If you want a calm, beautiful hen that lays some of the darkest eggs in the poultry world, the Black Copper Marans deserves a spot on your shortlist This French breed has earned a loyal following among backyard keepers for its glossy black feathers, gentle personality, and famously rich chocolate-brown eggs Marans eggs are so prized that the French-trained chef Julia Child is often said to have favored them in her own kitchen Whether you raise chickens for the egg basket, the beauty, or both, the Black Copper Marans has a lot to offer
All About the Barnevelder Chicken Breed
If you have ever scrolled through breed guides dreaming about your next backyard addition, the Barnevelder chicken probably stopped you in your tracks This Dutch beauty is famous for its rich, dark “chocolate” eggs and its calm, friendly personality Many keepers start out wanting chickens just for the eggs, then quickly fall down the rabbit hole of gorgeous breeds, which is exactly how a tidy little flock turns into a backyard full of feathers The Barnevelder is one of those breeds that earns a spot on almost everyone’s wish list, and for good reason