What makes this breed a spectacular choice is their friendly and placid demeanor. They will reward you with 3-4 medium brown eggs each week. But The King of All Poultry breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. With their size of more than 8 to 10 lbs, these chickens will tower above the average chickens in the coop! These birds are good-natured, gentle, and happy around kids. The boys will develop a larger comb and wattles and have a more curious nature. They were first imported to the US in the 1840s and developed over the next few years. Brahma chickens are fair egg layers for their large size. Since Brahmas are heavy, it is vital to ensure that the runs and the coops are wide and tall enough to accommodate their sizes. 33. In the winter these balls can freeze causing frostbite and in severe cases the loss of toes. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. It will take a year and a half for a Brahma chicken to mature. It would be best to pair it with another Brahma chicken to prevent it from loneliness and excessive harassment. Their feathering extends down the legs and covers the two outer toes with feathers. There is nothing better than collecting your own eggs from free ranging chickens! When feet are soaked or muddy, they can become frostbitten when temperatures drop. George Burnham, an American breeder, exported the Gray Shanghaes to England in 1852 as a gift to Queen Victoria before the English breeders began developing the first dark Brahma strain. Therefore, if you must have Brahmas, keep them around other friendlier chicken breeds and household pets like cats. How do i now what is a hen and what is rooster. Interestingly, Brahma hens tend to be favored by roosters when they are part of a larger, mixed flock. Although light Brahma and other varieties cannot fly, they require low and stable roosts to support their weight. Most dogs have 5 toes on the front legs and 4 toes on the back. Although most people argue about its exact origin, some sources suggest that it developed in America after crossbreeding the Shanghai birds from China with the Malaysian birds known as Gray Chittagong chicken. The definitive signs are the growth of hackle and sickle feathers, but often it will be 5 months or more before you can be sure. Brahmas are not so common because they are slow growers. You dont want those beautiful back feathers rubbing against the roof. The breed standard required by poultry judges includes sharp gray penciling along the hackles, and black penciling across the rest of the body. They are winter hardy birds and lay large light brown color eggs. However, being foragers, they prefer free-ranging and larger yards. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Brahma chicken heads are small for their size, having a pea comb, which is more prominent in cocks, and small red wattles. Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. They are a dual-purpose chicken breed, which means they are great for eggs and meat. Plus, they have feathers on their feet for more warmth. Brahma hens are good egg layers for their size and they can lay between 3 to 4 eggs per week, or 150 to 180 eggs per year. Brahmas have a pea comb and dense and fluffy feathers to keep themselves warm. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week. The babies ended up being 1 yellow with darkish yellow skin, 1redish with pink skin, and 1 black with black skin. If you are interested in raising a Brahma chicken as a pet, know that it will likely live for about five to eight years, depending on how well you care for it and whether it is being raised for the production of some sort. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. Its feather pattern is similar to the Plymouth Rock and Silver Laced Wyandotte or Golden Laced Wyandotte. Just keep an eye on the eggs. I was just gifted 3 of these Beautiful babies just before Easter off this year and I dont think Ill ever want a different bread again. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. These extra few inches create a bit of maneuvering room. Males appear taller than females and weigh about 12 pounds (5.5kgs). A Brahma hen can take 2 years to finish growing while roosters can take up to 3 years before reaching full maturity! It is vital to ensure that the enclosures are dry because the feathers on their feet can stay wet and hold onto mud when they walk on snow, mud, and ice. Brahmas are also easy to contain, as they cant fly well. Murdaugh, 54, faces the possibility of life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of murder and other charges related to the shooting deaths of Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and her son Paul, 22 . Dark Brahma roosters have striking . What is your 4th toe called? Most breeders suggest that this is due to its pea comb as well as its tight feathering and extensive down. Interestingly enough, lighter ear lobes usually mean lighter eggs! These gentle giants need 12-14 square foot each. Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. Write us at info(at)knowyourchickens.com with any questions or concerns! You can also introduce chicks to an 18% protein chicken starter. They also make Read More , Choosing the right chicken waterer for your flock can save you a lot of time and work. Brahmas are very placid chickens and are similar in size to the Jersey Giant chicken. Anyone have insight on this? Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. They are very sweet and docile which makes them the perfect breed for beginners or kids. The occasions when they do make noises are the daily egg song and predator alarm calls (which will hopefully be infrequent). Only after many years was the Brahma placed into recovery status through the livestock conservancy and recognized as a meat and egg laying chicken. At 1-3 days,girls have uneven pipe cleaner looking wing feathers while boys tend to be straight. Check out some of the special considerations to put in place when keeping Brahma chicken species. If youre considering a walk-in coop, Ive reviewed some of the best on the market here. There are three colors of Brahmas you can choose from when you are building your flock. The origin of the Brahma dates as far back as the mid-1800s and was believed to include a combination of the Chinese Shanghai breed, which is the cross of the Cochin and robust Malay, and the Chittagong, native to India. With consistent egg production in winter and the ability to adapt to confinement, you should definitely consider this chicken breed for your flock. The Brahma chicken could be one of the most impressive additions to the backyard flock. Written by Amy Fewell with a foreword by Joel Salatin, this book teaches you how to hatch your own chicks, prevent and treat common chicken ailments, start a poultry business, cook delicious recipes with your fresh eggs, and much more. However, Brahmas are still ideal egg layers and meat producers on a small scale. In this chapter, we look at the number of eggs Brahmas produce per year, when they start laying, and important nest box considerations for your growing hens. . A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. Their welcoming temperament and the fact that they are big and cant fly makes them easy to contain. If the weather is too hot, giant Brahma chickens may develop skin conditions or heat stroke. You can kill a Brahma broiler at about eight to ten weeks of age, although they are most profitable at eight months. Brahmas have a large head with a slightly overhanging brow which gives the bird a mean look. The Poultry Association considers Brahma as a heritage bird because it began before the mid-20th century. There are countless benefits to raising these chickens, with perhaps the most notable being their ability to: However, perhaps one of the greatest benefits of raising a Brahma chicken is that these birds are adaptable to most climates, meaning you can raise a Brahma chicken no matter where you live. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). Your local temperature, current flock, and space limitations will mean they are either a terrific choice or a terrible mistake. These varieties are: Dark Brahma is the only variety to have a distinct color pattern between rooster and hen. Although they fell from industry favor they remained popular with small flock keepers as they are a dual purpose hen. Now she grows food in her backyard and shares what she learns from Eco Peanut with others. The Brahma chicken was a prevalent breed in the 1930s for many reasons. Owing to the weight of these large chickens, they can easily suffer from bumblefoot. They are soft, gentle, and dont fight back when attacked. Its best to check your flock regularly and clean them with warm water to get rid of the build-up or caked poop because of the feathery feet. However, you may want to put some special considerations when taking care of them because these are large birds and require larger nests, more feeds, and lots of petting. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. This bird is known for its impressive size and its elegant appearance, and despite its hulking stature, will actually be the most peaceful bird in your chicken coop. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. Brahmas stay the healthiest when they are raised in a damp, cool climate. Google it. Brahmas are one of the most laid back breeds there is. Dirt floor pens get muddy very quickly and with feathered feet the Brahmas may develop foot problems. A 16% layers feed will be ideal for most of the year. The dark color Brahma requires a double mating technique to ensure good quality birds. Technically, these silkie chickens are not adhering to the Standard of Perfection and therefore cannot be entered into competitions.) Because they are such a good winter layer, they could be a prolific addition to the backyard flock! Brahma chickens are one of the largest chicken breeds. The dark Brahma has the most notable difference between cock and hen: the hen has a dark gray and black penciled coloration with the same hackle as the light, whereas the cock has black and white hackles and saddle feathers, and a black base and tail; the wings are white-shouldered, and the primary feathers are edged with white. During this same period, the Light Brahmas from the US led to the development of Dark Brahmas in the UK and later