Their feathering extends down the legs and covers the two outer toes with feathers. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. The Brahma is a big bird! The bedding should provide a secure foundation for your flocks legs and feet and should be easy to clean. Brahma chickens have become a firm favorite among poultry fanciers over the last 50 years. The growth of their muscles and bone structure is slower than the average chicken. This is a breed that thrives when roaming so try to let them free range they will enjoy the freedom and variety. You should provide your birds with a heat lamp or a heat plate, set at just under 100 degrees for the first few days, with the temperature decreasing by about five degrees each week until they are ready to go outside. They should be provided a 14x14 nest box, slightly bigger than standard nest boxes. Brahmas are quiet birds and rarely make a lot of noise. Regular inspections can help you spot parasites early on and treat before it becomes an infestation. For their neck, chest, and back, the features are mostly silver with black centers. Being exceptionally cold tolerant, with a heavy weight and feather distribution, these birds stay warm in cold temperatures. Brahma hens lay an average of 34 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. If you are looking for a cute and cuddly bird to make a part of your home, then the Brahma chicken could be the match for you. She is one of the largest chicken breeds and has a beautiful plumage which only adds to this special breeds appeal. Brahmas have a pea comb and dense and fluffy feathers to keep themselves warm. The Buff Brahma is similar to the light Brahma but has a golden buff base color instead of one that is white. Retrieved from: https://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/poultry/chickens/brahma, 18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard, most expensive chicken breeds in the world, Large fowl: 4.5-5.4kgs (9.9-12lbs); bantam: 900g (32oz), Relatively low maintenance; feather care required, 8-10 weeks (broilers); 8 months (roasters). They are winter hardy birds and lay large light brown color eggs. Commonly known as the king of chickens, the majestic Brahma is a big bird, standing at an impressive 30 inches tall. They can live in confinement with other types of chickens, however, having very docile, calm personalities. They can tolerate warmer climates, but not as well as other species like the Phoenix. In the early 1850s after successfully breeding Brahmas, George Burnham, a poultry enthusiast, had a few gray shanghaes delivered to Her Majesty Queen Victoria of England. Along with the size of the nest box, you should provide Brahma hens a secure chicken coop that is well-ventilated. Brahma chickens are large birds, so if you are looking for a smaller bird, then this might not be the right breed for you. Although Brahma chickens were initially met with excitement, their slow growth rates led to their downfall. 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. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acd8d4fcbd7ea3aa701625b90f646e83" );document.getElementById("d926f7c7d8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some larger breeds will require even more space. 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. Add: Chickens+You, 211, 1309 Coffeen Avenue STE 1200 Sheridan, WY 82801, USA, Raising young chicks can be incredibly rewarding. When other birds are not laying during the cold temperatures, you can rely on your Brahma hen to continue with egg production. The likely parent birds were Shanghais and Chittagongs and Malays. What makes this breed a spectacular choice is their friendly and placid demeanor. As a meat bird, the Brahma is beyond comparison. 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. The earliest versions of the Brahma chicken, which were the dark and light Brahma variants, were included in the Standard of Perfection for the American Poultry Association in 1874, with the Buff Brahma variant added in the 1920s. feathered legs and feet, and fifth toe. Retrieved from: https://www.americanbrahmaclub.com/, Poultry Breeds Brahma Chicken. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. One way of minimizing these issues is by ensuring that their enclosures are clean and can withstand severe climates. Other relevant egg-laying details about the Brahma include: Although the weather is colder, Brahmas are one of the best winter-layers, next to their cousins, the Wyandottes and Chantecler. Brahma cockerels are hushed crowers while hens do not loudly cackle while they lay. In the winter these balls can freeze causing frostbite and in severe cases the loss of toes. If you are looking for a chicken that will provide you with both meat and eggs, then the Brahma chicken is a good choice. Brahma chickens are a large feather-footed breed with a pea comb. Similar to the perches nesting boxes should be low to the ground. Another nice thing with Brahmas is the fact that they prefer laying over the cooler months. and other members of the flock, Thrive in confinement with minimal Retrieved from: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/brahma, About the Brahma. . Faverolles chickens are recognized as a standard breed by the American Poultry Association in two varieties: Salmon in 1914; White in 1981. . The named Brahma refers to the Hindu God of Creation, but its unclear why this breed received such an important name. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. Todays Light Brahma has black striping in the saddle feathers of roosters, while the flight feathers in both sexes have more black than their predecessors. 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. Chickens have different feet depending on the breed, sex, and age of the chicken. Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. If you decide to raise a Brahma chicken, know that it can be raised for multiple purposes. Those that do go broody will set very determinedly on their eggs until hatching. Dark, Buff, light, white, gold, blue partridge, 30 inches tall with males weighing 12 pounds, females weighing 10 pounds, 16% proteins and layer feeds for layers, 18% proteins and chick feeds for hatchlings, supplements like calcium, omega 3, insects, worms, and crickets. Cover the box with a screen to eliminate the likelihood of drafts (and other pets!) Yet, they are one of the largest chicken breeds. In this ultimate guide for raising a Brahma chicken, well look at three main things: how to care for these large birds, whether they are good layers, and everything you should know before adding this chicken breed to your flock. They are a heavy bird which means they do not fly well (if at all). They have pea comb and they can adopt themselves with all types of climates. Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. 52. A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. The Brahma is a striking bird to look at. Chickens And More is quickly becoming the online destination for all backyard chicken enthusiasts. You can kill a Brahma broiler at about eight to ten weeks of age, although they are most profitable at eight months. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. A healthier and cost-efficient option would be to have the birds forage in a dry safe space in addition to providing good feed. How much room does a Brahma chicken need? Brahma chickens, there are a few factors to consider that may dissuade you from Today's bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. Learn more. They're well known for being broody in the early summer and for remaining relatively unconcerned about the condition of their eggs throughout the rest of the year. They also have a pea comb with a short but powerful beak. Some additional space considerations are perches and nesting boxes. Brahma chicks have pea combs but there is a significant difference between the color varieties. Thankfully, the Livestock Conservancy has termed it as a recovering variety in recent years as they gradually become a backyard farmers popular fowl again. Light Brahma hens dont have as much black feathering apart from the tail. If your Brahma hen goes broody, let her hatch her own eggs you can candle them to make sure the embryos are developing. Brahmas can also develop small mud balls between their toes that may cause damage to the foot. The Brahma chicken is distinguished by a pea comb, feathered legs and feet, and a yellow skin. You should also position the nest boxes low to the ground or add a sturdy chicken ladder to the nesting and roosting area. While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. How do i now what is a hen and what is rooster. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. Brahmas may not be the best choice for the commercial market because of their slow growth rates, large size, and need for consistent care. Your feed conversion ratios will not be as profitable, as they are so slow to mature, and it may be difficult to find space for them in the chicken run and coop. Heres an overview of this chicken breeds qualities to help you decide if theyre a good fit for you. Whats important to recognize is that Brahma hens are more likely to exhibit broody behavior if another hen has gone broody, leading to a copycat pattern that can quickly spread amongst your entire flock. 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. Most chickens dont usually lay during the shorter days of the year unless you provide supplementary light. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. These gentle giants need 12-14 square foot each. As Brahmas cannot fly too high because of their size and weight, a 3 foot fence should effectively keep them confined to their pen. For shows and exhibitions, three types of Buff Brahma can only participate (2). It should not leak and should be easy to clean and refill. They are not skittish, and dont mind being handled by the chicken keeper. Shanghais were from China and Chittagongs from eastern India (now Bangladesh). Soon, they became expensive exotic fowls that people kept for meat, eggs, and ornamental purposes. They also stand confinement extremely well having calm and docile personalities. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. My Brahmas will pace at the chicken coop door every afternoon to be let out for their midday rendezvous! The Brahma is known to many as the King of chickens! Remember, Brahmas are large birds. Their welcoming temperament and the fact that they are big and cant fly makes them easy to contain. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Also, supplement the feeds with insects, mealworms such as Happy Hen Treats, crickets, omega-3, and feeds rich in calcium such as FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed. On the other hand, adolescents range between $7$12 and adults $15$25 depending on quality. . Owners should understand that these fowls are great foragers and are happier chasing bugs and worms in the yard. But, they still could make wonderful flock mates because of their gentle nature. Brahmas are not so common because they are slow growers. If they stop laying eggs when it gets cold, that could be a sign that their living situations arent ideal or that theyre unhealthy. free-ranging. 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. On the other hand, the females weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5kgs). These large birds need a fair amount of space due to their size. Here is a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about this illustrious bird. In a mixed flock, smaller breeds can bully Brahma chickens. Because these heavy-set birds cannot fly, theyd do well in a chicken coop that is spacious, private, and offers ample shelter against both hot and wet conditions. To raise a happy chicken, allow your Brahma to free range and they will reward you with many pleasant clucks, beautiful eggs, and above-and-beyond friendliness! It also has medium-sized wattles, reddish-brown eyes, short tails, yellow shanks and feet, red earlobes, and short, strong, and yellow beaks. It would also be best to provide up to 14 hours of light to Brahma hens to allow them to lay eggs. