Know everything about Splash Marans chickens, their origin, Maran breeds, uniqueness, appearance, egg production, factors affecting egg production, benefits, things to avoid and many more with detail.

Introduction

Splash Marans chickens are a captivating breed known for their striking blue-and-white feathers and rich dark brown eggs. Originating from France, these friendly birds make a beautiful and productive addition to any flock. Splash Marans offer both aesthetic appeal and reliable egg production, making them a delightful choice for backyard enthusiasts and small-scale farmers alike.

Splash Marans Chicken Breeds

Several varieties of Marans chickens exist, each with its unique characteristics.

Black Copper Marans: Known for their glossy black feathers adorned with vibrant copper highlights around the neck and back, these birds are a striking sight.

Blue Copper Marans: These chickens feature soft blue feathers with rich copper accents, giving them a beautiful and elegant appearance.

Wheaten Marans: With their warm, wheat-colored plumage, Wheaten Marans stand out with their light, almost golden feathers and gentle look.

Cuckoo Marans: Characterized by their distinctive barred black-and-white feathers, Cuckoo Marans resemble the pattern of a cuckoo bird, hence their name.

Splash Marans: Distinguished by their unique splash-patterned feathers in shades of white and blue, Splash Marans have a marbled effect that makes them particularly eye-catching.

     Knowing Splash Marans Chickens

How Splash Marans are Different from Other Marans Chickens 

Distinctive Plumage

One of the most noticeable differences is their plumage. Splash Marans have a striking blend of white and blue feathers that create a marbled, splash pattern. This is in contrast to the solid black and copper of Black Copper Marans or the uniform blue with copper highlights of Blue Copper Marans. 

Genetic Rarity

Splash Marans are genetically rarer than other Marans varieties. Their coloration comes from a specific genetic combination that results from breeding Blue Marans with Black Copper Marans. This makes them less common and more sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their rarity and beauty.

Egg Color Variation

While all Marans chickens are famous for their dark brown eggs, Splash Marans eggs can sometimes show a bit of variation. Their eggs might have slightly lighter shades of brown.

Temperament

Splash Marans are often noted for their especially calm and friendly nature. While many Marans breeds are generally good-natured, Splash Marans are particularly gentle and easy to handle.

 

Splash Marans Chickens Appearance

Splash Marans Chicken colors

Splash Marans chickens are truly eye-catching with their beautiful mix of white and blue feathers. This unique “splash” effect gives them a marbled appearance that’s both elegant and striking, making each bird look like a living piece of art.

Splash Marans Chicken Shape

Splash Marans chickens have a robust and well-balanced body, characteristic of the Marans breed. They have strong, muscular legs and a broad chest, giving them a sturdy and solid build.

Splash Marans Chicken Size and Weight

Splash Marans are medium to large-sized chickens. Roosters typically weigh between 7.5 to 8.5 pounds, while hens weigh around 6.5 to 7.5 pounds. Their size and weight make them suitable for both egg production and meat.

Splash Marans Chicken Eggs

Starting Age for Egg-Laying

Splash Marans hens usually start laying eggs at around 5 to 6 months of age. 

splash Maran chicken Egg Color

Splash Marans are renowned for their beautiful dark brown eggs, which can sometimes have a slight speckling or lighter tint compared to other Marans varieties.

Splash Maran Chicken Egg Production per Year

The annual egg-laying range for Splash Marans hen’s averages between 160 to 200 eggs per year, which equates to approximately 12 to 17 eggs per month. 

Factors Affecting Splash Marans Chicken Egg Production

Diet

A balanced diet is essential for Splash Marans to lay high-quality eggs consistently. Provide them with a high-quality layer feed formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Supplement their diet with fresh greens, grains, and occasional protein sources like mealworms to ensure they receive a diverse range of nutrients.

 Best food for chickens in summer and winter.

Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial for maintaining consistent egg production in Splash Marans. Ensure that your hens receive at least 14 hours of light per day, especially during shorter winter days. This mimics natural daylight conditions and helps stimulate egg-laying behavior.

Environment

Creating a clean and stress-free environment is vital for healthy egg production in Splash Marans. Provide ample space for your chickens to roam and exercise. Keep their nesting boxes clean and well-maintained to encourage them to lay eggs in a safe and comfortable environment. Additionally, ensure their living area is predator-free to minimize stress and disturbances.

Rooster Presence

While not essential for egg production, the presence of a rooster can sometimes encourage hens to lay more frequently. If you plan to breed your Splash Marans, having a rooster is essential for fertilizing eggs. However, even in a purely egg-laying flock, a rooster can provide companionship and protection, which may positively impact the overall well-being of your chickens.

Splash Marans Chicken Benefits

Benefits for Enthusiasts

Aesthetic Appeal: Splash Marans add a stunning visual element to any flock with their unique white and blue splashed feathers.

Friendly Disposition: These chickens are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them a joy to interact with.

Heritage Breed Preservation: Raising Splash Marans helps preserve a heritage breed with a rich history and unique characteristics.

Unique Egg Colors: Splash Marans eggs offer variation in color, ranging from rich dark brown to lighter shades with subtle speckling.

