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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. They can tolerate warmer climates, but not as well as other species like the Phoenix. When other birds are not laying during the cold temperatures, you can rely on your Brahma hen to continue with egg production. Brahma cockerels are hushed crowers while hens do not loudly cackle while they lay. There is no doubt that they look both tall and stocky. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. Brahma hens can weigh up to 10lbs while roosters weigh between 10lbs and 12lbs. A Brahma hen is particularly broody in the summer, attentively sitting on its eggs most of the time. 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. 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. There are three varieties of large fowl and bantam size classifications of Brahma recognized by the American Poultry Association. Brahma hens typically have a small pea comb, while roosters have a large pea comb set on a wide head. Look out for limping, foot preening, or inflammation and swelling under the foot which could indicate bumblefoot. Many birds with feathered legs and feet experience problems in winter. How much room does a Brahma chicken need? 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. A 16% layers feed will be ideal for most of the year. The Brahma chicken is a multi-purpose chicken breed and a must-have for backyard farmers. Brahma chicks also consume more food than smaller breeds of chicken. Unfortunately, your chicken can exhibit anti-social behaviors like pecking and picking if you put them in less space. Referred to often as the King of All Poultry, this chicken breed would make a fantastic addition to your backyard flock. How Old Are Brahma Chickens When They Start Laying Eggs? 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. The rooster has some feathers on his feet but the hens have none whatsoever. Brahma chickens are called gentle giants because they have a docile nature and a very large size. Thanks. 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! The babies ended up being 1 yellow with darkish yellow skin, 1redish with pink skin, and 1 black with black skin. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. If the pets seem not to get along, do not force a relationship. Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. They are not known for fighting or fussing with other birds. If you decide to raise a Brahma chicken, know that it can be raised for multiple purposes. Landing on a thorn or sharp object when jumping off a roost can cause the debris to penetrate the skin and cause infection. See different Brahma breed colors in the video below. These extra few inches create a bit of maneuvering room. They will reward you with 3-4 medium brown eggs each week. Didn't find what you need? However, any other Brahma color variety might cost you more. 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. 52. Because they have feathers on their toes and shanks, damp or muddy ground can lead to an increased likelihood of infection or frostbite in cold weather. Even the Brahma roosters are peaceful, and not as likely to attack humans or other birds as those from other chicken breeds. Brahmas are stately and elegant in their demeanors. This will prevent the more daring Brahmas from trying to perform high jumps to get down from the box, thereby preventing leg injuries. A large Brahma chicken will take much longer to mature than other chicken breeds. On the other hand, adolescents range between $7$12 and adults $15$25 depending on quality. Other relevant egg-laying details about the Brahma include: Although the weather is colder, Brahmas are one of the best winter-layers, next to their cousins, the Wyandottes and Chantecler. The Livestock Conservancy noted that the Light Brahma is a pound heavier than the Dark Brahma. Since the Brahma chicken breed is slow-growing, it is crucial to provide quality feed to Brahma chicks to ensure their growth. Here are some general commonly shared traits. The Light Brahma was established in the early 1870s; however, its overall size and appearance have undergone several changes since then. Small predators are not usually a match for a fully grown Brahma. 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. Today, this breed, which is officially recognized by the American Poultry Association, is considered a heritage breed. 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. Because of their large size hawk attacks is rare in adults. They can accidentally squish their chicks, especially in a small enclosure. They can easily be contained behind a 2-3 foot high fence. This giant chicken has distinct feather patterns compared to other breeds that were incorporated in its history. As these big birds struggle to fly perches should be fairly low for them to access (12-18 inches tall). Buff Brahma is similar in pattern to that of the light Brahma chickens, but it has a golden brown hue. Paragraph For Amazon Resources for Raising Meat Chickens. They dont need to scratch or free range as often as other breeds, being very laid back. At 1-3 days,girls have uneven pipe cleaner looking wing feathers while boys tend to be straight. Its feather pattern is similar to the Plymouth Rock and Silver Laced Wyandotte or Golden Laced Wyandotte. These varieties are: Dark Brahma is the only variety to have a distinct color pattern between rooster and hen. They are winter hardy birds and lay large light brown color eggs. Heres a list of where you can buy Brahma chickens from: Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. If you are patient enough, the yield will be well worth it. barred varieties of Brahma. In the 1850s, a poultryman from America named George Burnham sent Queen Victoria nine of his best Brahma chickens, contributing to what was known as hen fever. Since then, the Brahma breed was developed for both livestock and ornamental purposes (1). 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. Because of these characteristics, the Brahma chicken breed is one of the most expensive chicken breeds in the world. Brahma fowls are large birds that require a sizeable cage or enclosure than the average chicken. These can still be found today, but remain less popular than the light and dark varieties. 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. 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. They are also trusting, love attention, being handled, and can grow quite attached to their owners. They were first imported to the US in the 1840s and developed over the next few years. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. 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. You dont want those beautiful back feathers rubbing against the roof. 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. Brahma chickens identify with three official color classifications; dark, light, and Buff. We publish weekly guides and articles written by experienced chicken enthusiasts! We determine the egg laying abilities of the Brahma chicken and whether this large bird is the best choice for your backyard flock. There are few breeds with a history as rich as the Brahma. Brahma hens rarely become broody, but this depends on the individual hen, as it does with all breeds of chickens. The Brahma is a big bird! Although Brahma chickens were initially met with excitement, their slow growth rates led to their downfall. This is a breed that thrives when roaming so try to let them free range they will enjoy the freedom and variety. While a generally healthy bird, lets look at some of the most common conditions that affect Brahmas. Egg Production Though Brahma chickens were primarily bred for meat, they do have fair egg production. Owing to the weight of these large chickens, they can easily suffer from bumblefoot. Being a cost-saving option is a bonus if you have land space for it. But all of them have 4 toes. Heres an in-depth look at these fowls to help you make an informed decision before adding some to your flock. Mostly, the light, Buff, and dark chicks cost $3$5 or more if they are show birds. These hefty birds are also known to attack snakes and keep them away from more vulnerable birds. Keep reading to find out what its like to actually own a Brahma. On the other hand, buff Brahmas have a similar coloration to the light Brahma but with brown feathers. Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. The chicks require a brooder box with fresh water, bedding, and chick feed. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Brahmas are hardy and least susceptible to cold climates and frostbite because of their large mass, dense-feathering, and small pea comb. These birds usually start laying at around six or seven months of age. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. Remember, Brahmas are large birds with unique feeding requirements. You can build fencing around their enclosure, but it should be high to prevent predators from entering. Can take 7 months before they start laying. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Caused by their excessive foot feathering, these mud balls can cause the loss of nails or tips of toes. I like to spend my time writing and teaching skills for homesteading and self sufficient living. Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. This is especially true if your Brahma hen is large or if she comes into egg-laying age during the winter. My Brahmas will pace at the chicken coop door every afternoon to be let out for their midday rendezvous! Technically, these silkie chickens are not adhering to the Standard of Perfection and therefore cannot be entered into competitions.) These chickens are also great with children, and most birds wont mind a kind and gentle cuddle every now and then. Although Braham chicken varieties are affordable, they may need extensive habitats due to their sizes and more food budget because they take too long to mature. United States breeders refined Brahma during the height of the hen fever, making the Brahma chicken breed that we know today (2). If your space permits, you should raise them as free-range chickens. The Brahma chicken was a prevalent breed in the 1930s for many reasons. The Dark Brahma variety was developed during the same time as the Light Brahma. Write us at info(at)knowyourchickens.com with any questions or concerns! The Brahma chicken the gentle giant of your chicken coop. However, Brahmas are still ideal egg layers and meat producers on a small scale. Buying the best you can afford Read More , Automatic chicken feeders sound wonderful. Otherwise, the hatching procedures and advice for raising these birds is the same as with other breeds. Along with the size of the nest box, you should provide Brahma hens a secure chicken coop that is well-ventilated. 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. So, they cant scale low fences, and they wont fly away if theres no fence. The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. Light Brahmas are usually white-feathered with a grayish hint. As an added bonus, their egg production rarely slows during the winter months, making them a good choice if you want to maintain a steady supply of eggs when the temperature drops. Its vital to consider your budget before purchasing the Brahma chicken breeds, especially the cost of feeding and shelter needs. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. It doesn't actually touch the ground or serve any functional purpose. 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. For their neck, chest, and back, the features are mostly silver with black centers. Their feathering extends down the legs and covers the two outer toes with feathers. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. 6.5 lbs (2.9 kg) It is better if you free range them as this will occupy their time and reduce your feed bill. FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed. Brahmas stay the healthiest when they are raised in a damp, cool climate. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. Great timing since other breeds will be just starting to lay. Instead, keep the Brahma chickens away from bullies. Retrieved from: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/brahma, About the Brahma. The roosters of this variety will have black stripes on their saddle feathers. A single chicken is a "Marans" and two chickens are "Marans.". Brahma chicken heads are small for their size, having a pea comb, which is more prominent in cocks, and small red wattles. The American poultry standard for the Brahma chicken includes the Light, Dark, and Buff Brahmas. If you are hatching your own chickens from an incubator, know that these large fowl can take a bit longer to hatch (a few hours, in most cases). Most backyard chicken keepers will place their Brahmas in a sheltered area during harsh weather conditions. I absolutely love all of my chickens now and I dont think Ill ever be able to live without them now. Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. The breed is easy to contain, not being able to fly low fences very easily. Though the Brahma chicken is a giant breed, they are not the noisiest birds. BFE, Nevada. We do not specifically market to children under 13. These chickens grow slowly, which is why they are often overlooked as a potential backyard chicken species. The Giant, the King, the Brahma. They can start laying eggs from October to May. It takes 7 months on average for Brahma pullets to begin laying eggs. The Brahma chicken was one of the ultimate table birds until the rise of industrial birds in the 1930s. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. The origin of Brahma is debatable like with other heritage breeds. But T.B Miner, author of the Northern Farmer, coined the name Brahma.. Because they are such a good winter layer, they could be a prolific addition to the backyard flock! For this reason, ensure that you offer your flocks lots of other feeds. Whilst they will tolerate confinement they prefer roaming around. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. What chicken has 6 toes? 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. It's spelled "Marans," but it's pronounced, "Muh-ran.". 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. The hens have a more uniform, feather structure, still quite triangular but wider than a Brahma rooster. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. Now she grows food in her backyard and shares what she learns from Eco Peanut with others. Is that not considered a silkie? You can easily clean frost and mud balls from their feet with warm water. 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. 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 this is true, they wont be able to hold their own against a group of ostriches any time soon! The plumage consists of feathers that should be tightly held together making them dense but fluffy. The ideal waterer will keep the water clean and fresh. One full-grown bird can feed a big family! Brahmas are elegant chickens that move with grace and purpose. 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. These birds are jumbo-sized, meaning they eat a lot, too. Anyone have insight on this? 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. If you make the perches too high you run the risk of a leg or foot injury when they come down from the roost. 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 particularly enjoy grass and soft sand patches, since that kind of terrain wont irritate their feathered feet as they scratch for grubs and grit. They arent early layers, but can instead take up to twelve months to begin laying. Use the search! They'll start by laying smaller 'pullet' eggs. They have whats known as a beetle brow, meaning their forehead extends slightly over their eyes. Because these chickens have such a tall stance, that creates a wider and fuller-bodied appearance compared to other breeds. 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. 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.