They can accidentally squish their chicks, especially in a small enclosure. Although light Brahma and other varieties cannot fly, they require low and stable roosts to support their weight. Dark Brahma hens are easily identified by their white laced feather pattern across a darker gray body, breast, and wings. They make a wonderful additions to any flock and even help to defend the flock against smaller predators. feathered legs and feet, and fifth toe. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. Although the Brahma chicken is an excellent dual-purpose breed, they are slow-growing and slow-maturing chickens. 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. These birds usually start laying at around six or seven months of age. The origin of the Brahma dates as far back as the mid-1800s and was believed to include a combination of the Chinese Shanghai breed, which is the cross of the Cochin and robust Malay, and the Chittagong, native to India. Or you can look at the vent at 1 day and see a protruding organ which are boys.Or wait 6 months and the one that crows is the rooster. They can start laying eggs from October to May. Ready to purchase a flock of these chickens? We recommend 5-6 square foot for each chicken in the coop. Brahmas will tolerate confinement since they are less active than Mediterranean breeds, but they absolutely shine when allowed to free range. 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. Its appealing outlook and demeanor places it among the best backyard chicken pets for any family. 3. According to the American Poultry Association, the accepted breed varieties include the Buff, Dark, and Light Buff Brahma in the feathered leg category. Are Brahmas the right birds for you? On average, these birds will reach about 12 pounds for roosters and 10 pounds for hens. The thicker feathers of Brahma chickens make it easier for lice to hide. Originally, there were dozens of different names and strains of this bird, leading to the formation of the Brahmapootra breed in 1852. A classic American chicken breed, the Brahma chicken is a popular breed among hobbyists and breeders alike, laying a prolific number of brown eggs. You may have to wait a few months before you can determine the average size, color, and weight per egg. Landing on a thorn or sharp object when jumping off a roost can cause the debris to penetrate the skin and cause infection. 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. 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. My 6 month old Brahma rooster is already towering over my mature Orpingtons and Australorps, they are certainly the giants of the chicken world! Outside of the chicken coop, Brahma chickens can benefit from 15 to 16 square feet of space each. 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. This brings us to our next section. In the winter these balls can freeze causing frostbite and in severe cases the loss of toes. 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. 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. Brahma hens can weigh up to 10lbs while roosters weigh between 10lbs and 12lbs. Probably the best way to get these balls off the feet is soaking in warm water. These chickens grow slowly, which is why they are often overlooked as a potential backyard chicken species. 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. They also have broad brows with heavy eyebrows. Today's bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. Brahma chickens are winter birds, and you will notice the formation of thick feathering as the cold approaches. Owing to the weight of these large chickens, they can easily suffer from bumblefoot. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. This was because early birds were very large, with roosters weighing up to 18 pounds in some cases! First pic is of the father. It also has medium-sized wattles, reddish-brown eyes, short tails, yellow shanks and feet, red earlobes, and short, strong, and yellow beaks. 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. Use the search! Brahma feathers are not rounded at the tips but have a tapering shape, with Brahma roosters having more slender feathers on their necks and rump. Brahmas are good foragers and will like to spend the majority of their day roaming. Unlike Plymouth Rock, this chicken breed with feathered legs is not aggressive towards humans and other chickens. While the frequency and size of eggs will vary according to the diet and age of each bird, one things for sure, if you have a happy chicken, you could certainly enjoy more eggs! It depends on the age. These Shanghai birds were probably bred with Grey Chittagong birds of Malay origins, which gave the Brahma distinctive pea comb and head shapes. This brooder box should be at least eighteen inches higher is better. What you do have to look out for is more boisterous or bossy hens picking on the Brahmas. 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. If you make the perches too high you run the risk of a leg or foot injury when they come down from the roost. Some Silkies that are pure can hatch with four toes. 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. In general the pullets will feather in quicker. Despite their robust wings, these strains are not capable of flying. Beautiful birds, but it sounds like I may need more room. There is nothing better than collecting your own eggs from free ranging chickens! Try to keep the birds out of the mud and be sure to keep the pens as clean as possible. If they stop laying eggs when it gets cold, that could be a sign that their living situations arent ideal or that theyre unhealthy. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. At 1-3 days,girls have uneven pipe cleaner looking wing feathers while boys tend to be straight. Anyone have insight on this? Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. A Brahma leg injury can take a long time to heal because of its weight, so high perches are best avoided. Brahmas cost greatly depends on the chickens age, sex, demand, and color variety. 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. They can be difficult to sex. The bedding should provide a secure foundation for your flocks legs and feet and should be easy to clean. You can extend the lifespan of your Brahma chicken by providing it with quality food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. They will need slightly more protein when they start to molt. Just make sure you keep them well fed and you will have a happy chicken. This is meant to protect the feathers on their legs and feet from being damaged or soaked which can lead to health problems. You can kill a Brahma broiler at about eight to ten weeks of age, although they are most profitable at eight months. 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. 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. chickensandyou.com is reader-supported. Their incredibly calm dispositions make them a fabulously friendly addition to the flock. There is so much love and joy underneath all those feathers. 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. Since the Brahma is initially for shows, they take confinement well. If you purchase a light Brahma, it will have a base color of white with black and white hackles and a black tail. They are quiet and communicate in low tones. It will take a year and a half for a Brahma chicken to mature. 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. The plumage of Brahma chicken should be held more tightly. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. They lay lovely brown eggs (sometimes dotted or speckled with white) that are relatively large compared to those of other species. This makes them ideal for an urban setting as long as they have enough space to roam. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). Brahma Chicken. With consistent egg production in winter and the ability to adapt to confinement, you should definitely consider this chicken breed for your flock. Brahmas are one of the most laid back breeds there is. Brahma Hen Egg Production While many people raise Brahmas for meat, they're decent egg producers as well. Do you want large, friendly, affectionate, and relatively inexpensive chickens for your backyard? Usually, this chicken breed will be more variable in size, ranging from 8 to about 18 inches in height. Faverolles chickens are recognized as a standard breed by the American Poultry Association in two varieties: Salmon in 1914; White in 1981. . In bantam size you can find these chickens in dark, light, buff, black and white. 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. While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. Dark Brahmas have black spots, silver and white highlights, and a black-striped carriage. 33. Look out for limping, foot preening, or inflammation and swelling under the foot which could indicate bumblefoot. On the other hand, buff Brahmas have a similar coloration to the light Brahma but with brown feathers. They are better in cooler climates and thrive in the northern states where the weather can be brutally cold. Brahmas arent sickly birds, but what makes them most vulnerable are wet and muddy environments. The origin of the Brahma dates as far back as the mid-1800s. can pursue. Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. Walk-in chicken coops offer your chickens an off the ground coop, external nesting boxes and high roosts. When my Brahma hen laid her first egg, I was surprised at the smaller size compared to my other layers. Write us at info(at)knowyourchickens.com with any questions or concerns! The ideal waterer will keep the water clean and fresh. The dirt and moisture can freeze and develop small mud balls on the chickens feet, causing frostbite and affecting its health if you dont curb them in time. There are also rarer Brahma varieties that you Having a proper shelter is crucial too if you want Brahma chickens to live longer. These birds dont hold up well to heavy mud, because their feathers are so dense. Also, Brahma chickens have the pea type comb and are not prone to overheating, despite the extra feathering and larger size. Didn't find what you need? Due to their enormous size roosters of 18lb were not unknown. The Light Brahma Chicken is contrasting black and white for both roosters and hens. Brahma fowls are large birds that require a sizeable cage or enclosure than the average chicken. Lets look at the reasons why you should make the beautiful Brahma a part of your flock. barred varieties of Brahma. Because of their large size hawk attacks is rare in adults. There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. Soon, they became expensive exotic fowls that people kept for meat, eggs, and ornamental purposes. Interestingly enough, lighter ear lobes usually mean lighter eggs! 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! They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a chicken. He is so cute and takes care of my girls. What is your 4th toe called? Initiate their relationship gradually while monitoring their interaction. Brahma chickens make excellent meat and egg birds but you have to wait for it. Your pen area should ideally be stone or sand. Although Brahmas are large, they are often victims of bullying from other chickens. However, Brahmas are still ideal egg layers and meat producers on a small scale. But between free-ranging and medicated feed, what do chicks eat? Brahma chickens can live up to 8 years. Caused by their excessive foot feathering, these mud balls can cause the loss of nails or tips of toes. It would be best to pair it with another Brahma chicken to prevent it from loneliness and excessive harassment. It was then 50 years later when Buff Brahmas were recognized. The named Brahma refers to the Hindu God of Creation, but its unclear why this breed received such an important name. Most chickens dont usually lay during the shorter days of the year unless you provide supplementary light. Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. ring toe FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed. They have pea comb and they can adopt themselves with all types of climates. Other than Brahmas, some chicken breeds with feathered feet are Booted Bantams, Cochins, Faverolles, and Silkies. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. Brahma chickens, even roosters, tend to be very quiet, making them a good choice for an urban or suburban setting. They are not known for fighting or fussing with other birds. Contrary to their intimidating size, the giant Brahma breed is very docile. Although Brahmas can withstand harsh winter, their feathers can be problematic in this season. Brahma Chicken Variants. If you have heavy, clay soil, a Brahma chicken might not be for you. Buff Brahmas are a color variation of the regular Brahma and they are certainly eye-catching. When feet are soaked or muddy, they can become frostbitten when temperatures drop. Make sure to get a breathable mesh harness for when you want to take them on walks. Brahma chicks also consume more food than smaller breeds of chicken. 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. Overall they are robust and healthy birds. Therefore, if you must have Brahmas, keep them around other friendlier chicken breeds and household pets like cats. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. They are calm in temperament and enjoy being handled, just like the Ayam Cemani chicken breed, making them a wonderful pet for children. Brahmas can produce about 140 eggs per year. For their neck, chest, and back, the features are mostly silver with black centers. You can eat chickens without any problem. Why? The size of the Brahma chicken cannot be emphasized enough. This makes it much easier to care for them, especially with those feathered feet. Both are considered egg and meat birds. The Buffs brown hint makes it popular among farmers. Dark Brahma chicks have darker coloring and stripes down their backs, while Light Brahmas have a lighter, solid coloring. Although males tend to be taller than females, both genders have strong feet and even stronger posture. four toes Their legs and feet are feathered and each foot should have four toes. You may find the Brahma chicken to be quite talkative but without the constant squawking and chirping of Leghorns, Orpingtons, or Silkies. A 2-foot fence or 5-6 square foot space for each chicken in the coop is enough to keep them in place. They will lay right through the winter and slow down as spring starts to arrive. She is one of the largest chicken breeds and has a beautiful plumage which only adds to this special breeds appeal. Its feather pattern is similar to the Plymouth Rock and Silver Laced Wyandotte or Golden Laced Wyandotte. 6.5 lbs (2.9 kg) Just keep an eye on the eggs. They also stand confinement extremely well having calm and docile personalities. Keep an eye on the baby chicks when they first hatch. The Brahma chicks can take up to 9 months to develop a full plumage. Whilst their head and brow gives them a fearsome look, nothing could be further from the truth. 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. Whilst small children may be fearful of them they will warm up to them after a few hugs! They wont start laying eggs until six to seven months of age (compared to four or five for other chicken breeds) and they wont be fully grown for the stew pot until they are older, either. If you are looking for a beautiful large breed chicken that will also consistently lay eggs, the Brahma chicken could be for you. But The King of All Poultry breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. Brahma chickens are fair egg layers for their large size. 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. The Brahma is a striking bird to look at. KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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. The Brahmas have tight, soft, and dense feathers that extend to their legs and hind toes, making them appear even larger than they are. Brahmas can also develop small mud balls between their toes that may cause damage to the foot. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. These birds are so large that they often accidentally trample their own eggs or baby chicks once they hatch. United States breeders refined Brahma during the height of the hen fever, making the Brahma chicken breed that we know today (2). American standards also require thin feathers on the feet with a large or heavy-set body. 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. Brahmas occasionally develop mud balls or fecal balls on their toes. Being exceptionally cold tolerant, with a heavy weight and feather distribution, these birds stay warm in cold temperatures. They will tolerate confinement as long as they have enough room in the pen. Here are some general commonly shared traits. : 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. As a meat bird, the Brahma is beyond comparison. A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. Know Your Chickens is a free resource dedicated to teaching backyard chicken owners more about their flock. They also get along with kids, making them one of the ideal breeds to make as pets. 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. Brahma chickens are a large feather-footed breed with a pea comb. Nov 3, 2011. Some additional space considerations are perches and nesting boxes. Keep reading to discover more about this wonderful breed. These large birds need a fair amount of space due to their size. and other members of the flock, Thrive in confinement with minimal Brahma chickens identify with three official color classifications; dark, light, and Buff. However, it fell off the radar commercially soon after while remaining a favorite amongst backyard flocks. Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12x12 nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14x14 box. Chickens have different feet depending on the breed, sex, and age of the chicken. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. It should not leak and should be easy to clean and refill. Compared to the height of fewer than 27.6 inches for standard chickens, this certainly puts the Brahma a head above the rest! Most backyard chicken keepers will place their Brahmas in a sheltered area during harsh weather conditions. Because of their determination, a really broody hen can be given fertilized eggs from another chicken to hatch. The boys will develop a larger comb and wattles and have a more curious nature. Check out some of the special considerations to put in place when keeping Brahma chicken species. These birds are easy to tame and enjoyable to raise, making them the breed you should be raising in your backyard chicken coop. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Brahmas are very calm and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. Technically, these silkie chickens are not adhering to the Standard of Perfection and therefore cannot be entered into competitions.) Brahmas may not be the best choice for the commercial market because of their slow growth rates, large size, and need for consistent care. 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. Brahmas are elegant chickens that move with grace and purpose. In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well. If you are considering having Brahmas among your flock, it would be best to prepare for a mental check of items that might be different from the traditional chicken breeds. As they have feathered feet, scaly leg mite can be a problem too so keep a close eye on those legs and feet. As Brahmas cannot fly too high because of their size and weight, a 3 foot fence should effectively keep them confined to their pen. The relatively slow rate of growth and long time required to reach maturity have caused Brahmas to be passed by as a commercial fowl. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. There are a few different types available so today we Read More . BFE, Nevada. Docile, peaceful, gentle, friendly, and calm. However, being foragers, they prefer free-ranging and larger yards. Only after many years was the Brahma placed into recovery status through the livestock conservancy and recognized as a meat and egg laying chicken. Allow your chicken to free-range and run around regularly. Now you can say it with confidence! The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. If the pets seem not to get along, do not force a relationship. 5. Their plumage is smooth and consists of dense down all over the body. They are soft, gentle, and dont fight back when attacked. 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. 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. Smaller breeds tend to leave them alone, but young Brahmas may be picked on by older hens. A Brahma rooster will stand at 30 inches while a Brahma hen tends to be a few inches shorter. Today, this breed, which is officially recognized by the American Poultry Association, is considered a heritage breed. Don't panic though, it's not long before these huge chickens start laying large brown eggs a few times a week. There are some bantam breeds that have six toes on each foot. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Brahma chickens usual only require attention to parasites such as lice, mites and worms. Cochin Chicken. Its best to provide this space in advance so you dont have to move your chicks. Make sure you inspect the feet of your chickens on a regular basis and remove any mud balls you find. While there are countless benefits of raising Some larger breeds will require even more space. Here are a few questions you might have before making that decision. Brahma hens lay an average of 34 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. If you notice some blood on the foot of your chicken, it is best to look at the quills. Regular inspections can help you spot parasites early on and treat before it becomes an infestation. 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.