Is the Black Copper Marans or Olive Egger a better egg layer?

The Black Copper Marans lays about 150–200 eggs a year; the Olive Egger lays about 150–200. On eggs it's close — expect roughly 150–200 a year from the Black Copper Marans and 150–200 from the Olive Egger.

Black Copper Marans vs Olive Egger — which is better for beginners?

Both the Black Copper Marans and the Olive Egger are beginner-friendly and forgiving of first-time mistakes.

Black Copper Marans photo: seppingsR (CC BY 2.0) · Olive Egger photo: V. Ott (CC BY 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons

Black Copper Marans vs Olive Egger

Two backyard favorites, side by side — egg production, temperament, size, and hardiness, straight from our breed data. Here's how to choose.

The quick verdict

On eggs it's close — expect roughly 150–200 a year from the Black Copper Marans and 150–200 from the Olive Egger.

The Black Copper Marans lays chocolate brown eggs; the Olive Egger lays olive green.

In a hot, humid climate the Olive Egger copes better than the Black Copper Marans.

Both cold-hardyBoth beginner-friendlyBoth calm and easy to handle

Choose the Black Copper Marans if you want…

Nearly identical on paper — comes down to looks and what's available locally

Full Black Copper Marans profile →

Choose the Olive Egger if you want…

Better through summer heat

Full Olive Egger profile →

Side by side

Trait	Black Copper Marans	Olive Egger
Purpose	Dual purpose	Egg layer
Eggs per year	150–200	150–200
Egg color	Chocolate brown	Olive green
Egg size	Large	Large
Hen weight	6–7 lbs	5–6.5 lbs
Temperament	Gentle and quiet	Friendly, but varies with the parents
Cold hardy	Yes	Yes
Heat tolerant	No	Yes
Broodiness	Sometimes broody	Sometimes broody
Beginner friendly	Yes	Yes

Egg counts are healthy-hen peaks; real numbers dip in winter, during molt, and as a hen ages. Size a coop for either bird with our coop size calculator.

More head-to-heads

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Or browse every comparison · see all 51 breeds

Black Copper Marans or Olive Egger — track whichever you pick

Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal, log their eggs and weight, and let the app show you which hen is really your best layer. Free on iOS and Android.