One of the main issues with these birds would be that their feathered legs and feet are especially at risk of clumping when they get wet or muddy. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Brahma chickens, there are a few factors to consider that may dissuade you from Check out some of the special considerations to put in place when keeping Brahma chicken species. Brahmas are also easy to contain, as they cant fly well. Owners should understand that these fowls are great foragers and are happier chasing bugs and worms in the yard. The Brahma is a big bird! 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. On the other hand, the females weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5kgs). The breed standard required by poultry judges includes sharp gray penciling along the hackles, and black penciling across the rest of the body. Brahma fowl species are an excellent choice for chicken enthusiasts looking more for personality than eggs in their flock. Paragraph For Amazon Resources for Raising Meat Chickens. A healthier and cost-efficient option would be to have the birds forage in a dry safe space in addition to providing good feed. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. Brahma chickens have more dense and profuse feathers, unlike their cousin, the Cochin. Due to their enormous size roosters of 18lb were not unknown. Light Brahmas are usually white-feathered with a grayish hint. Their legs and feet are feathered and each foot should have four toes. 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. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). These birds are jumbo-sized, meaning they eat a lot, too. Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. 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. Brahmas are very calm and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. However, any other Brahma color variety might cost you more. A large Brahma chicken will take much longer to mature than other chicken breeds. Her love for nature lead to her degree in Biology and mission to lessen her environmental impact. Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. 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. It was after that that the re-exportation of the chicken variety to America began. Heres an in-depth look at these fowls to help you make an informed decision before adding some to your flock. The origin of Brahma is debatable like with other heritage breeds. Other than Brahmas, some chicken breeds with feathered feet are Booted Bantams, Cochins, Faverolles, and Silkies. 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 stately and elegant in their demeanors. 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. Because of the difference in weight between the light and dark colors, Light Brahmas are considered more to be meat birds compared to the Dark Brahmas, who boast better laying abilities. What chicken has 6 toes? How much room does a Brahma chicken need? Cover the box with a screen to eliminate the likelihood of drafts (and other pets!) These birds can eat up to a third of a pound of chicken feed daily. Unlike Plymouth Rock, this chicken breed with feathered legs is not aggressive towards humans and other chickens. 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. 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. (Guide), Greater Scaup: Identification and Behaviors, Hooded Merganser: Identification and Behaviors, Dabbling Duck Species: Everything You Need to Know, 22 Types of Ducks: Behaviors and Appearances, Light, buff, or dark feathers with a pea comb and feathered feet, 4 to 6 eggs per week, 150 to 300 per year, Interact peacefully with humans When feet are soaked or muddy, they can become frostbitten when temperatures drop. The Brahma chicks can take up to 9 months to develop a full plumage. Brahmas occasionally develop mud balls or fecal balls on their toes. Your email address will not be published. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week. A Brahma leg injury can take a long time to heal because of its weight, so high perches are best avoided. There are three varieties of large fowl and bantam size classifications of Brahma recognized by the American Poultry Association. 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. We recommend 5-6 square foot for each chicken in the coop. Only after many years was the Brahma placed into recovery status through the livestock conservancy and recognized as a meat and egg laying chicken. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. Here are a few questions you might have before making that decision. Average Weight (Pounds and KG) Fully Grown Brahma Roosters. How big do faverolles get? Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their large size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. The Brahma chicken is distinguished by a pea comb, feathered legs and feet, and a yellow skin. 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. Thanks. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. Its appealing outlook and demeanor places it among the best backyard chicken pets for any family. Related: 18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard. 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. Thank you. Brahma chickens, even roosters, tend to be very quiet, making them a good choice for an urban or suburban setting. 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). Egg Production Though Brahma chickens were primarily bred for meat, they do have fair egg production. Brahma chickens are a large feather-footed breed with a pea comb. This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. This makes it much easier to care for them, especially with those feathered feet. Compared to the height of fewer than 27.6 inches for standard chickens, this certainly puts the Brahma a head above the rest! Dark Brahmas have black spots, silver and white highlights, and a black-striped carriage. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. This was because early birds were very large, with roosters weighing up to 18 pounds in some cases! Just like many birds of the Victorian hen craze era (mid-1800s) the Brahma has somewhat uncertain lineage. The breed is easy to contain, not being able to fly low fences very easily. Lets take a closer look at the origins of these big birds and how to identify Brahma chickens according to their breed standard. All you need to do is feed them lots of treats, and they'll crawl right into your hand for a cuddle or a snack. They stand upright and seem to form a V when they are standing. I like to spend my time writing and teaching skills for homesteading and self sufficient living. For this reason, ensure that you offer your flocks lots of other feeds. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Therefore, Brahmas require a highly nutritious diet to avoid disease, stunted growth, or poor egg laying ability. 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. These birds are so large that they often accidentally trample their own eggs or baby chicks once they hatch. This chicken strain was a table bird in the U.S. from the 1850s until the 1930s when industrial birds became popular. 33. Look out for limping, foot preening, or inflammation and swelling under the foot which could indicate bumblefoot. The Poultry Association considers Brahma as a heritage bird because it began before the mid-20th century. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. Referred to often as the King of All Poultry, this chicken breed would make a fantastic addition to your backyard flock. : 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. It also stands tall, up to 30 inches, a size that can be intimidating at first. Chickens And More. 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. These are features not commonly found with traditional coops. Is that not considered a silkie? They are not known for fighting or fussing with other birds. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. This is particularly important during hot summers because of their dense feathering and the accompanying risk of overheating or dehydrating faster than other birds. Its best to provide this space in advance so you dont have to move your chicks. They were first imported to the US in the 1840s and developed over the next few years. She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. The original Brahma chicken colors included the Dark and Light Brahma up until the 1950s. Do you want large, friendly, affectionate, and relatively inexpensive chickens for your backyard? About 6 weeks ago I purchased 6 buff Brahma hens and a rooster, along with a few others. There were several different names for the breed and at a meeting of poultry judges in Massachusetts in 1852, the name Brahmaputra was chosen. Brahmas are not so common because they are slow growers. 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. By the next season, she was laying large eggs with incredibly tough shells. Landing on a thorn or sharp object when jumping off a roost can cause the debris to penetrate the skin and cause infection. They also make incredible mothers, and Brahma hens have been known to go broody frequently. Brahma chickens are one of the largest chicken breeds. Let us know any of your questions in the comments section below, A chicken coop is one of the most important parts of raising healthy and happy chickens. These birds usually start laying at around six or seven months of age. What youll get will depend on the color variety of your bird. They can live in confinement with other types of chickens, however, having very docile, calm personalities. Although the Brahma chicken is an excellent dual-purpose breed, they are slow-growing and slow-maturing chickens. 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. In America, we pronounce the "ran" as in "I ran away." (The French have a more elegant pronunciation, as with most words). They also make Read More , Choosing the right chicken waterer for your flock can save you a lot of time and work. The American poultry standard for the Brahma chicken includes the Light, Dark, and Buff Brahmas. Overall they are robust and healthy birds. Brahmas are very placid chickens and are similar in size to the Jersey Giant chicken. Remember, these birds get to be heavier than average chickens, so the box should be well built to support their weight. Dark Brahma roosters have striking . When it comes to common egg color brown and pink are the norm. Being a bird breed common to the Northern Hemisphere, keeping Brahma chickens in a spacious indoor chicken coop is ideal for preventing freezing feathers. There is a lot of information available. Larger nesting boxes will accommodate their larger size and provide other chickens ample space to lay without stress. But, they still could make wonderful flock mates because of their gentle nature. These chickens grow slowly, which is why they are often overlooked as a potential backyard chicken species. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. 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. Brahma fowls are large birds that require a sizeable cage or enclosure than the average chicken. They are also prolific layers, giving you between 150 and 300 eggs per year or four to six eggs each week. Caused by their excessive foot feathering, these mud balls can cause the loss of nails or tips of toes. Use the search! If you are looking for a chicken that will provide you with both meat and eggs, then the Brahma chicken is a good choice. Interestingly enough, Dark Brahma chickens were cross bred with Black Langshans to produce the Jersey Giant. They are very sweet and docile which makes them the perfect breed for beginners or kids. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. Add: Chickens+You, 211, 1309 Coffeen Avenue STE 1200 Sheridan, WY 82801, USA, Raising young chicks can be incredibly rewarding. You dont want those beautiful back feathers rubbing against the roof. Since the mothers are so large it is wise to keep an eye on the hatchlings so they do not get trampled by Mom. There are also some birds that have 3 toes, and some with 2! 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. You may have to wait a few months before you can determine the average size, color, and weight per egg. In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well. Brahmas will tolerate confinement since they are less active than Mediterranean breeds, but they absolutely shine when allowed to free range. Thankfully, the Livestock Conservancy has termed it as a recovering variety in recent years as they gradually become a backyard farmers popular fowl again. Buff Brahma is similar in pattern to that of the light Brahma chickens, but it has a golden brown hue. But The King of All Poultry breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. The roosters of this variety will have black stripes on their saddle feathers. Brahmas stay the healthiest when they are raised in a damp, cool climate. However, keep an eye on the eggs once they hatch. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. What you do have to look out for is more boisterous or bossy hens picking on the Brahmas. Although this breed of chicken originated as a meat production species, it is now frequently reared for egg production as it is so productive and docile to raise. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. Do you have enough space to accommodate the king of chickens? Along with the size of the nest box, you should provide Brahma hens a secure chicken coop that is well-ventilated. But T.B Miner, author of the Northern Farmer, coined the name Brahma.. There are some bantam breeds that have six toes on each foot. They can start laying eggs from October to May. Are Brahmas the right birds for you? They make a wonderful additions to any flock and even help to defend the flock against smaller predators. They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a chicken. They are a dual-purpose chicken breed, which means they are great for eggs and meat. Here are some general commonly shared traits. Brahma Hen Egg Production While many people raise Brahmas for meat, they're decent egg producers as well. When other birds are not laying during the cold temperatures, you can rely on your Brahma hen to continue with egg production. However, if you must keep the Brahmas together with other pets, it would help if you trained and prepared the other pets beforehand. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). Brahma chickens are fair egg layers for their large size. They are not skittish, and dont mind being handled by the chicken keeper. Their plumage is smooth and consists of dense down all over the body. This quality adds to making them good company in a populated neighborhood. Owing to the weight of these large chickens, they can easily suffer from bumblefoot. While a generally healthy bird, lets look at some of the most common conditions that affect Brahmas. We do not specifically market to children under 13. The American Poultry Associations American Standard of Perfection initially accepted the Light and Dark color varieties in 1874. What animals have four toes? 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. 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. This is meant to protect the feathers on their legs and feet from being damaged or soaked which can lead to health problems. The Dark Brahma exhibits the greatest differences between hens and roosters, with a dark gray hen and a black rooster. The Light Brahma was established in the early 1870s; however, its overall size and appearance have undergone several changes since then. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. Brahma chickens identify with three official color classifications; dark, light, and Buff. Regular inspections can help you spot parasites early on and treat before it becomes an infestation. You should keep them in a cool shaded area if you stay in a warmer place. Parasite infestation is common in hens and roosters too. The Brahma chicken was one of the ultimate table birds until the rise of industrial birds in the 1930s. 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 pea comb and beetle brow come of Indian descent. But while they may seem like the perfect all-around breed, dont start adding them to your backyard just yet. For the most part Brahmas are not known for broodiness. They are relatively easy to care for and are good company for other animals and humans alike. 52. They also get along with kids, making them one of the ideal breeds to make as pets. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. Now we know a little bit about them and where they came from, lets move to their physical features. Because Brahmas are larger than your average chicken, they need extra care, medication, and suitable confinement should they suffer an injury or fall ill. Their feathered legs and feet also make them prone to ailments such as bumblefoot or broken quills. Brahmas may not be the best choice for the commercial market because of their slow growth rates, large size, and need for consistent care. While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. They are soft, gentle, and dont fight back when attacked. KnowYourChickens.com is a participant in the Amazon 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. 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. Brahmas are elegant chickens that move with grace and purpose. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. Todays bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. Also, Brahma chickens have the pea type comb and are not prone to overheating, despite the extra feathering and larger size. Although males tend to be taller than females, both genders have strong feet and even stronger posture. Bantam Brahmas are much smaller with the males weighing about 38oz and hens weighing slightly less at 34 oz. 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 cockerels are hushed crowers while hens do not loudly cackle while they lay. This is a breed that thrives when roaming so try to let them free range they will enjoy the freedom and variety. They'll start by laying smaller 'pullet' eggs. Brahmas distinguishing feature is the small pea comb and the overhanging beetle brow on the forehead. 