
With its shiny black plumage and lovely chocolate-colored eggs, the Mystic Marans chicken is undoubtedly a fascinating breed that stands out from the rest.
These chickens have won the hearts of many backyard chicken enthusiasts thanks to their dark brown eggs, subtle beauty, and remarkable productivity.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Mystic Marans breed, you’ve come to the right place! This article will go over the breed’s history, care requirements, and distinctive traits.
Mystic Marans Chicken Overview
Origin: | Czech Republic |
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: Black |
Temperament: | Active, docile, friendly |
Known for Broodiness: | No |
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 |
What Is a Mystic Marans Chicken?

The Mystic Marans is a hybrid chicken known for its striking black plumage and dark brown eggs. This hybrid was created in the Czech Republic by crossing Black Copper Marans and Barred Rocks, aiming to produce large, dark-shelled eggs more efficiently.
You may also hear the Mystic Marans referred to as the Midnight Majesty Marans, Dominant Copper, Rustic Rambler, or Noir Marans.
Furthermore, because Mystic Marans is a hybrid chicken, it is not recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA).
Despite this, it continues to be a fascinating and sought-after breed, prized for its unique characteristics and dark-colored eggs.
If you are thinking about getting this breed, check out this video:
Mystic Marans Chicken Origin and History
The Mystic Marans chicken is a relatively new hybrid chicken. Developed in the Czech Republic, this breed is a cross between Black Copper Marans roosters and Barred Rock hens.
This was done because the standard Marans chicken tends to have low laying numbers and a large appetite, making it unsuitable for commercial production.
Because they are hybrids, not much is known about their origins. However, there is plenty of information available about their parent breeds that can help you understand what to expect from this hybrid.
Black Copper Marans and Barred Rock chickens are two of the most popular breeds of chickens, each with its own interesting history.
The Black Copper Marans originated in the Marans region of France in the late 19th century. Initially bred for their exceptional egg-laying abilities, these chickens quickly became popular for their dark brown eggs.
Over time, the breed found its way to various parts of the world, eventually making its way to the United States, where it quickly became well-known for its richly colored plumage and hardy nature.
On the other hand, the Barred Rock chicken, also known as the Plymouth Rock, emerged in the United States during the mid-1800s.
A cross between several chicken breeds, the Barred Rock quickly gained popularity for its versatility as a dual-purpose breed, valued for both meat and egg production.
During World War II, Plymouth Rock chickens became a major player in the broiler industry, playing a significant role in supplying the United States with both meat and eggs.
With their distinctive black and white barred plumage, Barred Rock chickens became a familiar sight on American farms and soon garnered acclaim for their friendly and docile nature.
Mystic Marans Chicken Appearance

Mystic Marans are beautiful chickens. This breed is easily recognizable by the iridescent sheen of its black plumage under direct sunlight. Some of them even have feathered feet, which adds to their distinctive appearance.
Not only are Mystic Marans chickens visually stunning, but they also have a special trait known as sex linkage. Because of this, it is possible to tell the gender of the chicks just by looking at their feathers when they hatch.
Hens have all-black feathers that cast lovely shadows in the coop. Meanwhile, the roosters are born with white dots on their heads and stand out due to their characteristic barred black and brown plumage.
This breed’s size is also notable, with adult males weighing up to 8 pounds and females around 6 pounds.
In addition to being visually appealing, their appearance serves a purpose as well. The dark plumage helps them blend into the night, providing some protection from predators.
Furthermore, their sturdy build contributes to their hardiness and adaptability to various climates.
Mystic Marans Chicken Temperament and Behavior
The Mystic Marans chicken is known for its calm and friendly temperament. These chickens are quite active and curious, enjoying their time foraging for food and exploring their surroundings.
They adapt well to both free-ranging and confinement, making them suitable for various types of environments.
Despite their active nature, they are not aggressive and get along well with other chickens in a flock. This makes them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced poultry keepers.
Furthermore, their docile nature also makes them easy to handle, which is a plus for families with children.
However, it’s important to note that while they are generally healthy and hardy, Mystic Marans can become a bit lazy if confined to a coop all the time.
Hence, it’s beneficial to allow them some time to free range, ensuring they stay happy and healthy.
Overall, their friendly and adaptable nature, combined with their striking appearance and prolific egg-laying abilities, make the Mystic Marans a delightful addition to any backyard flock.
Egg Production and Broodiness of Mystic Marans Chickens

