While at the Poultry Congress, I stopped in at the Maran booth and ran into the woman; Sue, from which I had gotten our lovely house Black Copper Maran, Charlie *two* years! ago. We chatted a bit about Charlie and I told her all about our chicken who had lived in our house for 6 months but was finally sent out to the coop to live with the outdoor flock. (This mama hen had to be sure her chick would be safe before she pushed it out of the nest.)
At the Maran booth, they had a few “prize” eggs on display. Take a look at these beauties.
And now you know why we named our chick – Charlie (even though she turned out to be female.) When I had learned that these hens could lay chocolate colored eggs like this, well, was there really any other choice than to name her after the little boy who was bequeathed a chocolate factory?
I love me, my Marans, and while I still only have Charlie, (Violet was killed and our next two turned out to be roosters which had to be re-homed) I do plan on adding a few to our flock this Spring. From what I’ve seen they are docile and highly intelligent birds – a credit to anyone’s flock.
In the meantime, I’ll pacify my Maran cravings with this mug purchased from the Maran club on Saturday. It’s not the same as having a live bird, but it will have to do – for now.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at [email protected]
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