Financial Benefits:

Egg Sales: Splash Marans chickens produce a consistent supply of high-quality eggs, which enthusiasts can sell for additional income or trade with other poultry enthusiasts for different breeds or supplies.

Breeding Potential: Enthusiasts can capitalize on the breeding potential of Splash Marans by selling chicks or hatching eggs to other breeders or individuals interested in raising these unique birds.

Attractiveness to Buyers: The unique appearance and desirable characteristics of Splash Marans make them attractive to potential buyers, allowing enthusiasts to command higher prices for birds, eggs, or breeding stock.

Value Retention: As a heritage breed with a dedicated following, Splash Marans chickens tend to retain their value well over time, providing enthusiasts with a valuable asset that can appreciate in worth.

Hobby Income: Raising Splash Marans chickens can serve as a profitable hobby, allowing enthusiasts to offset expenses associated with chicken keeping while enjoying the rewards of caring for these remarkable birds.

Benefits for Small-Scale Business Owners

Egg Sales

Sell Splash Marans eggs to local markets, grocery stores, restaurants, or directly to consumers. You can also offer specialty egg products like organic or free-range eggs for premium prices.

Breeding Stock

Offer Splash Marans chicks or mature breeding pairs for sale to other poultry enthusiasts, hobby farmers, or backyard flock owners. Breeding stock can fetch higher prices due to the breed’s popularity and unique characteristics.

Hatching Eggs

Sell fertilized Splash Marans eggs for hatching to customers interested in incubating their own chicks. Hatching eggs can be shipped nationwide or sold locally, providing an additional revenue stream for your business.

Specialty Products

Create value-added products using Splash Marans eggs, such as gourmet quiches, pastries, or pickled eggs. These specialty items can command higher prices and appeal to customers looking for unique culinary experiences.

Educational Workshops

Host workshops or classes on raising Splash Marans chickens, egg incubation, or sustainable farming practices. Charge a fee for participants to attend, providing an educational experience while generating revenue for your business.

Farm Tours

Offer guided tours of your farm, including a visit to the Splash Marans chicken coop. Charge admission fees for individuals or groups to explore your operation and learn about your birds, generating income while engaging with the community.

Photography Opportunities

Rent out your farm or chicken coop as a backdrop for photoshoots or events. Splash Marans chickens make stunning subjects for photography, and renting out your space for photoshoots can provide a steady stream of income.

Agritourism Experiences

Create agritourism experiences centered around Splash Marans chickens, such as farm stays, egg-collecting experiences, or chicken-keeping workshops. Charge visitors for these immersive experiences, offering a unique and memorable way to interact with your birds while generating revenue for your business.

Value-Added Products

Utilize Splash Marans feathers or other by-products to create value-added products such as feather jewelry, art pieces, or natural fertilizer. These products can be sold locally or online, diversifying your revenue streams and maximizing profits from your Splash Marans chickens.

Things to Avoid with Splash Marans Chicken

Overcrowding

Avoid overcrowding in the coop, as it can lead to stress, aggression, and lower egg production among Splash Marans chickens.

Poor Nutrition

Ensure a balanced diet for your Splash Marans, avoiding inadequate nutrition or excessive treats, which can affect their health and egg quality.

Inadequate Lighting

Provide sufficient lighting in the coop to maintain egg production, avoiding dim or inconsistent lighting conditions that can disrupt their laying cycle.

Neglecting Cleanliness

Regularly clean the coop and nesting boxes to prevent disease and parasites, avoiding unsanitary conditions that can compromise the health of Splash Marans chickens.

Lack of Predator Protection

Ensure proper predator-proofing measures are in place to protect Splash Marans from predators, avoiding unnecessary losses and stress for the birds.

Ignoring Health Issues

Monitor the health of Splash Marans closely and seek veterinary care if needed, avoiding neglect of health issues that can escalate and affect the entire flock.

Excessive Stress

Minimize stressors such as loud noises, sudden movements, or overcrowding, avoiding unnecessary stress that can negatively impact the well-being and productivity of Splash Marans chickens.

Breeding Flaws

Avoid breeding Splash Marans with undesirable traits or genetic defects, ensuring the preservation of the breed’s standards and characteristics for future generations.

Splash Marans Chicken Price

Initial Purchase Price

On average, you can expect to pay between $15 to $30 per chick, with variations depending on factors such as age, quality, and breeder reputation.

Ongoing Expenses

Ongoing expenses for raising Splash Marans include feed, bedding, healthcare, and coop maintenance. Budgeting for these costs is essential to ensure the well-being of your flock.

Where to Find Splash Marans Chickens for Sale

Splash Marans chickens for sale can be found through various sources, including local breeders, online poultry marketplaces, and farm supply stores. Ensure you purchase from reputable sellers to guarantee healthy and well-bred chickens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Splash Marans chickens offer both aesthetic beauty and practical benefits to enthusiasts and small-scale business owners alike. With their striking appearance, consistent egg production, and friendly disposition, they make a valuable addition to any flock. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of proper care and management practices to ensure the health and well-being of these birds. By investing in high-quality stock, providing a balanced diet, and maintaining a clean and stress-free environment, you can enjoy the rewards of raising Splash Marans chickens. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a unique addition to your backyard or a business owner seeking to diversify your product offerings, Splash Marans chickens are sure to delight and inspire.