on, the Buff Brahma. Yes, this breed is cold hardy and will usually lay eggs in the winter. There are few breeds with a history as rich as the Brahma. Remember, Brahmas are large birds. Its best to provide this space in advance so you dont have to move your chicks. They can tolerate warmer climates, but not as well as other species like the Phoenix. How [] One way of minimizing these issues is by ensuring that their enclosures are clean and can withstand severe climates. ring toe How Old Are Brahma Chickens When They Start Laying Eggs? Owing to the Queens delight with these gentle giants, the chicken breed became so popular that hen fever spread across the world. But "The King of All Poultry" breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. Allow your chicken to free-range and run around regularly. Brahmas are very calm and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. Brahma Hen Egg Production While many people raise Brahmas for meat, they're decent egg producers as well. Brahmas can produce about 140 eggs per year. If yes, then Brahma chicken breeds are ideal for you. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. However, there are certain breeds (especially giant dog breeds) such as the Pyrenean Mastiff, the Beauceron or the Saint Bernard, which may have an extra finger on the dewclaw. barred varieties of Brahma. Size And Weight Of A Brahma chicken. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. However, you can find these birds in a lot more colors, including White, Blue, Black, Partridge, and Barred. They also stand confinement extremely well having calm and docile personalities. This is especially true if your Brahma hen is large or if she comes into egg-laying age during the winter. While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. A general indication of egg color is to look at the tiny feathers on the ear lobes. Cochin Chicken. A large Brahma chicken will take much longer to mature than other chicken breeds. And this breed usually lays its eggs from October to May, just when other breeds are shutting down for winter. Brahma chicken species have a stocky build and require plenty of calories, water, and lots of feeds to sustain their large appetites and health. On average, a Brahma chicken will lay about 150 to 200 eggs per year. Brahmas arent sickly birds, but what makes them most vulnerable are wet and muddy environments. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. While the Brahma has very dense feathers to keep them comfortable during cold temperatures, they are prone to foot problems if left to roam in muddy and damp soil. However, Brahma chicken species grow slowly and can take up to 18 months to realize full maturity. What youll get will depend on the color variety of your bird. Brahma Chicken Variants. Thank you. 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. The Brahma is a large bird although most of their bulk is feathers. I love raising chickens and creating a self sustainable homestead for my family. They lay lovely brown eggs (sometimes dotted or speckled with white) that are relatively large compared to those of other species. These are not only unsanitary, but they can be dangerous. Even if they take confinement quite well, light Brahma and even other heritage breeds shouldnt live in a small chicken coop. A single Brahma hen or rooster should have at least 5 to 6 square feet of space per bird inside the chicken coop. Careful introductions to new chickens and a spacious coop will ensure that you create a peaceful environment for all chooks. chickensandyou.com is reader-supported. While there are countless benefits of raising As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Parasite infestation is common in hens and roosters too. Perfect for anyone wanting to take a natural approach to backyard chicken keeping! Whether you have kept chickens for years, or are just starting out on your chicken journey. They stand upright and seem to form a V when they are standing. The good thing is, these birds can use regular chicken bedding like dry hay, straws, pine and cedar shavings, grass clippings, shredded leaves, paper shreds, or sand. Your pen area should ideally be stone or sand. He is so cute and takes care of my girls. Brahmas cost greatly depends on the chickens age, sex, demand, and color variety. It needs a lot of space to move in, and being tall, they also need more ceiling and door height for their enclosures. Because of their incredibly friendly temperament and ability to tolerate confinement. Remember, Brahmas are large birds with unique feeding requirements. United States breeders refined Brahma during the height of the hen fever, making the Brahma chicken breed that we know today (2). . This is rare, as the meat of most broiler birds will decline in quality when the birds are about eight or nine months old. You can then reduce the temperatures every week by five degrees Fahrenheit until the chicks are old enough to be independent. Partridge is a unique color distinguished by mottled feather patterns, as opposed to the softer filigree feather patterns found across the body of darker Brahmas. You can expect 4-5 medium-sized, brown eggs per chicken every week during the spring, summer, and fall. Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. Also, Brahma chickens have the pea type comb and are not prone to overheating, despite the extra feathering and larger size. A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. This, of course, depends on the quality of care that you provide. This unusual-looking chicken is exceptional hardy, making it resilient in both the summer and winter months. This brooder box should be at least eighteen inches higher is better. Ideally, you should only butcher Brahmas when they reach their market weight of at least 8lbs. However, the body, wings, and breasts are grey with black patterns. These birds usually start laying at around six or seven months of age. Keep an eye on the baby chicks when they first hatch. Keep reading to find out what its like to actually own a Brahma. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. The Brahma prefers to lay in cooler weather so when the other girls are winding down for the year, the Brahma will be laying from October through March. You can find them at a number of chicken hatcheries and breeders that deal specifically with this breed, such as Cackle Hatchery, Meyer Hatchery, and more. Use the search! For the most part Brahmas are not known for broodiness. While it can easily overheat in the hot summer weather, you can avoid this by providing your Brahma chicken with plenty of shade and water during the warmer months. The original Brahma chicken colors included the Dark and Light Brahma up until the 1950s. Even the Brahma roosters are peaceful, and not as likely to attack humans or other birds as those from other chicken breeds. Therefore, Brahmas require a highly nutritious diet to avoid disease, stunted growth, or poor egg laying ability. Also, apply cornstarch or styptic powder to treat your bleeding chickens feet after the feet feathers pull off, snag or get stuck on surfaces. I like to spend my time writing and teaching skills for homesteading and self sufficient living. The Brahma is a striking bird to look at. Chickens And More is quickly becoming the online destination for all backyard chicken enthusiasts. Despite their robust wings, these strains are not capable of flying. Thanks. These birds will also need protection from predatory pets like dogs and aggressive cats because they are heavy and not so good at escaping when facing danger. Cover the box with a screen to eliminate the likelihood of drafts (and other pets!) Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. From April to June, they are likely to sit as a broody hen on their nests. They are very good with kids just watch out for them being knocked over by these humongous birds. Here is a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about this illustrious bird. There is substantial controversy over the exact origins of the Brahma chicken, but it is widely accepted that these birds were bred in the United States from large birds with heavily feathered legs. Having a proper shelter is crucial too if you want Brahma chickens to live longer. These birds are so large that they often accidentally trample their own eggs or baby chicks once they hatch. Raising Brahma hens for meat is one of the more common uses of this gorgeous chicken. We publish weekly guides and articles written by experienced chicken enthusiasts! : 2023 Chick Feeding Guide, Top 5 Chicken Fencing to Keep Your Flock Safe (2023 Review), Bantam Chickens: Breed Profile and Care Guide (2023), Araucana Complete Care Guide: All You Need To Know (2023), The Polish Chicken: Breed Profile and Care Guide (2023), The Best Chicken Hatchery: A Guide to Buying Chicks Online, Best Egg Washer To Help You Clean Eggs Quick and Easy (2023), Best Animal Repellent to Protect Your Flock (2023) Guide, Best Chicken Starter Kit: All You Need to Raise Chicks. The latter species were likely imported in the 1840s from the Chinese port of Shanghai and were referred to largely as Shanghai birds. Are Brahmas the right birds for you? Featured Image By: Leoniek van der Vliet, Shutterstock, 5 Best Sources of Iron for Dogs (& How Much They Need Daily), How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos), 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures), 13 Types of Angelfish for Freshwater Aquariums (With Pictures). They can live in confinement with other types of chickens, however, having very docile, calm personalities. Or you can look at the vent at 1 day and see a protruding organ which are boys.Or wait 6 months and the one that crows is the rooster. According to the American Poultry Association, the accepted breed varieties include the Buff, Dark, and Light Buff Brahma in the feathered leg category. Below, lets dive into the personality and the nature of Brahma chickens and whether they are the right breed for your needs. Brahma hens can weigh up to 10lbs while roosters weigh between 10lbs and 12lbs. These chickens are also great with children, and most birds wont mind a kind and gentle cuddle every now and then. Apart from that, it would help if you gave each of your chickens 8-12 inches roosting space with lower bars to prevent them from hurting themselves