When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Bantam Brahmas are much smaller with the males weighing about 38oz and hens weighing slightly less at 34 oz. Also, Brahma chickens have the pea type comb and are not prone to overheating, despite the extra feathering and larger size. How Old Are Brahma Chickens When They Start Laying Eggs? Do Brahma Chicken Get Along with Other Pets? It's spelled "Marans," but it's pronounced, "Muh-ran.". There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. The plumage of Brahma chicken should be held more tightly. A Brahma hen can take 2 years to finish growing while roosters can take up to 3 years before reaching full maturity! 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. Heritage Chicken Breeds: The Ultimate List of Heritage Chickens Buff Brahma is similar in pattern to that of the light Brahma chickens, but it has a golden brown hue. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. When feet are soaked or muddy, they can become frostbitten when temperatures drop. This was not a poultry disease, but rather a craze among chicken breeders who just had to have a Brahma at the time! Although the Brahma chicken is an excellent dual-purpose breed, they are slow-growing and slow-maturing chickens. Walk-in chicken coops offer your chickens an off the ground coop, external nesting boxes and high roosts. Make sure you inspect the feet of your chickens on a regular basis and remove any mud balls you find. We recommend 5-6 square foot for each chicken in the coop. Brahma Chickens | Your Complete Guide - Audrey's Little Farm However, feeding them shouldnt end when free-ranging because they cant forage enough to sustain them. These chickens grow slowly, which is why they are often overlooked as a potential backyard chicken species. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. Formally known as the Shanghai Chicken, the Cochin breed was created in China and imported to the US in the 1800s. For this reason, ensure that you offer your flocks lots of other feeds. 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. This unusual-looking chicken is exceptional hardy, making it resilient in both the summer and winter months. Overall they are robust and healthy birds. About 6 weeks ago I purchased 6 buff Brahma hens and a rooster, along with a few others. Cochin Chicken. These varieties are: Dark Brahma is the only variety to have a distinct color pattern between rooster and hen. Information provided is general purpose only and not meant to replace professional and medical advice. They can accidentally squish their chicks, especially in a small enclosure. The black and whites colors are considered rare. There were several different names for the breed and at a meeting of poultry judges in Massachusetts in 1852, the name Brahmaputra was chosen. feathered legs and feet, and fifth toe. 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. It was later shortened to Brahma. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. Egg Production Though Brahma chickens were primarily bred for meat, they do have fair egg production. Small predators are not usually a match for a fully grown Brahma. Although Brahma chickens were initially met with excitement, their slow growth rates led to their downfall. Complete Buff Brahma Guide: What You Need To Know Brahma chickens have three features that set them apart from most other breeds: They are gigantic with males reaching about 12 lbs They have fully feathered legs and feet that look like pants They are incredibly gentle and sweet-natured The hens lay their first egg at 67 months, unlike other breeds that start at 45 months. Australian Poultry Association recognizes partridge, blue, black, crele, and Since the mothers are so large it is wise to keep an eye on the hatchlings so they do not get trampled by Mom. KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. With their size of more than 8 to 10 lbs, these chickens will tower above the average chickens in the coop! 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. They will need slightly more protein when they start to molt. Remember, Brahmas are large birds. While they arent largely accepted in the United States, the Retrieved from: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/brahma, About the Brahma. They can live in confinement with other types of chickens, however, having very docile, calm personalities. Just got my first group of 51 Rooster and 4 egg laying Hens. So, they cant scale low fences, and they wont fly away if theres no fence. Shanghais were from China and Chittagongs from eastern India (now Bangladesh). Simply apply cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Can take 7 months before they start laying. Ready to purchase a flock of these chickens? Even if they take confinement quite well, light Brahma and even other heritage breeds shouldnt live in a small chicken coop. However, it can take up to 12 months for the hen to start laying, particularly if she's a larger hen, or if she matures during the winter months. The Giant, the King, the Brahma. Brahmas are quiet birds and rarely make a lot of noise. The original Brahma chicken colors included the Dark and Light Brahma up until the 1950s. Being a cost-saving option is a bonus if you have land space for it. And the "s" is silent. These birds dont hold up well to heavy mud, because their feathers are so dense. Although Brahmas can withstand harsh winter, their feathers can be problematic in this season. You may have to wait a few months before you can determine the average size, color, and weight per egg. Im fairly new to the chicken kingdom, just started about 2 years ago so Im still learning. It would be best to pair it with another Brahma chicken to prevent it from loneliness and excessive harassment. These giants are great backyard chickens because they are relatively easy to care for and are friendly. But "The King of All Poultry" breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. Brahmas can produce about 140 eggs per year. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. It is best to keep newly hatched chicks in an incubator safe from their moms feet and weight. We do not specifically market to children under 13. George Burnham, an American breeder, exported the Gray Shanghaes to England in 1852 as a gift to Queen Victoria before the English breeders began developing the first dark Brahma strain. If you make the perches too high you run the risk of a leg or foot injury when they come down from the roost. These hefty birds are also known to attack snakes and keep them away from more vulnerable birds. Brahma chickens are one of the largest chicken breeds. There is no doubt that they look both tall and stocky. We publish weekly guides and articles written by experienced chicken enthusiasts! 52. Landing on a thorn or sharp object when jumping off a roost can cause the debris to penetrate the skin and cause infection. At 1-3 days,girls have uneven pipe cleaner looking wing feathers while boys tend to be straight. For example, most chickens raised for meat will only grow two toes whereas laying hens tend to develop four or five toes per foot. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. Parasite infestation is common in hens and roosters too. 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. This is rare, as the meat of most broiler birds will decline in quality when the birds are about eight or nine months old. Keep reading to find out what its like to actually own a Brahma. They are calm in temperament and enjoy being handled, just like the Ayam Cemani chicken breed, making them a wonderful pet for children. I absolutely love all of my chickens now and I dont think Ill ever be able to live without them now. This quality adds to making them good company in a populated neighborhood. If you notice some blood on the foot of your chicken, it is best to look at the quills. Most Brahma chickens live 5 to 8 years, however, its not uncommon for them to reach 10 or even 12 years with proper care. Moreover, roosters can be up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall and as heavy as 12 pounds (5.4 kg). Both are considered egg and meat birds. 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. These birds are good-natured, gentle, and happy around kids. Retrieved from: https://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/poultry/chickens/brahma, 18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard, most expensive chicken breeds in the world, Large fowl: 4.5-5.4kgs (9.9-12lbs); bantam: 900g (32oz), Relatively low maintenance; feather care required, 8-10 weeks (broilers); 8 months (roasters). 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. Tana grew up around island farms and pine forests. Another common problem with feathered leg birds is the accumulation of either mud or poop on the toes. These birds are easy to tame and enjoyable to raise, making them the breed you should be raising in your backyard chicken coop. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Brahmas have a large head with a slightly overhanging brow which gives the bird a mean look. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. Be sure to research each breed before considering buying them. It was after that that the re-exportation of the chicken variety to America began. Because of their incredibly friendly temperament and ability to tolerate confinement. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. Brahmas are elegant chickens that move with grace and purpose. this pursuit. Brahmas are stately and elegant in their demeanors. As they have feathered feet, scaly leg mite can be a problem too so keep a close eye on those legs and feet. This is especially true if your Brahma hen is large or if she comes into egg-laying age during the winter. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week. My Brahmas will pace at the chicken coop door every afternoon to be let out for their midday rendezvous! This is largely due to the breeds massive size and complacency in being housed in confinement. Expect a long, deep and wide body with powerful wings. They are winter hardy birds and lay large light brown color eggs. They became the primary meat chicken of the US from the 1840s until the 1930s. Dark, Buff, light, white, gold, blue partridge, 30 inches tall with males weighing 12 pounds, females weighing 10 pounds, 16% proteins and layer feeds for layers, 18% proteins and chick feeds for hatchlings, supplements like calcium, omega 3, insects, worms, and crickets. If you are patient enough, the yield will be well worth it. However, if you must keep the Brahmas together with other pets, it would help if you trained and prepared the other pets beforehand. They can be difficult to sex. five to six square feet. Brahma hens can weigh up to 10lbs while roosters weigh between 10lbs and 12lbs. Didn't find what you need? They are a good breed for those wanting to raise their own eggs and meat birds since they can supply both in great quantities. Yes, this breed is cold hardy and will usually lay eggs in the winter. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. They can start laying eggs from October to May. Brahma hens rarely become broody, but this depends on the individual hen, as it does with all breeds of chickens. You can easily clean frost and mud balls from their feet with warm water. Brahma Hen Egg Production While many people raise Brahmas for meat, they're decent egg producers as well. Most breeders suggest that this is due to its pea comb as well as its tight feathering and extensive down. This was followed by White, Buff, Partridge, Black, and Blue and Gold Partridge. How Much Does A Brahma Chicken Weigh - Justagric It is also vital to check for lice, fleas, mites, and other parasites that could harbor your chickens thick plumage. Brahma chickens do well in both enclosed and free-range spaces. Brahma chickens are a large feather-footed breed with a pea comb. 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. 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. Brahmas are one of the most laid back breeds there is. Only after many years was the Brahma placed into recovery status through the livestock conservancy and recognized as a meat and egg laying chicken. Smaller breeds tend to leave them alone, but young Brahmas may be picked on by older hens. Although most people argue about its exact origin, some sources suggest that it developed in America after crossbreeding the Shanghai birds from China with the Malaysian birds known as Gray Chittagong chicken. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. They also get along with kids, making them one of the ideal breeds to make as pets. Her love for nature lead to her degree in Biology and mission to lessen her environmental impact. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. Thank you. The Dark Brahma variety was developed during the same time as the Light Brahma. Brahma chickens were developed for northern climates and are arguably the least susceptible breed to cold and exposure. 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. Despite their robust wings, these strains are not capable of flying. Sometimes a Brahma will break a quill on their foot or leg, which can bleed quite a lot. Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their large size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! If you decide to raise a Brahma chicken, know that it can be raised for multiple purposes. Keep an eye on the baby chicks when they first hatch. In America, there are three versions of the Brahma recognized: Brahma chickens identify with three official color classifications; dark, light, and Buff. The hens lay their first egg at 6-7 months, unlike other breeds that start at 4-5 months. 20 Best Egg Laying Chickens (Illustrated Guide), When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? They also have a pea comb with a short but powerful beak. It was then 50 years later when Buff Brahmas were recognized. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. However, you can find these birds in a lot more colors, including White, Blue, Black, Partridge, and Barred. Brahma cockerels are hushed crowers while hens do not loudly cackle while they lay. Their welcoming temperament and the fact that they are big and cant fly makes them easy to contain. This makes them ideal for an urban setting as long as they have enough space to roam. In America, we pronounce the "ran" as in "I ran away." (The French have a more elegant pronunciation, as with most words). The Brahma is a large bird although most of their bulk is feathers. Cocks are larger in size than the hens. . They are also prolific layers, giving you between 150 and 300 eggs per year or four to six eggs each week. Their legs and feet are feathered and each foot should have four toes. They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a 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. Keeping them in a small and confined coop can restrict their movement, making them uncomfortable and stressed. To raise a happy chicken, allow your Brahma to free range and they will reward you with many pleasant clucks, beautiful eggs, and above-and-beyond friendliness! She is docile and friendly towards people not quite a lap bird but certainly not averse to begging for treats. The reason is, these breeds are more prone to bumblefoot than other species because of their heavy sizes. These birds are so large that they often accidentally trample their own eggs or baby chicks once they hatch. 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. Allow your chicken to free-range and run around regularly. Originally, there were dozens of different names and strains of this bird, leading to the formation of the Brahmapootra breed in 1852. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. On average, these birds will reach about 12 pounds for roosters and 10 pounds for hens. There is nothing better than collecting your own eggs from free ranging chickens! You can expect the brown egg size to be medium to large. Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. The Livestock Conservancy noted that the Light Brahma is a pound heavier than the Dark Brahma. Here are a few questions you might have before making that decision. The Brahma chicken was a prevalent breed in the 1930s for many reasons. It is better if you free range them as this will occupy their time and reduce your feed bill. While there are countless benefits of raising Although males tend to be taller than females, both genders have strong feet and even stronger posture. Unlike Plymouth Rock, this chicken breed with feathered legs is not aggressive towards humans and other chickens. Having a proper shelter is crucial too if you want Brahma chickens to live longer. Those that do go broody will set very determinedly on their eggs until hatching. 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. 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 can then reduce the temperatures every week by five degrees Fahrenheit until the chicks are old enough to be independent. Silkie mix chicks with 4 toes - BackYard Chickens Their incredibly calm dispositions make them a fabulously friendly addition to the flock. They are also trusting, love attention, being handled, and can grow quite attached to their owners. and other members of the flock, Thrive in confinement with minimal The Brahma is a large bird with a long, deep, and broad body. Hawks will seldom try to prey on a mature hen or rooster. You can also introduce chicks to an 18% protein chicken starter. Brahmas are hardy and least susceptible to cold climates and frostbite because of their large mass, dense-feathering, and small pea comb. Brahma chickens have become a firm favorite among poultry fanciers over the last 50 years. Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. We determine the egg laying abilities of the Brahma chicken and whether this large bird is the best choice for your backyard flock. Do Chickens Have 4 Or 5 Toes? - Stellina Marfa As Brahmas cannot fly too high because of their size and weight, a 3 foot fence should effectively keep them confined to their pen. There is so much love and joy underneath all those feathers. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. Buff Brahmas are a color variation of the regular Brahma and they are certainly eye-catching. 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. 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 Dark Brahma will also have white-shouldered wings and primary feathers that are edged with white. The roosters of this variety will have black stripes on their saddle feathers. Brahma chicken species have a stocky build and require plenty of calories, water, and lots of feeds to sustain their large appetites and health. 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. 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. The Brahma chicken could be one of the most impressive additions to the backyard flock. 