I have also thought about getting some Wellsomers for brown eggs as I do like the traditional breeds. The information that I have read says that Marans are prone to laziness and getting fat. It would be interesting to hear from others who have or have had them. I read of a Brahma rooster who was Psycho, but from all the responses and reading I have done, the breed in general is very mellow. I will keep researching.
People enjoy a carton of eggs with lots of different colors in it.
I have green, blue, brown, light brown, and cream. It is fun for me too. The book I read said that Marans should have plenty of free range to keep them from getting fat. Do yours go into a coop at night on their own, or do they try to find their own place to sleep for the night. I don't have a problem with somewhat flighty birds as long as they will go into the coop at night.