On the other hand, buff Brahmas have a similar coloration to the light Brahma but with brown feathers. Brahmas start laying eggs at about 25-28 weeks of age which is longer than most breeds, but once they do they'll lay large brown eggs. 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. Check out some of the special considerations to put in place when keeping Brahma chicken species. At the time, no other chicken looked anything like the Cochin. Owners should understand that these fowls are great foragers and are happier chasing bugs and worms in the yard. 6.5 lbs (2.9 kg) No, there are actually some breeds of chicken that have 5 toes. Do Brahma Chicken Get Along with Other Pets? BFE, Nevada. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. There is a lot of information available. Also, Brahma chickens have the pea type comb and are not prone to overheating, despite the extra feathering and larger size. Brahma chickens are fair egg layers for their large size. But The King of All Poultry breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. They are not skittish, and dont mind being handled by the chicken keeper. Because of their determination, a really broody hen can be given fertilized eggs from another chicken to hatch. Similar to the perches nesting boxes should be low to the ground. 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 can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. The exact number of eggs will vary, of course, depending on the individual, but you can increase the egg laying ability of your flock of Brahmas by providing them with secure homes and nesting boxes as well as quality layer feed with at least 16 percent protein and plenty of calcium. 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. How do i now what is a hen and what is rooster. The Brahma is a large bird with a long, deep, and broad body. They also stand confinement extremely well having calm and docile personalities. For the most part Brahmas are not known for broodiness. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. Related: 18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard. Although the Brahma chicken is an excellent dual-purpose breed, they are slow-growing and slow-maturing chickens. Females are a creamy white and . Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week. Make sure to get a breathable mesh harness for when you want to take them on walks. Yet, they are one of the largest chicken breeds. Brahmas are one of the most laid back breeds there is. Brahmas will tolerate confinement since they are less active than Mediterranean breeds, but they absolutely shine when allowed to free range. 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. On average, a Brahma chicken will lay about 150 to 200 eggs per year. Brahmas are not so common because they are slow growers. Today's bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. While not "normal," the extra toe certainly is cute! Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. The breed standard required by poultry judges includes sharp gray penciling along the hackles, and black penciling across the rest of the body. Shanghais were from China and Chittagongs from eastern India (now Bangladesh). In the winter these balls can freeze causing frostbite and in severe cases the loss of toes. The Brahma was originally categorized among industrial birds for its large size and meat bird qualities, but today, this majestic large bird is a must-have for the backyard coop. 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. 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 Dark Brahma variety was developed during the same time as the Light Brahma. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. Lets look at how to best meet the basic needs of Brahmas when raised in a backyard flock. Thanks. Some larger breeds will require even more space. But "The King of All Poultry" breed also in bantam size, weighing only about 2 pounds. Before you decide to bring a Brahma chicken into your coop, think about the space you have to accommodate their growing needs. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The origin of the Brahma dates as far back as the mid-1800s. Light Brahma hens dont have as much black feathering apart from the tail. Its appealing outlook and demeanor places it among the best backyard chicken pets for any family. 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. The first thing to do when rearing these species is to accord them plenty of protection from predators. The Buffs brown hint makes it popular among farmers. 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. Otherwise, the hatching procedures and advice for raising these birds is the same as with other breeds. Sometimes a Brahma will break a quill on their foot or leg, which can bleed quite a lot. Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. When feet are soaked or muddy, they can become frostbitten when temperatures drop. Get More Info As they have feathered feet, scaly leg mite can be a problem too so keep a close eye on those legs and feet. It also has medium-sized wattles, reddish-brown eyes, short tails, yellow shanks and feet, red earlobes, and short, strong, and yellow beaks. Other than Brahmas, some chicken breeds with feathered feet are Booted Bantams, Cochins, Faverolles, and Silkies. The females have a more uniform black partridge pattern with white piping throughout their bodies. Referred to often as the King of All Poultry, this chicken breed would make a fantastic addition to your backyard flock. The hens will lay the usual brownish colored eggs, though are not known to be overly productive when compared to other breeds. There are even reports of the successful butchering of Brahma roasters at twelve or thirteen months of age without loss of flavor. They can accidentally squish their chicks, especially in a small enclosure. The Brahma breed matures relatively slowly compared to other birds. These chickens are quite large, but there is a misconception that they are enormous compared to other birds in a flock. These extra few inches create a bit of maneuvering room. These birds dont hold up well to heavy mud, because their feathers are so dense. Cocks are larger in size than the hens. Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. Brahma Chicken Variants. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. It would also be best to provide up to 14 hours of light to Brahma hens to allow them to lay eggs. The Brahma is a massive chicken and is only rivaled by the Jersey Giant. There are three colors of Brahmas you can choose from when you are building your flock. Again, each Brahma chicken will have a slightly different personality depending on its individual demeanor. Keep reading to find out what its like to actually own a Brahma. This, of course, depends on the quality of care that you provide. During this same period, the Light Brahmas from the US led to the development of Dark Brahmas in the UK and later on, the Buff Brahma. 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. . Careful introductions to new chickens and a spacious coop will ensure that you create a peaceful environment for all chooks. Just make sure you keep them well fed and you will have a happy chicken. The plumage consists of feathers that should be tightly held together making them dense but fluffy. Your local temperature, current flock, and space limitations will mean they are either a terrific choice or a terrible mistake. 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. However, feeding them shouldnt end when free-ranging because they cant forage enough to sustain them. This makes them ideal for an urban setting as long as they have enough space to roam. Brahma chickens, there are a few factors to consider that may dissuade you from The Dark Brahma exhibits the greatest differences between hens and roosters, with a dark gray hen and a black rooster. Remember, these birds get to be heavier than average chickens, so the box should be well built to support their weight. Also, apply cornstarch or styptic powder to treat your bleeding chickens feet after the feet feathers pull off, snag or get stuck on surfaces. These birds can eat up to a third of a pound of chicken feed daily. But T.B Miner, author of the Northern Farmer, coined the name Brahma.. Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. This was followed by White, Buff, Partridge, Black, and Blue and Gold Partridge. You can also purchase a light, dark, or buff Brahma from a specialty breeder. Plus, they have feathers on their feet for more warmth. 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. However, Brahmas are still ideal egg layers and meat producers on a small scale. Brahmas may not be the best choice for the commercial market because of their slow growth rates, large size, and need for consistent care. Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. One way of minimizing these issues is by ensuring that their enclosures are clean and can withstand severe climates. You should also allow your chickens to free range, because Brahmas love to forage or relax under shady trees and shrubs in summer. A classic American chicken breed, the Brahma chicken is a popular breed among hobbyists and breeders alike, laying a prolific number of brown eggs. They were first imported to the US in the 1840s and developed over the next few years. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. getting into the box. Todays bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. Ideally, you should only butcher Brahmas when they reach their market weight of at least 8lbs. By the next season, she was laying large eggs with incredibly tough shells. Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12x12 nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14x14 box. While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. 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. The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. There are three varieties of large fowl and bantam size classifications of Brahma recognized by the American Poultry Association. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. A Brahma hen can take 2 years to finish growing while roosters can take up to 3 years before reaching full maturity! If your hen begins to lose feathers as a result of a roosters pursuits, feed her a high protein supplement to encourage them to grow back. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. Brahma chickens are slower to mature and lay eggs later than most backyard breeds. 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. This quality adds to making them good company in a populated neighborhood. The hens have a more uniform, feather structure, still quite triangular but wider than a Brahma rooster. Whilst small children may be fearful of them they will warm up to them after a few hugs! The roosters of this variety will have black stripes on their saddle feathers. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. Brahmas, like all chickens, need high-quality feed and regular veterinary visits to reach their life expectancy. This is largely due to the breeds massive size and complacency in being housed in confinement. 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. 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. They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a chicken. What is your 4th toe called? Egg Production Though Brahma chickens were primarily bred for meat, they do have fair egg production. In America, we pronounce the "ran" as in "I ran away." (The French have a more elegant pronunciation, as with most words). 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.