is amazing since we are located in hawaii! I would like to point out that they give you a full list of what you ordered/ got extra which was a really nice touch. We lost one bird at a few days old but Cackle sent us 60 birds instead of 50 so it wasn’t an issue. I would like to mention we ordered 10 roos that were all marked on their heads with paint which was amazing. Fast forward a few months. all of the birds made it besides that one we lost in the first few days. We have a few extra roos that we didnt order but I think they gave them to us because we ordered 5 buff roos and 5 jersey roos but zero egger roos. Also, all of the birds are very healthy and all seem to be growing to breed standards. I couldn’t be happier with my order. I have ordered from other hatcheries in the past and I have had many issues (wrong chickens, dead/ sick birds, bad packaging, the list goes on) none of those issues happened when I ordered from cackle. With all of that being said they are still a hatchery and the birds aren’t going to be the cream of the crop to say but they are damn close! If you want a decent flock with beautiful birds and you don’t want to pay an absurd price to a private breeder cackle is your one stop shop!
C –
Excellent hatchery
Excellent hatchery. Highly recommend
Ben –
Longevity Concern
I purchased 4 Maran pullets in autumn of 2018 and while they were wonderful chicks, they have just started laying and I have lost 2 to egg laying issues (one was egg bound and one suffered from prolapsed vent which eventually lead to her death). I have free choice oyster shell and an existing flock of 18 healthy and happy girls. I am not sure if this is a breed related or breeding issue, but it was definitely disappointing to put 9 months into a bird to have them die at the start of egg laying.
Gibby –
love the cuckoo marans
so happy with this breed….thankU….
Aza Farms –
CUCKOO MARANS
I ordered 4 Cuckoo Maran pullets to be shipped with the French Maran Surplus box. All 4 of my ladies arrived to me in Florida healthy and chirping away. They are a week old and growing like weeds.
Cat J Regan –
Marans to Michigan
I received my Cuckoo Marans from Cackle after wanting some for so long! They all arrived safely and are very alert and healthy as of now. They are feathering out well and growing quickly! I look forward to adding their eggs to my color variety here! Thank you.
Johannah –
Wonderful Egg Quality for Hatchery Birds
I was very skeptical at first, when I read other breeders comments on how the egg color was not that great on hatchery marans but after owning these birds for almost 2 years and seeing the consistency of their egg color, Cackle, I believe in your quality. I am ordering Black Marans this year which are more expensive, but putting my faith in the breeding experts at Cackle that these new Marans will be everything I hoped for.
Glory –
great chicken
I ordered these last May, none have feathers on feet which is nice, this is my 1st year owning these their eggs do range from deep chocolate brown to chocolate brown, the hens are friendly and allow you to check under them for eggs without pecking your hands, even the rooster is very nice not disappointed. Cackle hatchery is great
levis harvest –
Love the chicks!
At 6 am i got a call from my post office and they had my day old chicks and they are so healthy, happy and strong. Thank you!!!!! I am in Love whit the cuckoo marans and cackle hatchery
Rachel Missouri January 2010 –
Order
You carried all of the chicks that I wanted and you minimum is 15 and the shipping charges are not as bad. Plus I live in Missouri also and it is good to support our area. Thanks for making me a happy customer
Bryant, North Carolina June 2011 –
Cackle Hatchery
The chicks arrived safe and sound this morning. The Post Master called me at 6:55 AM this morning and told me the chicks had arrived. Thank you very much, I was afraid they would be in bad shape or possibly some had not made it due to the hot weather, however thank the Good Lord, they were all alive and seemed to be healthy. They went straight to their water and started eating before I came to work. All is fine. Again I appreciate your prompt and kind service. They are all well and fine this morning and I thank you and your personnel for the help.
Nannette, Wyoming March 2012 –
Our order
Your baby chicks arrived on time and in great shape. They are settling in nicely. Thank you for doing a great job at the hatching and sending part. And we really appreciated the very helpful descriptions regarding bird/breed characteristics. GOOD JOB!…WELL DONE!
Doug, Oklahoma March 2012 –
Cackle Customer Feedback
I would like to tell you thank you very much for the healthy chicks. I ordered 50 Barred Rock and got 54, 25 Welsummer and got 27, 25 Cuckoo Marans and got 27, all got her alive and very active! THANK YOU!!! I will be a returning customer.
