Back to Basics - Cuckoo for Marans!

Next spring I am hoping to be able to raise and sell a few pullets to folks that might be looking to buy the coops that Mr. Wonderful has been building. Researching breeds is a good way to spend time in the evenings, and my experience with the hens I currently own has been great for learning some easy "ins and outs".
One of the breeds I've looked at is the Cuckoo Marans. They were actually developed in the mid-1800's, in Marans, France. They are rather rare in the United States, but since they are a meat bird as well as a good laying hen, I believe they are worth considering as a choice for raising. Look at those little peep faces!!!
"Cuckoo" refers to the barred feather coloring of the birds! They look similar to the Barred Rock Chickens, but instead of yellow legs, the Cuckoo Marnas legs are white. The hens are known for laying deep chocolate colored eggs, however some folks have mentioned that the eggs look a medium brown from their personal flocks. Wonder if it is the food they are fed here in the States? Something to think about, for sure!
The picture above shows white eggs, and a normal brown egg in comparison to the eggs of the Cuckoo Marans. The color of the eggs has nothing to do with nutritional value, but EVERYTHING to do with EYE APPEAL and PERSONAL PREFERENCE! Some of my hens lay sage green eggs, and some lay light blue, while the others produce brown eggs. It makes a nice colorful option for my customers when the cook breakfast in the morning, so imagine the delight CHOCOLATE eggs would bring to the WOMAN-Folk!!!

Have a great Monday!