This will prevent the more daring Brahmas from trying to perform high jumps to get down from the box, thereby preventing leg injuries. These chickens are quite large, but there is a misconception that they are enormous compared to other birds in a flock. Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their large size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. 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! Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. Brahma chickens are winter birds, and you will notice the formation of thick feathering as the cold approaches. One way of minimizing these issues is by ensuring that their enclosures are clean and can withstand severe climates. Caused by their excessive foot feathering, these mud balls can cause the loss of nails or tips of toes. Although Brahmas are large, they are often victims of bullying from other chickens. 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. chickensandyou.com is reader-supported. Now you can say it with confidence! This is a breed that thrives when roaming so try to let them free range they will enjoy the freedom and variety. It is best to keep newly hatched chicks in an incubator safe from their moms feet and weight. You may find the Brahma chicken to be quite talkative but without the constant squawking and chirping of Leghorns, Orpingtons, or Silkies. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. Both are considered egg and meat birds. If your Brahma hen goes broody, let her hatch her own eggs you can candle them to make sure the embryos are developing. These Shanghai birds were probably bred with Grey Chittagong birds of Malay origins, which gave the Brahma distinctive pea comb and head shapes. A rooster has pure black feathers on its tail, underside, legs, and feet. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. Because of their determination, a really broody hen can be given fertilized eggs from another chicken to hatch. If youre considering a walk-in coop, Ive reviewed some of the best on the market here. 52. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. You can kill a Brahma broiler at about eight to ten weeks of age, although they are most profitable at eight months. Remember, Brahmas are large birds with unique feeding requirements. Cover the box with a screen to eliminate the likelihood of drafts (and other pets!) This is especially true if your Brahma hen is large or if she comes into egg-laying age during the winter. Originally, there were dozens of different names and strains of this bird, leading to the formation of the Brahmapootra breed in 1852. . But T.B Miner, author of the Northern Farmer, coined the name Brahma.. 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. Brahma hens lay an average of 3-4 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. 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. As these big birds struggle to fly perches should be fairly low for them to access (12-18 inches tall). If youre looking for a solid egg-layer or a chicken for meat production (with a friendly temperament), this may be the perfect breed for your backyard. If yes, then Brahma chicken breeds are ideal for you. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. 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. Jersey Giant roosters are around 13lbs compared to the Brahma rooster of 12lbs. 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. Owing to the Queens delight with these gentle giants, the chicken breed became so popular that hen fever spread across the world. 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. The Giant, the King, the Brahma. Some have said that the Brahmas name came from the Brahmaputra River in India; however, the breed was refined on US shores with strong Asian influences. A 2-foot fence or 5-6 square foot space for each chicken in the coop is enough to keep them in place. Beginning in the 1850s until about 1930, the Brahma chicken was the primary breed for meat production in the United States. Do you want large, friendly, affectionate, and relatively inexpensive chickens for your backyard? Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. A single Brahma hen or rooster should have at least 5 to 6 square feet of space per bird inside the chicken coop. It was then 50 years later when Buff Brahmas were recognized. Hawks will seldom try to prey on a mature hen or rooster. KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Why? Now we know a little bit about them and where they came from, lets move to their physical features. 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. Some Silkies that are pure can hatch with four toes. The reason is, these breeds are more prone to bumblefoot than other species because of their heavy sizes. 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. If you are looking for a beautiful large breed chicken that will also consistently lay eggs, the Brahma chicken could be for you. The Brahma is a big bird! The Brahma chicken is a unique bird with a fascinating history. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. feathered legs and feet, and fifth toe. Since Brahmas are heavy, it is vital to ensure that the runs and the coops are wide and tall enough to accommodate their sizes. To keep your hen happy, the nesting box should provide the following features: Brahma chickens are considered consistent egg layers compared to other chickens of a similar size. Keeping them in a small and confined coop can restrict their movement, making them uncomfortable and stressed. Brahma chickens are large birds, so if you are looking for a smaller bird, then this might not be the right breed for you. Ensure that you offer an i8 inches high brooder with a half square foot floor space per chick during their first days before increasing to a square foot space per chick after two weeks. The breeding contributed to Brahmas distinctive large head and pea comb. Typically Brahmas start laying eggs when they're 6 or 7 months old. 