Marans Chicken Lifespan: How Long Do Marans Chickens Live?

Are you searching for a chicken breed that you can keep around long-term? Perhaps you want to purchase birds that your children can grow up with. Or maybe you just want a consistent backyard companion. Thankfully, several breeds meet that requirement. One of those is the Marans chicken. And we’ve gathered everything you need to know about how long these birds live, along with how to keep them healthy.

Where Did Marans Chickens Come From?

These popular birds originated in France and were named after the city Marans. Breeders officially developed this variety in the late 1800s, though this breed may date back even further. The ancestry of Marans is disputed. The only parent breed historians agree on is the Langshans. The goal of this particular breeding program was to develop the dark brown eggs Marans are known for.

Since egg laying (and egg color) was the goal rather than appearance, several versions of Marans exist. English Marans do not have feathered feet and legs, but French Marans do.

How Long Do Marans Chickens Live?

Anyone looking for a long-term poultry companion should seriously consider adding Marans to their flock. These long-lived birds live for an average of eight years. Some may live longer, depending on their nutrition and care. So, how do you ensure your new birds have the best longevity? Follow some of the care tips below to help your chickens live their best lives!

What Do Marans Chickens Eat?

The feed you start your new flock with will depend on their age at purchase. Chicks require a specific starter feed high in protein to help their bodies develop quickly and fully. Several options are available, but mash is easier for chicks to eat and digest.

Around six weeks of age, you can switch your birds to growers’ feed, which they can stay on until reaching maturity.

Hens require a blend of food high in protein and other nutrients to help encourage healthy egg laying. You can also always add vitamin drops or the occasional nutritious snack to their feed. However, keep in mind that this breed loves to forage. So, if you give them ample outdoor space to roam, they will hunt out additional food to supplement their diet. 

Marans also tend to eat a lot. Plan on feeding them between five and seven ounces of food daily. You can use a storebought mix or a homemade blend, whichever you feel most comfortable with.

Also, make sure they have constant access to clean water. Keep a close eye on the water supply to remove any debris that makes its way in and to ensure it remains clean. Placing the water slightly off the ground can prevent bedding, dirt, or other debris from getting in.

How to Care for Marans Chickens

These chickens are the perfect beginner-friendly birds. Their docile, calm, and friendly nature makes them great pets and suitable for families with small children. 

The standard recommendation for coop size is around four square feet per bird. Marans handle this coop size well. So, if you have limited space, feel free to start there. However, these birds are excellent foragers and love to roam around. They love extra space to do so. So, a larger coop and/or a spacious outdoor enclosure are great choices. Outdoor runs should allow around ten square feet of space per bird.

Provide a roosting perch roughly two to four feet high. Since the birds are medium-sized, they won’t have too many troubles hopping off. Additionally, larger nesting boxes with clean, warm bedding will help your egg-producing hens. 

There is one additional item you’ll need if you purchase French Marans — a sandbox. Well, the more apt description would be dry sand bedding. This living space will help them keep their feathered legs dry and warm. Check and clean it regularly. 

Are Marans Cold Hardy?

There is no straightforward answer to this question. Both French and English Marans can tolerate some degree of cold. However, their combs can easily get frostbitten, so they may not be the best choice for colder climates. Additionally, French Marans can get frostbite on their legs if snow collects on them. Make sure to dry them off quickly to prevent this. 

Health Concerns for Marans Chickens

In general, this breed does not have significant health concerns that you need to worry about. But since French Marans have feathered feet and legs, you will need to check for lice and mites more regularly than most chickens require.

Summary of Marans Chicken Lifespan: How Long Do Marans Chickens Live?

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