Marans are another cold climate hardy dual purpose bird that were bred as much for their looks and for their famous chocolate egg color. A healthy Marans hen should lay 180 – 210 eggs per year and achieve a weight of between 6 – 8lbs and a rooster should achieve a weight of between 8 -10lbs on average. This is also a typically taller breed as well around 18-21" for roosters.