Do you want large, friendly, affectionate, and relatively inexpensive chickens for your backyard? The hens will lay the usual brownish colored eggs, though are not known to be overly productive when compared to other breeds. Brahma cockerels are hushed crowers while hens do not loudly cackle while they lay. 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. Ideally, you should only butcher Brahmas when they reach their market weight of at least 8lbs. Paragraph For Amazon Resources for Raising Meat Chickens. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. 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. You should also allow your chickens to free range, because Brahmas love to forage or relax under shady trees and shrubs in summer. Fact #1: Silkie chickens have extra toes (Though the breed standard is 5 toes, some have an additional toe for a total of 6. Brahma chickens do well in both enclosed and free-range spaces. 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. Cover the box with a screen to eliminate the likelihood of drafts (and other pets!) Being a cost-saving option is a bonus if you have land space for it. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Brahma Chicken Variants. They stand upright and seem to form a V when they are standing. 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. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. The ideal waterer will keep the water clean and fresh. Most breeders suggest that this is due to its pea comb as well as its tight feathering and extensive down. There is substantial controversy over the exact origins of the Brahma chicken, but it is widely accepted that these birds were bred in the United States from large birds with heavily feathered legs. Hawks will seldom try to prey on a mature hen or rooster. The Light Brahma was established in the early 1870s; however, its overall size and appearance have undergone several changes since then. Is that not considered a silkie? Don't panic though, it's not long before these huge chickens start laying large brown eggs a few times a week. Keep an eye on the baby chicks when they first hatch. this pursuit. These Shanghai birds were probably bred with Grey Chittagong birds of Malay origins, which gave the Brahma distinctive pea comb and head shapes. The babies ended up being 1 yellow with darkish yellow skin, 1redish with pink skin, and 1 black with black skin. What, Chickens are wonderful animals to own, even if you dont count their many advantages, including fresh eggs and, Whether you are new to chicken keeping or youve had a run-in with a predator, the best way, Fluffy, speckled, bearded, and feather legged, you can find bantam chickens in every variety and because of their, If you could imagine a chicken with a mustache, and not just any mustache but one of imperialism,, While it may be either the prettiest or the strangest looking chicken youve ever seen, the Polish chicken, What Do Chicks Eat? By the next season, she was laying large eggs with incredibly tough shells. The American poultry standard for the Brahma chicken includes the Light, Dark, and Buff Brahmas. The hens lay their first egg at 67 months, unlike other breeds that start at 45 months. There are a few different types available so today we Read More . You can also purchase a light, dark, or buff Brahma from a specialty breeder. Most Brahma chickens live 5 to 8 years, however, its not uncommon for them to reach 10 or even 12 years with proper care. Whether you have kept chickens for years, or are just starting out on your chicken journey. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. Due to their enormous size roosters of 18lb were not unknown. See different Brahma breed colors in the video below. Your feed conversion ratios will not be as profitable, as they are so slow to mature, and it may be difficult to find space for them in the chicken run and coop. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. How big do faverolles get? This was not a poultry disease, but rather a craze among chicken breeders who just had to have a Brahma at the time! In a mixed flock, smaller breeds can bully Brahma chickens. But all of them have 4 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. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. Interestingly enough, lighter ear lobes usually mean lighter eggs! 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. It is best to keep newly hatched chicks in an incubator safe from their moms feet and weight. Even the Brahma roosters are peaceful, and not as likely to attack humans or other birds as those from other chicken breeds. Be sure to research each breed before considering buying them. 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). Allow your chicken to free-range and run around regularly. If youre considering a walk-in coop, Ive reviewed some of the best on the market here. 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. Related: 18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard. The Livestock Conservancy noted that the Light Brahma is a pound heavier than the Dark Brahma. Lets take a closer look at the origins of these big birds and how to identify Brahma chickens according to their breed standard. 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. They became the primary meat chicken of the US from the 1840s until the 1930s. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. What chicken has 6 toes? It was later shortened to Brahma. Brahmas are elegant chickens that move with grace and purpose. Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. These birds dont hold up well to heavy mud, because their feathers are so dense. A rooster has pure black feathers on its tail, underside, legs, and feet. Brahmas can also develop small mud balls between their toes that may cause damage to the foot. With consistent egg production in winter and the ability to adapt to confinement, you should definitely consider this chicken breed for your flock. This is especially true if your Brahma hen is large or if she comes into egg-laying age during the winter. Most chickens dont usually lay during the shorter days of the year unless you provide supplementary light. 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. Moreover, roosters can be up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall and as heavy as 12 pounds (5.4 kg). Brahma chicks have pea combs but there is a significant difference between the color varieties. While their origins date as far back as the 1800s, today these beautiful birds have become a popular addition to the backyard flock. Of the Brahma Chicken colors, this variety was the last to be recognized for show. However, Brahma chicken species grow slowly and can take up to 18 months to realize full maturity. Their plumage is smooth and consists of dense down all over the body. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. When my Brahma hen laid her first egg, I was surprised at the smaller size compared to my other layers. Cocks are larger in size than the hens. 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. Brahma Chicken. They are winter hardy birds and lay large light brown color eggs. This is meant to protect the feathers on their legs and feet from being damaged or soaked which can lead to health problems. 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! Bantams can be a bit difficult to find but there are sources out there! The Brahma is a large bird with a long, deep, and broad body. It needs a lot of space to move in, and being tall, they also need more ceiling and door height for their enclosures. A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. The Buff Brahma is similar to the light Brahma but has a golden buff base color instead of one that is white. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. On the other hand, adolescents range between $7$12 and adults $15$25 depending on quality. You can also introduce chicks to an 18% protein chicken starter. These large birds need a fair amount of space due to their size. The buff Brahma was accepted in 1924. While not "normal," the extra toe certainly is cute! 20 Best Egg Laying Chickens (Illustrated Guide), When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? Mature Brahma hens can lay an average of 3 - 5 eggs a week and about 160 eggs a year. Other than Brahmas, some chicken breeds with feathered feet are Booted Bantams, Cochins, Faverolles, and Silkies. This low. For example, most chickens raised for meat will only grow two toes whereas laying hens tend to develop four or five toes per foot. There is a lot of information available. Heres an overview of this chicken breeds qualities to help you decide if theyre a good fit for you. They are not known for fighting or fussing with other birds. Also, apply cornstarch or styptic powder to treat your bleeding chickens feet after the feet feathers pull off, snag or get stuck on surfaces. 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. For this reason, youll have to cover their run and ensure it keeps them safe from severe weather changes. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. Brahma Chicken Temperament? It's spelled "Marans," but it's pronounced, "Muh-ran.". Dark Brahma roosters have striking . The American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection featured the light and dark varieties in its first publication in 1874 and the Buff Variety later in 1942. Their history is fraught with controversy, and as with many heritage breeds, the exact genetic makeup of this bird is unknown. The Brahma is a big bird! Brahmas are one of the most laid back breeds there is. Brahmas are hardy and least susceptible to cold climates and frostbite because of their large mass, dense-feathering, and small pea comb. They are a heavy bird which means they do not fly well (if at all). This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. Try to keep the birds out of the mud and be sure to keep the pens as clean as possible. As Brahmas cannot fly too high because of their size and weight, a 3 foot fence should effectively keep them confined to their pen. Buying the best you can afford Read More , Automatic chicken feeders sound wonderful. 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. Get More Info These birds are so large that they often accidentally trample their own eggs or baby chicks once they hatch. Technically, these silkie chickens are not adhering to the Standard of Perfection and therefore cannot be entered into competitions.) KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their large size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. 33. 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. Written by Amy Fewell with a foreword by Joel Salatin, this book teaches you how to hatch your own chicks, prevent and treat common chicken ailments, start a poultry business, cook delicious recipes with your fresh eggs, and much more. They will tolerate confinement as long as they have enough room in the pen. For the most part Brahmas are not known for broodiness. How many toes do dogs have? Because of these characteristics, the Brahma chicken breed is one of the most expensive chicken breeds in the world. However, the body, wings, and breasts are grey with black patterns. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. Light Brahma roosters have a prominent black collar of feathers below the black and white neck feathers. Brahmas have a large head with a slightly overhanging brow which gives the bird a mean look. Brahmas occasionally develop mud balls or fecal balls on their toes. chickensandyou.com is reader-supported. This giant chicken has distinct feather patterns compared to other breeds that were incorporated in its history. They have pea comb and they can adopt themselves with all types of climates. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. My 6 month old Brahma rooster is already towering over my mature Orpingtons and Australorps, they are certainly the giants of the chicken world! Whilst their head and brow gives them a fearsome look, nothing could be further from the truth. However, being foragers, they prefer free-ranging and larger yards. A Brahma rooster will stand at 30 inches while a Brahma hen tends to be a few inches shorter. Because of their incredibly friendly temperament and ability to tolerate confinement. A large Brahma chicken will take much longer to mature than other chicken breeds. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. 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. Look out for limping, foot preening, or inflammation and swelling under the foot which could indicate bumblefoot. For their neck, chest, and back, the features are mostly silver with black centers. 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. 4. In recent years the upsurge in backyard chicken keeping has seen the popularity of this old favorite rise again. This makes them ideal for an urban setting as long as they have enough space to roam. Information provided is general purpose only and not meant to replace professional and medical advice. 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. Keep the Brahmas surroundings dry, particularly in the winter, when frostbite can be a serious concern. Also, Brahma chickens have the pea type comb and are not prone to overheating, despite the extra feathering and larger size. Since rationing their feeds can be challenging since they are heavy feeders, it would be best to free-feed them to reduce your feeding bill. Here are a few questions you might have before making that decision. Chickens And More is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. Light Brahma hens dont have as much black feathering apart from the tail. 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). Brahma hens can weigh up to 10lbs while roosters weigh between 10lbs and 12lbs. The hens lay their first egg at 6-7 months, unlike other breeds that start at 4-5 months. Nov 3, 2011. Even so, they are big softies at heart. If the pets seem not to get along, do not force a relationship. Brahmas can produce about 140 eggs per year. However, keep an eye on the eggs once they hatch. These birds have feathers on their toes and shanks as well as gorgeous pea combs. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. If you make the perches too high you run the risk of a leg or foot injury when they come down from the roost. They should be provided a 14x14 nest box, slightly bigger than standard nest boxes. But between free-ranging and medicated feed, what do chicks eat? Brahmas are good foragers and will like to spend the majority of their day roaming. Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12x12 nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14x14 box. Regular inspections can help you spot parasites early on and treat before it becomes an infestation. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. The American Poultry Associations American Standard of Perfection initially accepted the Light and Dark color varieties in 1874. Dark Brahma hens are easily identified by their white laced feather pattern across a darker gray body, breast, and wings.