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. Brahma chickens, there are a few factors to consider that may dissuade you from But between free-ranging and medicated feed, what do chicks eat? A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. No, there are actually some breeds of chicken that have 5 toes. 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. But while they may seem like the perfect all-around breed, dont start adding them to your backyard just yet. Brahmas stay the healthiest when they are raised in a damp, cool climate. Because of their size not too much intimidates them. Are Brahmas the right birds for you? Dark Brahma roosters have striking . Along with the size of the nest box, you should provide Brahma hens a secure chicken coop that is well-ventilated. The Brahma chicken the gentle giant of your chicken coop. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. Just make sure you keep them well fed and you will have a happy chicken. These large birds need a fair amount of space due to their size. This chicken species is renowned for their heavy, deep, tight plumage and a thick coat that makes them hardy poultry. 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. Both the light and dark colors were accepted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. Dark Brahma hens are easily identified by their white laced feather pattern across a darker gray body, breast, and wings. While it can easily overheat in the hot summer weather, you can avoid this by providing your Brahma chicken with plenty of shade and water during the warmer months. Brahmas can also develop small mud balls between their toes that may cause damage to the foot. How do i now what is a hen and what is rooster. Compared to the height of fewer than 27.6 inches for standard chickens, this certainly puts the Brahma a head above the rest! Brahmas flock is also docile, peaceful, and has low noise levels making them an excellent fit for urban dwellers and beginners. They will lay right through the winter and slow down as spring starts to arrive. 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. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. Unfortunately, your chicken can exhibit anti-social behaviors like pecking and picking if you put them in less space. What chicken has 6 toes? Thanks. The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well. In bantam size you can find these chickens in dark, light, buff, black and white. While this is true, they wont be able to hold their own against a group of ostriches any time soon! The ideal waterer will keep the water clean and fresh. 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 are easy-going and much less likely to start picking on new chickens that are introduced to the flock. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. About Brahma Chickens: Giant Chickens With Feathered Boots - MorningChores Brahma chickens are slower to mature and lay eggs later than most backyard breeds. You can also purchase a light, dark, or buff Brahma from a specialty breeder. Because of their determination, a really broody hen can be given fertilized eggs from another chicken to hatch. United States breeders refined Brahma during the height of the hen fever, making the Brahma chicken breed that we know today (2). However, Brahma chicken species grow slowly and can take up to 18 months to realize full maturity. Brahma chickens have more dense and profuse feathers, unlike their cousin, the Cochin. If the pets seem not to get along, do not force a relationship. The Brahma chicken is distinguished by a pea comb, feathered legs and feet, and a yellow skin. These chickens are quite large, but there is a misconception that they are enormous compared to other birds in a flock. Brahma chickens are called gentle giants because they have a docile nature and a very large size. Here are some general commonly shared traits. FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed. 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. Typically Brahmas start laying eggs when they're 6 or 7 months old. Brahma chickens are fair egg layers for their large size. 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. It also stands tall, up to 30 inches, a size that can be intimidating at first. A single Brahma hen or rooster should have at least 5 to 6 square feet of space per bird inside the chicken coop. As a meat bird, the Brahma is beyond comparison. Heres an in-depth look at these fowls to help you make an informed decision before adding some to your flock. Aside from their tall stature, there are more things you should know about brahmas. The Buff Brahma is similar to the light Brahma but has a golden buff base color instead of one that is white. They dont tend to wander far but are relatively good foragers. But T.B Miner, author of the Northern Farmer, coined the name Brahma.. When my Brahma hen laid her first egg, I was surprised at the smaller size compared to my other layers. The hens will lay the usual brownish colored eggs, though are not known to be overly productive when compared to other breeds. 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. Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. The named Brahma refers to the Hindu God of Creation, but its unclear why this breed received such an important name. How Much Space Do Brahma Chickens Need? - Sweetish Hill 5. Brahma Chickens: What To Know Before You Buy! - Pampered Chicken Mama Remember, these birds get to be heavier than average chickens, so the box should be well built to support their weight. But, researchers believe that the Brahma breed was developed in the United States from very large fowls or birds imported from Shanghai. Do you have enough space to accommodate the king of chickens? Referred to often as the King of All Poultry, this chicken breed would make a fantastic addition to your backyard flock. 8 Best Breeds of Chickens With Feathered Feet [+ Photos!] The average Brahma chicken can grow to be 18 inches (45 cm) tall and can weigh up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). Also, supplement the feeds with insects, mealworms such as Happy Hen Treats, crickets, omega-3, and feeds rich in calcium such as FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed.