At the time, no other chicken looked anything like the Cochin. Other than Brahmas, some chicken breeds with feathered feet are Booted Bantams, Cochins, Faverolles, and Silkies. They can accidentally squish their chicks, especially in a small enclosure. Chickens have different feet depending on the breed, sex, and age of the chicken. Males appear taller than females and weigh about 12 pounds (5.5kgs). 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. It is best to choose a medium to large breed chick for her to take care of, as her heavy weight could be problematic for very small hatchlings. They are quiet and communicate in low tones. 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They have whats known as a beetle brow, meaning their forehead extends slightly over their eyes. Both the light and dark varieties are popular among American fancier breeders, however, the penciling feather patterns in the Dark Brahma remain a fan favorite. Your chicks will need at least one-half square foot of space for the first two weeks, but after the first two weeks, they will grow rapidly and will need one square foot per bird. We recommend 5-6 square foot for each chicken in the coop. They will need slightly more protein when they start to molt. Because of their incredibly friendly temperament and ability to tolerate confinement. Brahma fowls are large birds that require a sizeable cage or enclosure than the average chicken. 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. Now she grows food in her backyard and shares what she learns from Eco Peanut with others. 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. Brahma chickens were developed for northern climates and are arguably the least susceptible breed to cold and exposure. This low. A rooster has pure black feathers on its tail, underside, legs, and feet. Try to keep the birds out of the mud and be sure to keep the pens as clean as possible. So, they cant scale low fences, and they wont fly away if theres no fence. While there are countless benefits of raising Moreover, roosters can be up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall and as heavy as 12 pounds (5.4 kg). In fact because of their size they are usually pretty high in the pecking order and smaller breeds tend not to bother them. You can also purchase bantam Brahma breeds that are about six inches tall. Chickens as large as the Brahma will need a fair amount of space to keep them comfortable. The Brahma is a big bird! Asking more so I can figure out when I should be bringing younger hens in to keep egg production up. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. Whether you have kept chickens for years, or are just starting out on your chicken journey. Although males tend to be taller than females, both genders have strong feet and even stronger posture. 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. Whilst their head and brow gives them a fearsome look, nothing could be further from the truth. These birds are so large that they often accidentally trample their own eggs or baby chicks once they hatch. The plumage consists of feathers that should be tightly held together making them dense but fluffy. She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. There are also some birds that have 3 toes, and some with 2! You dont want those beautiful back feathers rubbing against the roof. If yes, then Brahma chicken breeds are ideal for you. 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). Brahmas are incredibly intelligent, calm, sweet, with a laid-back disposition. Soon, they became expensive exotic fowls that people kept for meat, eggs, and ornamental purposes. Yet, they are one of the largest chicken breeds. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. How big do faverolles get? But, researchers believe that the Brahma breed was developed in the United States from very large fowls or birds imported from Shanghai. The Dark Brahma exhibits the greatest differences between hens and roosters, with a dark gray hen and a black rooster. getting into the box. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. In America, we pronounce the "ran" as in "I ran away." (The French have a more elegant pronunciation, as with most words). They are very sweet and docile which makes them the perfect breed for beginners or kids. They'll start by laying smaller 'pullet' eggs. Below, lets dive into the personality and the nature of Brahma chickens and whether they are the right breed for your needs. 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! For the most part Brahmas are not known for broodiness. 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. This is largely due to the breeds massive size and complacency in being housed in confinement. This, of course, depends on the quality of care that you provide. Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. Expect a long, deep and wide body with powerful wings. 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. Shanghais were from China and Chittagongs from eastern India (now Bangladesh). 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. can pursue. While they arent largely accepted in the United States, the They are very good with kids just watch out for them being knocked over by these humongous birds. Regular inspections can help you spot parasites early on and treat before it becomes an infestation. After all, people originally bred them to thrive in cold climates this is also the reason for their fully feathered legs and feet! For example, most chickens raised for meat will only grow two toes whereas laying hens tend to develop four or five toes per foot. According to the American Poultry Association, the accepted breed varieties include the Buff, Dark, and Light Buff Brahma in the feathered leg category. Though the Brahma chicken is a giant breed, they are not the noisiest birds. From April to June, they are likely to sit as a broody hen on their nests. Raising chickens means providing them the right environment thats designed to accommodate their needs throughout all growth stages. FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed. 