when attempting to fly. However, it can take up to 12 months for the hen to start laying, particularly if she's a larger hen, or if she matures during the winter months. Your email address will not be published. The Brahma hen is well known to go broody in early summer, with the rest of the year seeing them quite relaxed about the state of their eggs. This exquisite bird has an upright posture, with large impressive stature, and long feathered legs that appear like a narrow V if you view it from the sides. Because of their determination, a really broody hen can be given fertilized eggs from another chicken to hatch. Although most people argue about its exact origin, some sources suggest that it developed in America after crossbreeding the Shanghai birds from China with the Malaysian birds known as Gray Chittagong chicken. The Brahma was originally categorized among industrial birds for its large size and meat bird qualities, but today, this majestic large bird is a must-have for the backyard coop. Brahma fowl species are an excellent choice for chicken enthusiasts looking more for personality than eggs in their flock. This chicken strain was a table bird in the U.S. from the 1850s until the 1930s when industrial birds became popular. Cocks are larger in size than the hens. The Livestock Conservancy recognizes them as recovering, for a long time dropping from popularity but experiencing a resurgence in growth as they become more popular with backyard chicken keepers. Expect a long, deep and wide body with powerful wings. We determine the egg laying abilities of the Brahma chicken and whether this large bird is the best choice for your backyard flock. Brahmas are easy-going and much less likely to start picking on new chickens that are introduced to the flock. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. Brahmas start laying eggs at about 25-28 weeks of age which is longer than most breeds, but once they do they'll lay large brown eggs. We do not specifically market to children under 13. A Brahma leg injury can take a long time to heal because of its weight, so high perches are best avoided. The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. These hefty birds are also known to attack snakes and keep them away from more vulnerable birds. Although the Brahma chicken is an excellent dual-purpose breed, they are slow-growing and slow-maturing chickens. Lets take a closer look at the origins of these big birds and how to identify Brahma chickens according to their breed standard. The average Brahma chicken can grow to be 18 inches (45 cm) tall and can weigh up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). In America, there are three versions of the Brahma recognized: Thankfully, the Livestock Conservancy has termed it as a recovering variety in recent years as they gradually become a backyard farmers popular fowl again. Heres a list of where you can buy Brahma chickens from: Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. If you decide to raise a Brahma chicken, know that it can be raised for multiple purposes. Fondly called a gentle giant among chickens, the Brahma is a large, robust bird with feathered legs and a docile personality. The exact number of eggs will vary, of course, depending on the individual, but you can increase the egg laying ability of your flock of Brahmas by providing them with secure homes and nesting boxes as well as quality layer feed with at least 16 percent protein and plenty of calcium. Do Brahma Chicken Get Along with Other Pets? But T.B Miner, author of the Northern Farmer, coined the name Brahma.. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. The plumage of Brahma chicken should be held more tightly. Free-range chickens, regardless of the breed, are known for having tastier meat due to the exercise they get wandering around and the fresh organic feed they get from foraging. Do you have enough space to accommodate the king of chickens? In general the pullets will feather in quicker. Here are some general commonly shared traits. Because of their size not too much intimidates them. Most Brahma chickens live 5 to 8 years, however, its not uncommon for them to reach 10 or even 12 years with proper care. Some additional space considerations are perches and nesting boxes. Some larger breeds will require even more space. Though large, with some members of the breed growing as tall as 30 inches, this massive growth pattern is exceptionally rare and relies on very specific breeding procedures. Brahma chickens, even roosters, tend to be very quiet, making them a good choice for an urban or suburban setting. While not "normal," the extra toe certainly is cute! They will tolerate confinement as long as they have enough room in the pen. In bantam size you can find these chickens in dark, light, buff, black and white. Brahmas are indeed large, but not quite so absurdly so. They also have a pea comb with a short but powerful beak. Moreover, roosters can be up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall and as heavy as 12 pounds (5.4 kg). To get more meat from these meat birds, you need to wait because young (about 5 to 6 months) Brahma chickens do not have much meat.