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. This will prevent the more daring Brahmas from trying to perform high jumps to get down from the box, thereby preventing leg injuries. She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. These roosters are incredibly friendly, making them an excellent choice if you want a more docile flock. We publish weekly guides and articles written by experienced chicken enthusiasts! We determine the egg laying abilities of the Brahma chicken and whether this large bird is the best choice for your backyard flock. It is best to keep newly hatched chicks in an incubator safe from their moms feet and weight. If you are ready to raise a gorgeous chicken that can provide you with both meat and eggs, the Brahma chicken is the bird you should include in your backyard flock. They are not known for fighting or fussing with other birds. Brahma Hen Egg Production While many people raise Brahmas for meat, they're decent egg producers as well. They can certainly make life a bit easier with the day to day chores of feeding and watering your flock and will save you a little time here and there. What chicken has 6 toes? They can easily be contained behind a 2-3 foot high fence. This chicken strain was a table bird in the U.S. from the 1850s until the 1930s when industrial birds became popular. In general, Brahma roosters wont be destructive or threatening to your hens, but roosters of other chicken breeds can be so its important that you keep an eye on your girls to make sure they arent hurt by the rooster. 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. Brahma chickens have three features that set them apart from most other breeds: They are gigantic with males reaching about 12 lbs They have fully feathered legs and feet that look like pants They are incredibly gentle and sweet-natured There are few breeds with a history as rich as the Brahma. Make sure you inspect the feet of your chickens on a regular basis and remove any mud balls you find. It will take a year and a half for a Brahma chicken to mature. However, it would be best to understand whether these chickens are the right fit for your home. Even if they take confinement quite well, light Brahma and even other heritage breeds shouldnt live in a small chicken coop. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. Although Brahma fowl species are hardy, they are susceptible to health concerns if owners arent keen enough. But assuming these are all in place, and a chick is carefully taken cared of, here are the average sizes to expect: Age and Sex. On the other hand, buff Brahmas have a similar coloration to the light Brahma but with brown feathers. Brahmas will tolerate confinement since they are less active than Mediterranean breeds, but they absolutely shine when allowed to free range. They have whats known as a beetle brow, meaning their forehead extends slightly over their eyes. Since the Brahma chicken breed is slow-growing, it is crucial to provide quality feed to Brahma chicks to ensure their growth. Although they fell from industry favor they remained popular with small flock keepers as they are a dual purpose hen. Its appealing outlook and demeanor places it among the best backyard chicken pets for any family. The dark color Brahma requires a double mating technique to ensure good quality birds. It takes 21 days for the chicks to hatch, after which the Brahma hen provides the hatchlings heat until they are old enough to regulate their body temperatures. The plumage consists of feathers that should be tightly held together making them dense but fluffy. Now she grows food in her backyard and shares what she learns from Eco Peanut with others. Plus, they have feathers on their feet for more warmth. For comfort and better egg-laying, you can provide Brahma chickens with high-quality feed, enough water, and clean nest boxes. Brahmas flock is also docile, peaceful, and has low noise levels making them an excellent fit for urban dwellers and beginners. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. A classic American chicken breed, the Brahma chicken is a popular breed among hobbyists and breeders alike, laying a prolific number of brown eggs. 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. Whether you wish to add one of the largest chicken breeds to your flock or you want to become a Brahma breeder, heres a look at the defining characteristics that make up the Brahma breed standard. Therefore, Brahmas require a highly nutritious diet to avoid disease, stunted growth, or poor egg laying ability. The rooster has some feathers on his feet but the hens have none whatsoever. The feathers along the legs can also make it tough to spot scaly leg mites. I absolutely love all of my chickens now and I dont think Ill ever be able to live without them now. We recommend 5-6 square foot for each chicken in the coop. It doesn't actually touch the ground or serve any functional purpose. Chickens And More. Keep the Brahmas surroundings dry, particularly in the winter, when frostbite can be a serious concern. In America, we pronounce the "ran" as in "I ran away." (The French have a more elegant pronunciation, as with most words). Its best to provide this space in advance so you dont have to move your chicks. At the time, no other chicken looked anything like the Cochin. While this is true, they wont be able to hold their own against a group of ostriches any time soon! However, the breeds slow maturity rate made it lose its popularity in favor of other quickly-maturing chicken breeds. Brahma chickens are winter birds, and you will notice the formation of thick feathering as the cold approaches. When it comes to common egg color brown and pink are the norm. And this breed usually lays its eggs from October to May, just when other breeds are shutting down for winter. Here are some general commonly shared traits. One full-grown bird can feed a big family! Compared to the height of fewer than 27.6 inches for standard chickens, this certainly puts the Brahma a head above the rest! We recommend 5-6 square foot for each chicken in the coop. They are also prolific layers, giving you between 150 and 300 eggs per year or four to six eggs each week. It would be best to pair it with another Brahma chicken to prevent it from loneliness and excessive harassment. There is little you need to know about raising Brahmas as chicks they require the same conditions as other young chickens. These birds dont hold up well to heavy mud, because their feathers are so dense. However, keep an eye on the eggs once they hatch. This is largely due to the breeds massive size and complacency in being housed in confinement. United States breeders refined Brahma during the height of the hen fever, making the Brahma chicken breed that we know today (2). Their incredibly calm dispositions make them a fabulously friendly addition to the flock. If your hen begins to lose feathers as a result of a roosters pursuits, feed her a high protein supplement to encourage them to grow back. However, it would be best to keep these species in hot climates because they dont handle heat well like other breeds. The Dark Brahma exhibits the greatest differences between hens and roosters, with a dark gray hen and a black rooster. Whilst they will tolerate confinement they prefer roaming around. Buying the best you can afford Read More , Automatic chicken feeders sound wonderful. The Light Brahma was established in the early 1870s; however, its overall size and appearance have undergone several changes since then. What animals have four toes? But The King of All Poultry breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. 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. For instance the Brahma chicken (pictured below) needs five to six square feet (0.4 to 0.5m) of space in the coop and 12 to 14 feet (1.1 to 1.3m) in the pen. I have 6 hens and the are in their third season, how many years will the hens lay? This is rare, as the meat of most broiler birds will decline in quality when the birds are about eight or nine months old. Brahmas are hardy and least susceptible to cold climates and frostbite because of their large mass, dense-feathering, and small pea comb. Dark Brahma hens are easily identified by their white laced feather pattern across a darker gray body, breast, and wings. 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. Brahmas are considered a superior winter layer, so when your other chickens are having some downtime during the colder months your Brahma chicken will continue to produce eggs. However, you can find these birds in a lot more colors, including White, Blue, Black, Partridge, and Barred. 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). These can still be found today, but remain less popular than the light and dark varieties. Some Silkies that are pure can hatch with four toes. Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. Its feather pattern is similar to the Plymouth Rock and Silver Laced Wyandotte or Golden Laced Wyandotte. If you have heavy, clay soil, a Brahma chicken might not be for you. After all, people originally bred them to thrive in cold climates this is also the reason for their fully feathered legs and feet! According to the British standard, more color varieties are accepted, including the Blue and Gold Partridge, Buff Columbian, and Black Brahmas. How [] While there are countless benefits of raising Brahma chickens do well in both enclosed and free-range spaces. Due to their enormous size roosters of 18lb were not unknown. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). Why? Like other chicken breeds, it would still be best to observe a minimum of 16% proteins and commercial grade feed for layers most of the year or when molting. Males appear taller than females and weigh about 12 pounds (5.5kgs). Usually, this chicken breed will be more variable in size, ranging from 8 to about 18 inches in height. A Brahma hen can take 2 years to finish growing while roosters can take up to 3 years before reaching full maturity! They will reward you with 3-4 medium brown eggs each week. They will need slightly more protein when they start to molt. The breed standard required by poultry judges includes sharp gray penciling along the hackles, and black penciling across the rest of the body. Lets take a closer look at the origins of these big birds and how to identify Brahma chickens according to their breed standard. Unlike Plymouth Rock, this chicken breed with feathered legs is not aggressive towards humans and other chickens. Founder of Chickens & You. As an Amazon Associate when you buy through links on our site, we earn from qualifying purchases. So, they cant scale low fences, and they wont fly away if theres no fence. Interestingly enough, lighter ear lobes usually mean lighter eggs! Although males tend to be taller than females, both genders have strong feet and even stronger posture. Brahma chicken heads are small for their size, having a pea comb, which is more prominent in cocks, and small red wattles. They will eat a lot more than medium to large chickens will, and should be provided a high protein and calcium diet to support healthy bone and muscle development. If the pets seem not to get along, do not force a relationship. The hens have a more uniform, feather structure, still quite triangular but wider than a Brahma rooster. Owing to the Queens delight with these gentle giants, the chicken breed became so popular that hen fever spread across the world. The Brahma is a tall, erect bird despite its size (approx 10lb for a rooster, 8lb for a hen). Remember, these birds get to be heavier than average chickens, so the box should be well built to support their weight. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Also known as the King of All Fowls or the yards gentle giant by most hobbyists, the Brahma chicken is a pretty breed of poultry that you can rear for meat and eggs. 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. Overall they are robust and healthy birds. At least four square feet per bird in the coop is ideal, but include extra space if youre able. However, Brahma chicken species grow slowly and can take up to 18 months to realize full maturity. There is nothing better than collecting your own eggs from free ranging chickens! These chickens are quite large, but there is a misconception that they are enormous compared to other birds in a flock. Otherwise, the hatching procedures and advice for raising these birds is the same as with other breeds.