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. Since the Brahma is initially for shows, they take confinement well. They became the primary meat chicken of the US from the 1840s until the 1930s. What you do have to look out for is more boisterous or bossy hens picking on the Brahmas. 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. Just like many birds of the Victorian hen craze era (mid-1800s) the Brahma has somewhat uncertain lineage. It also has medium-sized wattles, reddish-brown eyes, short tails, yellow shanks and feet, red earlobes, and short, strong, and yellow beaks. My 6 month old Brahma rooster is already towering over my mature Orpingtons and Australorps, they are certainly the giants of the chicken world! Light Brahmas are usually white-feathered with a grayish hint. This unusual-looking chicken is exceptional hardy, making it resilient in both the summer and 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. Buff Brahma is similar in pattern to that of the light Brahma chickens, but it has a golden brown hue. Anyone have insight on this? The Brahma is a large bird with a long, deep, and broad body. Since Brahmas are heavy, it is vital to ensure that the runs and the coops are wide and tall enough to accommodate their sizes. For this reason, youll have to cover their run and ensure it keeps them safe from severe weather changes. The roosters of this variety will have black stripes on their saddle feathers. Most dogs have 5 toes on the front legs and 4 toes on the back. Brahma hens lay an average of 34 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. Walk-in chicken coops offer your chickens an off the ground coop, external nesting boxes and high roosts. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. They are a dual-purpose chicken breed, which means they are great for eggs and meat. There is no doubt that they look both tall and stocky. The growth of their muscles and bone structure is slower than the average chicken. Related: 18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard. How [] Mostly, the light, Buff, and dark chicks cost $3$5 or more if they are show birds. It takes 7 months on average for Brahma pullets to begin laying eggs. The Brahma is a tall, erect bird despite its size (approx 10lb for a rooster, 8lb for a hen). Average Weight (Pounds and KG) Fully Grown Brahma Roosters. How Old Are Brahma Chickens When They Start Laying Eggs? Size And Weight Of A Brahma chicken. Great timing since other breeds will be just starting to lay. These chickens are quite large, but there is a misconception that they are enormous compared to other birds in a 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. Why? Again, each Brahma chicken will have a slightly different personality depending on its individual demeanor. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. With consistent egg production in winter and the ability to adapt to confinement, you should definitely consider this chicken breed for your flock. Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their large size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. Her love for nature lead to her degree in Biology and mission to lessen her environmental impact. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. Formally known as the Shanghai Chicken, the Cochin breed was created in China and imported to the US in the 1800s. Smaller breeds tend to leave them alone, but young Brahmas may be picked on by older hens. Paragraph For Amazon Resources for Raising Meat Chickens. This was followed by White, Buff, Partridge, Black, and Blue and Gold Partridge. Brahmas flock is also docile, peaceful, and has low noise levels making them an excellent fit for urban dwellers and beginners. KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They can start laying eggs from October to May. Of the Brahma Chicken colors, this variety was the last to be recognized for show. Also, apply cornstarch or styptic powder to treat your bleeding chickens feet after the feet feathers pull off, snag or get stuck on surfaces. What youll get will depend on the color variety of your bird. Brahma hens lay an average of 3-4 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. If your space permits, you should raise them as free-range chickens. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. It is best to keep newly hatched chicks in an incubator safe from their moms feet and weight. They are soft, gentle, and dont fight back when attacked. Although Brahma fowl species are hardy, they are susceptible to health concerns if owners arent keen enough. As an Amazon Associate when you buy through links on our site, we earn from qualifying purchases. This is especially true if your Brahma hen is large or if she comes into egg-laying age during the winter. Brahma chickens are one of the largest chicken breeds. Brahmas are very placid chickens and are similar in size to the Jersey Giant chicken. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week. They also stand confinement extremely well having calm and docile personalities. 