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. It also has medium-sized wattles, reddish-brown eyes, short tails, yellow shanks and feet, red earlobes, and short, strong, and yellow beaks. 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. Im fairly new to the chicken kingdom, just started about 2 years ago so Im still learning. Brahmas are very calm and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. 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 latter species were likely imported in the 1840s from the Chinese port of Shanghai and were referred to largely as Shanghai birds. But between free-ranging and medicated feed, what do chicks eat? Brahmas arent sickly birds, but what makes them most vulnerable are wet and muddy environments. 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. As an Amazon Associate when you buy through links on our site, we earn from qualifying purchases. Google it. 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. Whether you have kept chickens for years, or are just starting out on your chicken journey. A healthier and cost-efficient option would be to have the birds forage in a dry safe space in addition to providing good feed. The Poultry Association considers Brahma as a heritage bird because it began before the mid-20th century. These birds are easy to tame and enjoyable to raise, making them the breed you should be raising in your backyard chicken coop. Mature Brahma hens can lay an average of 3 - 5 eggs a week and about 160 eggs a year. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. They are not known for fighting or fussing with other birds. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. If you purchase a light Brahma, it will have a base color of white with black and white hackles and a black tail. Aside from their tall stature, there are more things you should know about brahmas. Because these chickens have such a tall stance, that creates a wider and fuller-bodied appearance compared to other breeds. Just make sure you keep them well fed and you will have a happy chicken. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. Information provided is general purpose only and not meant to replace professional and medical advice. 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They have pea comb and they can adopt themselves with all types of climates. : 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. 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. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. The saddle areas feathers have black stripes, while the tails are black with a few white feathers. Walk-in chicken coops offer your chickens an off the ground coop, external nesting boxes and high roosts. Buying the best you can afford Read More , Automatic chicken feeders sound wonderful. The likely parent birds were Shanghais and Chittagongs and Malays. This is particularly important during hot summers because of their dense feathering and the accompanying risk of overheating or dehydrating faster than other birds. The average Brahma chicken can grow to be 18 inches (45 cm) tall and can weigh up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). Brahma chickens are one of the largest chicken breeds. Is that not considered a silkie? The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. Brahma chickens are called gentle giants because they have a docile nature and a very large size. Even the Brahma roosters are peaceful, and not as likely to attack humans or other birds as those from other chicken breeds. Usually, this chicken breed will be more variable in size, ranging from 8 to about 18 inches in height. Because of their large size hawk attacks is rare in adults. These birds are good-natured, gentle, and happy around kids. This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. 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. They can live in confinement with other types of chickens, however, having very docile, calm personalities. 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 They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a chicken. How does the black one have black skin but 4 toes? Being a bird breed common to the Northern Hemisphere, keeping Brahma chickens in a spacious indoor chicken coop is ideal for preventing freezing feathers. Brahmas, like all chickens, need high-quality feed and regular veterinary visits to reach their life expectancy. Also, apply cornstarch or styptic powder to treat your bleeding chickens feet after the feet feathers pull off, snag or get stuck on surfaces. It is better if you free range them as this will occupy their time and reduce your feed bill. The size of the Brahma chicken cannot be emphasized enough. Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. 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. Most backyard chicken keepers will place their Brahmas in a sheltered area during harsh weather conditions. The Dark Brahma exhibits the greatest differences between hens and roosters, with a dark gray hen and a black rooster. Generally speaking, Brahma chickens start laying their first egg at around 7 months of age. Brahma chickens usual only require attention to parasites such as lice, mites and worms. They can start laying eggs from October to May. Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. These can still be found today, but remain less popular than the light and dark varieties. The extra toe these breeds have is generally located higher up than their first toe (the hallux) and faces upwards. When it comes to common egg color brown and pink are the norm. Advertiser Disclosure: EcoPeanut.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca. She is docile and friendly towards people not quite a lap bird but certainly not averse to begging for treats. Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. 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. 33. You can discourage broodiness by removing her from the nest and keeping it closed, or you could place cold packs underneath her to let her know there are no eggs to keep warm or hatch. Although they have thick feathering that makes them somewhat sensitive to hot weather, as long as you do not live in the tropics, you can likely raise healthy Brahmas. As Brahmas cannot fly too high because of their size and weight, a 3 foot fence should effectively keep them confined to their pen. There is so much love and joy underneath all those feathers. There are also some birds that have 3 toes, and some with 2! The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. The Brahma chicken could be one of the most impressive additions to the backyard flock. The Brahmas have tight, soft, and dense feathers that extend to their legs and hind toes, making them appear even larger than they are. They are calm in temperament and enjoy being handled, just like the Ayam Cemani chicken breed, making them a wonderful pet for children. These hefty birds are also known to attack snakes and keep them away from more vulnerable birds. Since rationing their feeds can be challenging since they are heavy feeders, it would be best to free-feed them to reduce your feeding bill. Therefore, if you must have Brahmas, keep them around other friendlier chicken breeds and household pets like cats. But, researchers believe that the Brahma breed was developed in the United States from very large fowls or birds imported from Shanghai. Try to keep the birds out of the mud and be sure to keep the pens as clean as possible. They lay lovely brown eggs (sometimes dotted or speckled with white) that are relatively large compared to those of other species. Australian Poultry Association recognizes partridge, blue, black, crele, and There are a few different types available so today we Read More . Chickens And More is quickly becoming the online destination for all backyard chicken enthusiasts. The hens lay their first egg at 6-7 months, unlike other breeds that start at 4-5 months. Overall they are robust and healthy birds. 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. The eggs of Brahma chicken weight approximately 55-60 grams. Smaller breeds tend to leave them alone, but young Brahmas may be picked on by older hens. They also make incredible mothers, and Brahma hens have been known to go broody frequently. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). Here are some general commonly shared traits. Heres an in-depth look at these fowls to help you make an informed decision before adding some to your flock. Nov 3, 2011. However, it fell off the radar commercially soon after while remaining a favorite amongst backyard flocks. The Brahma chicken the gentle giant of your chicken coop. 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 . 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. They can easily be contained behind a 2-3 foot high fence. These extra few inches create a bit of maneuvering room. The Buff Brahma is similar to the light Brahma but has a golden buff base color instead of one that is white. 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, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. Another nice thing with Brahmas is the fact that they prefer laying over the cooler months. Remember, these birds get to be heavier than average chickens, so the box should be well built to support their weight. Know Your Chickens is a free resource dedicated to teaching backyard chicken owners more about their flock. Brahma chicken species have a stocky build and require plenty of calories, water, and lots of feeds to sustain their large appetites and health. 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. At the time, no other chicken looked anything like the Cochin. Brahmas are not commonly a broody chicken, but if you do happen to come across a broody hen she will be very stubborn when it comes to sitting on the nest and trying to hatch her eggs. These giants are great backyard chickens because they are relatively easy to care for and are friendly. Those that do go broody will set very determinedly on their eggs until hatching. The original Brahma chicken colors included the Dark and Light Brahma up until the 1950s. The Livestock Conservancy noted that the Light Brahma is a pound heavier than the Dark Brahma. However, keep an eye on the eggs once they hatch. She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. On the other hand, the females weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5kgs). A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. However, the body, wings, and breasts are grey with black patterns. I absolutely love all of my chickens now and I dont think Ill ever be able to live without them now. 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. There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. 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). You may have to wait a few months before you can determine the average size, color, and weight per egg. Ideally, you should only butcher Brahmas when they reach their market weight of at least 8lbs. I love chicken as my favorite PET. And the "s" is silent. Brahmas are quiet birds and rarely make a lot of noise. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. They thrive in cold weather and simply need proper living conditions in order to continue laying during the winter months. These birds are jumbo-sized, meaning they eat a lot, too. First pic is of the father. A Brahma hen can take 2 years to finish growing while roosters can take up to 3 years before reaching full maturity! Just keep an eye on the eggs. What is your 4th toe called? If you notice some blood on the foot of your chicken, it is best to look at the quills. He is so cute and takes care of my girls. These gentle giants need 12-14 square foot each. Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12x12 nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14x14 box. Beautiful birds, but it sounds like I may need more room. 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. This is rare, as the meat of most broiler birds will decline in quality when the birds are about eight or nine months old. The Dark Brahma variety was developed during the same time as the Light Brahma. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. This placid bird gets along with everyone and can become attached to their owners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Despite their robust wings, these strains are not capable of flying. On the other hand, buff Brahmas have a similar coloration to the light Brahma but with brown feathers. Careful introductions to new chickens and a spacious coop will ensure that you create a peaceful environment for all chooks. They became the primary meat chicken of the US from the 1840s until the 1930s. A Brahma hen is particularly broody in the summer, attentively sitting on its eggs most of the time. Their welcoming temperament and the fact that they are big and cant fly makes them easy to contain. Brahma chickens have more dense and profuse feathers, unlike their cousin, the Cochin. Light Brahma hens dont have as much black feathering apart from the tail. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. Brahmas have a large head with a slightly overhanging brow which gives the bird a mean look. The hens have a more uniform, feather structure, still quite triangular but wider than a Brahma rooster. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know. Although the Brahma chicken is an excellent dual-purpose breed, they are slow-growing and slow-maturing chickens. By the next season, she was laying large eggs with incredibly tough shells. Some larger breeds will require even more space. 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. Keep reading to find out what its like to actually own a Brahma. Compared to the height of fewer than 27.6 inches for standard chickens, this certainly puts the Brahma a head above the rest! They also get along with kids, making them one of the ideal breeds to make as pets. After they hatch, you will need a special brooder box with plenty of fresh, clean bedding, water, and chick starter feed. Do you have enough space to accommodate the king of chickens? You can also introduce chicks to an 18% protein chicken starter. Make sure to get a breathable mesh harness for when you want to take them on walks. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. 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. Thankfully, the Livestock Conservancy has termed it as a recovering variety in recent years as they gradually become a backyard farmers popular fowl again. No, there are actually some breeds of chicken that have 5 toes. The Brahma breed matures relatively slowly compared to other birds. this pursuit. Now she grows food in her backyard and shares what she learns from Eco Peanut with others. They should be provided a 14x14 nest box, slightly bigger than standard nest boxes. We determine the egg laying abilities of the Brahma chicken and whether this large bird is the best choice for your backyard flock. Most breeders suggest that this is due to its pea comb as well as its tight feathering and extensive down. 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. If you are able to raise your Brahma chickens on green grass, you shouldnt have a problem, but keep the health needs of this chicken in mind before you take the leap in purchasing one. They also stand confinement extremely well having calm and docile personalities. These chickens are also great with children, and most birds wont mind a kind and gentle cuddle every now and then. Their incredibly calm dispositions make them a fabulously friendly addition to the flock. Brahma chicks also consume more food than smaller breeds of chicken. On average, these birds will reach about 12 pounds for roosters and 10 pounds for hens. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. They are winter hardy birds and lay large light brown color eggs. There are also rarer Brahma varieties that you Today, this breed, which is officially recognized by the American Poultry Association, is considered a heritage breed. Great timing since other breeds will be just starting to lay. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. It should not leak and should be easy to clean and refill. Its vital to consider your budget before purchasing the Brahma chicken breeds, especially the cost of feeding and shelter needs. Most chickens dont usually lay during the shorter days of the year unless you provide supplementary light. When feet are soaked or muddy, they can become frostbitten when temperatures drop. The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. Brahma chickens have become a firm favorite among poultry fanciers over the last 50 years. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. Being familiar with how they look is a good start. Keep reading to discover more about this wonderful breed. Dark Brahma roosters have striking . The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. How big do faverolles get? Because they are such a good winter layer, they could be a prolific addition to the backyard flock! What youll get will depend on the color variety of your bird. If you have heavy, clay soil, a Brahma chicken might not be for you. These heavily feathered giants get their size and plumage from their Malay and Chinese bloodlines. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. Write us at info(at)knowyourchickens.com with any questions or concerns! Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. If predators are a concern, a Brahma rooster wont do much to help you.