Marans chickens originated during the mid-1800’s in the village of Marans, France, which is a port town on the Bay of Biscay. Through the centuries, trade ships brought with them new breeds of chickens which were then bred with the local poultry, resulting in the varieties of Marans chickens we have today. It’s now considered a very rare breed but has gained major popularity in the U.S. on both farms and in backyards due to its gentle temperament and ability to lay beautiful, dark brown eggs.