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. Jersey Giant roosters are around 13lbs compared to the Brahma rooster of 12lbs. Only after many years was the Brahma placed into recovery status through the livestock conservancy and recognized as a meat and egg laying chicken. Faverolles chickens are recognized as a standard breed by the American Poultry Association in two varieties: Salmon in 1914; White in 1981. . They make a wonderful additions to any flock and even help to defend the flock against smaller predators. Now you can say it with confidence! They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a chicken. At 1-3 days,girls have uneven pipe cleaner looking wing feathers while boys tend to be straight. It doesn't actually touch the ground or serve any functional purpose. Interestingly enough, lighter ear lobes usually mean lighter eggs! However, if you must keep the Brahmas together with other pets, it would help if you trained and prepared the other pets beforehand. In bantam size you can find these chickens in dark, light, buff, black and white. These birds usually start laying at around six or seven months of age. If they stop laying eggs when it gets cold, that could be a sign that their living situations arent ideal or that theyre unhealthy. Bantam Brahmas are much smaller with the males weighing about 38oz and hens weighing slightly less at 34 oz. Contrary to their intimidating size, the giant Brahma breed is very docile. Be sure to research each breed before considering buying them. At least four square feet per bird in the coop is ideal, but include extra space if youre able. 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. Add: Chickens+You, 211, 1309 Coffeen Avenue STE 1200 Sheridan, WY 82801, USA, Raising young chicks can be incredibly rewarding. Brahma chicks have pea combs but there is a significant difference between the color varieties. The boys will develop a larger comb and wattles and have a more curious nature. However, it would be best to keep these species in hot climates because they dont handle heat well like other breeds. The reason is, these breeds are more prone to bumblefoot than other species because of their heavy sizes. The pea comb and beetle brow come of Indian descent. There are also rarer Brahma varieties that you The Brahma chicken is a unique bird with a fascinating history. Remember, these birds get to be heavier than average chickens, so the box should be well built to support their weight. Because they are such a good winter layer, they could be a prolific addition to the backyard flock! A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. Most breeders suggest that this is due to its pea comb as well as its tight feathering and extensive down. Unlike Plymouth Rock, this chicken breed with feathered legs is not aggressive towards humans and other chickens. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. A general indication of egg color is to look at the tiny feathers on the ear lobes. However, keep an eye on the eggs once they hatch. A classic American chicken breed, the Brahma chicken is a popular breed among hobbyists and breeders alike, laying a prolific number of brown eggs. Sometimes a Brahma will break a quill on their foot or leg, which can bleed quite a lot. The Light Brahma was established in the early 1870s; however, its overall size and appearance have undergone several changes since then. This will prevent the more daring Brahmas from trying to perform high jumps to get down from the box, thereby preventing leg injuries. The latter species were likely imported in the 1840s from the Chinese port of Shanghai and were referred to largely as Shanghai birds. One full-grown bird can feed a big family! 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 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. The Brahma chicks can take up to 9 months to develop a full plumage. 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. However, any other Brahma color variety might cost you more. The females have a more uniform black partridge pattern with white piping throughout their bodies. Brahma hens rarely become broody, but this depends on the individual hen, as it does with all breeds of chickens. They stand upright and seem to form a V when they are standing. 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. The American Poultry Associations American Standard of Perfection initially accepted the Light and Dark color varieties in 1874. Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. 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. Dirt floor pens get muddy very quickly and with feathered feet the Brahmas may develop foot problems. The Livestock Conservancy noted that the Light Brahma is a pound heavier than the Dark Brahma. 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. The bedding should provide a secure foundation for your flocks legs and feet and should be easy to clean. They should be provided a 14x14 nest box, slightly bigger than standard nest boxes. The hens lay their first egg at 67 months, unlike other breeds that start at 45 months. 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. This is particularly important during hot summers because of their dense feathering and the accompanying risk of overheating or dehydrating faster than other birds. A 16% layers feed will be ideal for most of the year. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! 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. 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. The Brahma chicken the gentle giant of your chicken coop. Brahma Hen Egg Production While many people raise Brahmas for meat, they're decent egg producers as well. And this breed usually lays its eggs from October to May, just when other breeds are shutting down for winter. 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. This chicken species is renowned for their heavy, deep, tight plumage and a thick coat that makes them hardy poultry. Brahmas have a large head with a slightly overhanging brow which gives the bird a mean look. 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. Beginning in the 1850s until about 1930, the Brahma chicken was the primary breed for meat production in the United States. Can take 7 months before they start laying. Their welcoming temperament and the fact that they are big and cant fly makes them easy to contain. 4. Dark Brahma hens are easily identified by their white laced feather pattern across a darker gray body, breast, and wings. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. These chickens grow slowly, which is why they are often overlooked as a potential backyard chicken species. These hefty birds are also known to attack snakes and keep them away from more vulnerable birds. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. They are not skittish, and dont mind being handled by the chicken keeper. We do not specifically market to children under 13. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. and other members of the flock, Thrive in confinement with minimal What animals have four toes? This quality adds to making them good company in a populated neighborhood. You can extend the lifespan of your Brahma chicken by providing it with quality food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Most backyard chicken keepers will place their Brahmas in a sheltered area during harsh weather conditions. Just got my first group of 51 Rooster and 4 egg laying Hens. . Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. They are better in cooler climates and thrive in the northern states where the weather can be brutally cold. For this reason, ensure that you offer your flocks lots of other feeds. These chickens are also great with children, and most birds wont mind a kind and gentle cuddle every now and then. 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. Brahma chickens, there are a few factors to consider that may dissuade you from However, it fell off the radar commercially soon after while remaining a favorite amongst backyard flocks. 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. Brahma chicks also consume more food than smaller breeds of chicken. They thrive in cold weather and simply need proper living conditions in order to continue laying during the winter months. When feet are soaked or muddy, they can become frostbitten when temperatures drop. Google it. 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. Brahma chickens are large birds, so if you are looking for a smaller bird, then this might not be the right breed for you. When they get hungry they have a tendency to bully other flock members so it is better to keep them fed and happy. Fondly called a gentle giant among chickens, the Brahma is a large, robust bird with feathered legs and a docile personality. this pursuit. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. 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. Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. Probably the best way to get these balls off the feet is soaking in warm water. Because of their large size hawk attacks is rare in adults. Cocks are larger in size than the hens. Dark Brahma chicks have darker coloring and stripes down their backs, while Light Brahmas have a lighter, solid coloring. On average, these birds will reach about 12 pounds for roosters and 10 pounds for hens. Brahma chickens are winter birds, and you will notice the formation of thick feathering as the cold approaches. Brahmas stay the healthiest when they are raised in a damp, cool climate. 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 Brahma chicken could be one of the most impressive additions to the backyard flock. Brahmas arent sickly birds, but what makes them most vulnerable are wet and muddy environments. 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. Keep reading to find out what its like to actually own a Brahma. The original Brahma chicken colors included the Dark and Light Brahma up until the 1950s. Just keep an eye on the eggs. Today's bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. As a meat bird, the Brahma is beyond comparison. They particularly enjoy grass and soft sand patches, since that kind of terrain wont irritate their feathered feet as they scratch for grubs and grit. Some larger breeds will require even more space. Brahmas can also develop small mud balls between their toes that may cause damage to the foot. This placid bird gets along with everyone and can become attached to their owners. The saddle areas feathers have black stripes, while the tails are black with a few white feathers. Most Brahma chickens live 5 to 8 years, however, its not uncommon for them to reach 10 or even 12 years with proper care. Another nice thing with Brahmas is the fact that they prefer laying over the cooler months. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. If you show them affection, feed them enough, and give them warm protection, you can live with your chicken for as long as 5-8 years! Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. About 6 weeks ago I purchased 6 buff Brahma hens and a rooster, along with a few others. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. The Brahma is a massive chicken and is only rivaled by the Jersey Giant. Because these chickens have such a tall stance, that creates a wider and fuller-bodied appearance compared to other breeds. While not "normal," the extra toe certainly is cute! 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. Originally, there were dozens of different names and strains of this bird, leading to the formation of the Brahmapootra breed in 1852. Their history is fraught with controversy, and as with many heritage breeds, the exact genetic makeup of this bird is unknown. Owing to the weight of these large chickens, they can easily suffer from bumblefoot. These gentle giants need 12-14 square foot each. The Brahma is a striking bird to look at. Their plumage is smooth and consists of dense down all over the body. My Brahmas will pace at the chicken coop door every afternoon to be let out for their midday rendezvous! This brings us to our next section. It's spelled "Marans," but it's pronounced, "Muh-ran.". As these big birds struggle to fly perches should be fairly low for them to access (12-18 inches tall). However, Brahma chicken species grow slowly and can take up to 18 months to realize full maturity. When other birds are not laying during the cold temperatures, you can rely on your Brahma hen to continue with egg production. If you make the perches too high you run the risk of a leg or foot injury when they come down from the roost. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. BFE, Nevada. 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.