Mystic Marans hens are exceptionally productive layers, capable of laying around 250 large, dark brown eggs each year.
They start laying eggs at approximately 8 to 9 months of age and continue to do so throughout the year, including the winter months.
On top of that, Mystic Marans hens rarely get broody, which is a plus if you’re looking for a reliable source of fresh eggs.
These chickens are surely a valuable asset to any flock that focuses on producing eggs thanks to their constant laying patterns and low tendency for broodiness.
How to Take Care of Your Mystic Marans Chicken
I once had the chance to visit a close friend of mine, an experienced poultry keeper, who shared his journey of raising Mystic Marans chickens. He spoke highly of their hardiness and adaptability, thriving in various weather conditions.
Upon checking his coop, I personally experienced the friendly demeanor of these chickens and the abundance of dark brown eggs they produce.
Here are some insightful tips for caring for this unique breed.
Lifespan and Health Issues
Mystic Marans chickens have a lifespan of about 6 to 8 years, but with proper care, some can even live up to 10 years. They are generally hardy birds, resistant to many diseases, and can thrive in most climates.
However, they are especially prone to Marek’s disease because of their dense feathering, which restricts airflow to their skin. They may also be more susceptible to developing respiratory infections.
Moreover, if your Mystic Marans have feathers on their legs, like other breeds in this list, keep in mind that you’ll need to periodically clean their feet to prevent health issues like bumblefoot or scaly leg mites.
Your Mystic Marans can have a long, healthy life if you give them regular health checkups and immediate veterinarian care when needed.
Feeding
Feeding the Mystic Marans requires a balanced diet consisting of high-quality poultry feed supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.
They consume more than the average chicken due to their large size, typically around five to seven ounces of food a day.
During their first few weeks, they must be fed a lot of protein — roughly 18 to 24%. Feed them a mash until they are around six weeks old, and then transition them to a pellet mash.
The pullets will be almost fully grown by the time they are 18 to 20 weeks old, and egg production can start at any time. Ensuring a balanced diet and proper care will help them thrive and lay eggs efficiently.
In addition to food, Mystic Marans need to have constant access to cold water.
Coop Setup and Roaming
Mystic Marans chickens thrive best in a free-range environment as they are naturally active and love to forage.
Nevertheless, they can adapt to confinement better than other chickens. Just ensure that their coops are spacious, well-ventilated, and offer protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Each adult Mystic Marans requires at least four square feet within the coop. Inside the coop, provide a roosting perch and nesting boxes.
Ensure that the nesting boxes have bedding and are large enough for the adult hens to lay their eggs. The coop should also have adequate lighting to encourage egg-laying.
How Much Does a Mystic Marans Cost?

As with any other type of livestock, the cost of a Mystic Marans chicken may vary widely depending on several factors. A key factor that influences the price of a chicken is its age.
Day-old Mystic Marans chicks are usually the most affordable, with prices typically ranging from $3 to $10 each. Due to the cost of housing, food, and labor, this price can increase as they age and reach the point of lay.
The gender of the chicken also influences the cost. Generally, hens are more expensive than roosters because they lay eggs.
In the case of Mystic Marans, their dark brown eggs are a unique selling point, making the hens particularly valuable.
Furthermore, another factor to consider is the source. Prices can vary between local farms, online hatcheries, and poultry shows.
Online hatcheries often have a wider selection and can ship chickens directly to your home, but shipping costs can add to the overall price. It’s possible to find better deals if you buy in bulk from a local farm or breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mystic Marans Good Layers?
Mystic Marans are generally good layers. They are renowned for laying dark brown eggs, which are highly sought after for their unique color and taste.
They can produce a steady supply of eggs throughout the year, laying up to 250 large eggs each year, making them a reliable choice for egg production.
Are Marans Good Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Marans are excellent backyard chickens. Their ability to lay eggs consistently and provide quality meat makes them a versatile addition to any backyard flock.
Moreover, Marans are calm and docile, which makes them easy to handle and ideal for households.
They are also adaptable to various climates and require relatively low maintenance, making them well-suited for both urban and rural settings.
How Big Do Mystic Marans Get?
The Mystic Marans is a medium to large-sized chicken. On average, this breed weighs between 6 and 8 pounds, with roosters typically being heavier than hens.
They are one of the heavier kinds of backyard chickens, which is something to consider when planning your coop and run space.
All in all, Mystic Marans chickens are a remarkable breed that combines beauty, productivity, and adaptability. If you have any thoughts or questions regarding this breed, feel free to leave a comment below.