Barbara, Missouri March 2013 –
Chick Order
Just got our order of chicks and they look wonderful! Thank you for the extra two chicks. I can hardly wait to see what I have They are drinking and eating and chirping happily in the brooder. Thank you for the great care you give in supplying these nice chicks.
Connie, Missouri June 2013 –
Cackle Hatchery
Well! I must say! I’ve picked up chicks here and there from many sources over the years and never have I had such vital, energetic and healthy chicks. I want to thank you very much for sending my order so quickly and efficiently. They were in transit 24 hours only. Post office called yesterday morning and we picked up and delivered to our brooding room around 2 pm. I will be a repeat customer and will happily promote your hatchery. None are better!! Thank very much,
Anne, Kansas July 2010 –
Cackle Hatchery
I wanted to thank you for your help with our poultry order this year. It was was disheartening to lose so many chicks and I really appreciated you calling me personally to do some troubleshooting. I also want to thank you for the beautiful replacement chicks you sent. They are doing fine and it was so nice to get to try some of the breeds that were sold out before. As a side note I was to say how impressed I am with your Spitzhaubens. They are perky, energetic and extremely friendly. Plus they are a treat to look at! Thank you for your top notch service, personal attention and prize-winning birds.
Vince Arizona May 2014 –
Arizona Order
The chicks are very active. After I dipped their beaks in the warm water, they ran across the enclosure as if to show glee. They ate and drank like old pros after just a short time. These are my first chickens (I’m 71). I am amazed at how fast they learn. I’m very impressed with how your operation works. People are very courteous and the job gets done as it should. Thanks again. Hope this works nicely so I can order a couple straight runs next time.
Elaine California April 2010 –
My order
My order arrived today of 25 Cuckoo Marans. They arrived in perfect condition, strong and hungry. Thank you so much. I will certainly order from you again
Alexis Texas March 2015 –
Cackle Customer Compliment
I want to praise Renae for placing my crazy order today! She is an absolute Rock star!!!I really appreciate the excellent customer service i have received with this order and my previous one! I will be a forever customer, thank you for being the best hatchery. Thanks
Diane Tennessee May 2014 –
Thank You
We received our chicks and want to report all but one made it and are doing great. Thanks for providing excellent stock in a timely manner.
Gloria, Massachusetts May 2015 –
Thank You!
I just wanted to say thank you, to whoever picked out my chicks did a fantastic job. Each Turken had different coloring and markings and all the others I received are beautiful colors too. They are so healthy looking too fluffy/chubby little chicks. This is my first time with these breeds look forward to watching them grow.
Janie, Missouri May 2014 –
Cackle Hatchery
I received my chicks today and found all but 1 made it alive not bad odds for ordering 70 chicks. Thank you for the chicks and I am looking forward to ordering more.
Alonzo California Sept2014 –
Chicks
Thank you so much! Cackle hatchery is the best! I will definitely be recommending to my friends.
Joy Maine June 2011 –
Thanks!
This is our fourth year of ordering chicks and yours are the most beautiful we have had. I also appreciate how well they were packed and the instructions for the first day and afterward…my grandson is REALLY an excuse for ME to get the birds…I have 28 adults at present but have never had a Marans…look forward to eggs in Nov/Dec…they’ll have their own side of the coop with an electric heather, so they should be good. Many many thanks…
Bryant North Carolina May 2011 –
Order
Thank You Mrs Smith. The chicks arrived safe and sound this morning. The Post Master called me at 6:45 am this morning and told me the chicks had arrived. Thank you very much. i was afraid they would be in bad shape or possibly some had not made it due to hot weather, however, thank the Good Lord, they were all alive and seemed to be healthy. They went straight to their water and started eating before I came to work. All is fine. Sorry I bothered you all, I just was concerned about their shipping in hot weather and trusting they had not been misdirected to some other Post Office. Again, I appreciate your prompt and kind service. They are all well and fine this morning and I thank you and your personnel for the help. You have a very efficient group of personnel working for your Hatchery and I always appreciated their kind assistance. Also I trust you all have a pleasant week.
Damon, Texas (received August 15, 2015) –
Greetings
I just wanted to tell you we have received the chicks a week ago. There were 21 in all and they are doing wonderful. Have never ordered online before, so I was somewhat nervous. I am very pleased that they are healthy and it was a wonderful experience with your company.