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. Australian Poultry Association recognizes partridge, blue, black, crele, and Brahma chickens usual only require attention to parasites such as lice, mites and worms. Please seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Bantams can be a bit difficult to find but there are sources out there! The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. However, being foragers, they prefer free-ranging and larger yards. How [] This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. They can be difficult to sex. Brahma hens lay an average of 3-4 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. Originally, there were dozens of different names and strains of this bird, leading to the formation of the Brahmapootra breed in 1852. A general indication of egg color is to look at the tiny feathers on the ear lobes. 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. They also need to be housed on dry, well-draining soil in order to avoid the development of disease. In fact because of their size they are usually pretty high in the pecking order and smaller breeds tend not to bother them. The feathers along the legs can also make it tough to spot scaly leg mites. Brahmas are incredibly intelligent, calm, sweet, with a laid-back disposition. Most Brahma chickens live 5 to 8 years, however, its not uncommon for them to reach 10 or even 12 years with proper care. Just make sure you keep them well fed and you will have a happy chicken. barred varieties of Brahma. Now you can say it with confidence! 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. Brahmas cost greatly depends on the chickens age, sex, demand, and color variety. A Brahma hen can go into egg production as early as 6 to 7 months old; however, it is not uncommon for some birds to start laying as late as 12 months. These chickens are quite large, but there is a misconception that they are enormous compared to other birds in a flock. The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. 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. You can easily clean frost and mud balls from their feet with warm water. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. Brahmas are one of the most laid back breeds there is. You can eat chickens without any problem. While not "normal," the extra toe certainly is cute! Jersey Giant roosters are around 13lbs compared to the Brahma rooster of 12lbs. This placid bird gets along with everyone and can become attached to their owners. Whilst they will tolerate confinement they prefer roaming around. Whilst small children may be fearful of them they will warm up to them after a few hugs! These chickens are also great with children, and most birds wont mind a kind and gentle cuddle every now and then. Retrieved from: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/brahma, About the Brahma. Brahma chicken heads are small for their size, having a pea comb, which is more prominent in cocks, and small red wattles. 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. However, it would be best to keep these species in hot climates because they dont handle heat well like other breeds. These varieties are: Dark Brahma is the only variety to have a distinct color pattern between rooster and hen. Its feather pattern is similar to the Plymouth Rock and Silver Laced Wyandotte or Golden Laced Wyandotte. Aside from their tall stature, there are more things you should know about brahmas. The breeding contributed to Brahmas distinctive large head and pea comb. There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. Before you decide to bring a Brahma chicken into your coop, think about the space you have to accommodate their growing needs. But all of them have 4 toes. Brahma chickens are called gentle giants because they have a docile nature and a very large size. Expect a long, deep and wide body with powerful wings. The Light Brahma Chicken is contrasting black and white for both roosters and hens. Lets look at how to best meet the basic needs of Brahmas when raised in a backyard flock. Most chickens dont usually lay during the shorter days of the year unless you provide supplementary light. The relatively slow rate of growth and long time required to reach maturity have caused Brahmas to be passed by as a commercial fowl. Females are a creamy white and . The plumage of Brahma chicken should be held more tightly. Fondly called a gentle giant among chickens, the Brahma is a large, robust bird with feathered legs and a docile personality. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. Nov 3, 2011. Brahma Chicken Temperament? Brahmas arent sickly birds, but what makes them most vulnerable are wet and muddy environments. In a mixed flock, smaller breeds can bully Brahma chickens. Asking more so I can figure out when I should be bringing younger hens in to keep egg production up. Simply apply cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Otherwise, the hatching procedures and advice for raising these birds is the same as with other breeds. . As a meat bird, the Brahma is beyond comparison. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. It needs a lot of space to move in, and being tall, they also need more ceiling and door height for their enclosures. For shows and exhibitions, three types of Buff Brahma can only participate (2). At 1-3 days,girls have uneven pipe cleaner looking wing feathers while boys tend to be straight. Some additional space considerations are perches and nesting boxes. Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. Brahma hens rarely become broody, but this depends on the individual hen, as it does with all breeds of chickens. These extra few inches create a bit of maneuvering room. Buff Brahmas are a color variation of the regular Brahma and they are certainly eye-catching. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. The eggs of Brahma chicken weight approximately 55-60 grams. Owing to the Queens delight with these gentle giants, the chicken breed became so popular that hen fever spread across the world.