Marans ?

Hello. .I have just been given 9 maran hens and an unrelated cockerel that were hatched in june 12. Do they have any special requirements for their up keep other than plenty food/water and a draught free run?They will be able to ,free range on an acre plot for about 3hrs a day as an extra to pelleted feed.I have had buff orpingtons on the site under the same conditions for the last 6 yrs untill they passed away due 2 old age.Sorry 4 what appears to be a daft question? but the wife treats every newcomer as a child...CHEERS.

they are wonderful friendly birds and if you have a good strain you should get some lovely dark brown eggs. They don't need anything different from other hens  .
What colour of Marans have you got?

The birds are grey/white .I was led to believe that the maran would put on excess weight if they were  slightly overfed on pellets     ,as apposed to adhoc feeding and plenty free ranging.Thank you.