. It doesn't actually touch the ground or serve any functional purpose. This makes them ideal for an urban setting as long as they have enough space to roam. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. 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. Brahma chickens are winter birds, and you will notice the formation of thick feathering as the cold approaches. Retrieved from: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/brahma, About the Brahma. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. When it comes to common egg color brown and pink are the norm. Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. They are also prolific layers, giving you between 150 and 300 eggs per year or four to six eggs each week. A Brahma hen is particularly broody in the summer, attentively sitting on its eggs most of the time. These chickens grow slowly, which is why they are often overlooked as a potential backyard chicken species. There is a lot of information available. Some Silkies that are pure can hatch with four toes. Your local temperature, current flock, and space limitations will mean they are either a terrific choice or a terrible mistake. However, they will not protect the flock from a dog, fox, or hawk. They will need slightly more protein when they start to molt. In bantam size you can find these chickens in dark, light, buff, black and white. Referred to often as the King of All Poultry, this chicken breed would make a fantastic addition to your backyard flock. Brahma chickens are called gentle giants because they have a docile nature and a very large size. 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. They stand upright and seem to form a V when they are standing. Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. getting into the box. and other members of the flock, Thrive in confinement with minimal They lay lovely brown eggs (sometimes dotted or speckled with white) that are relatively large compared to those of other species. If predators are a concern, a Brahma rooster wont do much to help you. Having a proper shelter is crucial too if you want Brahma chickens to live longer. Can take 7 months before they start laying. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. She is one of the largest chicken breeds and has a beautiful plumage which only adds to this special breeds appeal. Again, each Brahma chicken will have a slightly different personality depending on its individual demeanor. The babies ended up being 1 yellow with darkish yellow skin, 1redish with pink skin, and 1 black with black skin. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. Mostly, the light, Buff, and dark chicks cost $3$5 or more if they are show birds. KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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). If your space permits, you should raise them as free-range chickens. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. However, you can find these birds in a lot more colors, including White, Blue, Black, Partridge, and Barred. 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. How much room does a Brahma chicken need? She is docile and friendly towards people not quite a lap bird but certainly not averse to begging for treats. These heavily feathered giants get their size and plumage from their Malay and Chinese bloodlines. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. Some additional space considerations are perches and nesting boxes. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. I have 6 hens and the are in their third season, how many years will the hens lay? 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. Below, lets dive into the personality and the nature of Brahma chickens and whether they are the right breed for your needs. And this breed usually lays its eggs from October to May, just when other breeds are shutting down for winter. 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. What makes this breed a spectacular choice is their friendly and placid demeanor. Information provided is general purpose only and not meant to replace professional and medical advice. This brings us to our next section. Both the light and dark varieties are popular among American fancier breeders, however, the penciling feather patterns in the Dark Brahma remain a fan favorite. 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. They are better in cooler climates and thrive in the northern states where the weather can be brutally cold. Remember, these birds get to be heavier than average chickens, so the box should be well built to support their weight. From April to June, they are likely to sit as a broody hen on their nests. Brahma hens lay an average of 3-4 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. Write us at info(at)knowyourchickens.com with any questions or concerns! Light Brahmas are usually white-feathered with a grayish hint. Dirt floor pens get muddy very quickly and with feathered feet the Brahmas may develop foot problems. 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. What animals have four toes? Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. This chicken species would make a great pet and asset for your family, thanks to its calm demeanor thats ideal for company, meat, and eggs. Chickens as large as the Brahma will need a fair amount of space to keep them comfortable. Brahma chickens are large birds, so if you are looking for a smaller bird, then this might not be the right breed for you. Therefore, Brahmas require a highly nutritious diet to avoid disease, stunted growth, or poor egg laying ability. Although Brahmas are large, they are often victims of bullying from other chickens. Interestingly enough, Dark Brahma chickens were cross bred with Black Langshans to produce the Jersey Giant. I love chicken as my favorite PET. Your pen area should ideally be stone or sand. The American Poultry Associations American Standard of Perfection initially accepted the Light and Dark color varieties in 1874. You may find the Brahma chicken to be quite talkative but without the constant squawking and chirping of Leghorns, Orpingtons, or Silkies. 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. 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. There are a few different types available so today we Read More . Check out some of the special considerations to put in place when keeping Brahma chicken species. In fact because of their size they are usually pretty high in the pecking order and smaller breeds tend not to bother them. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. According to the British standard, more color varieties are accepted, including the Blue and Gold Partridge, Buff Columbian, and Black Brahmas. There were several different names for the breed and at a meeting of poultry judges in Massachusetts in 1852, the name Brahmaputra was chosen. They also have a pea comb with a short but powerful beak. If you are patient enough, the yield will be well worth it. They are a dual-purpose chicken breed, which means they are great for eggs and meat. While this is true, they wont be able to hold their own against a group of ostriches any time soon! chickensandyou.com is reader-supported. (Guide), Greater Scaup: Identification and Behaviors, Hooded Merganser: Identification and Behaviors, Dabbling Duck Species: Everything You Need to Know, 22 Types of Ducks: Behaviors and Appearances, Light, buff, or dark feathers with a pea comb and feathered feet, 4 to 6 eggs per week, 150 to 300 per year, Interact peacefully with humans Do you want large, friendly, affectionate, and relatively inexpensive chickens for your backyard? 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! Simply apply cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Brahmas are very calm and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. The Dark Brahma variety was developed during the same time as the Light Brahma. Initiate their relationship gradually while monitoring their interaction. When my Brahma hen laid her first egg, I was surprised at the smaller size compared to my other layers. Bantams can be a bit difficult to find but there are sources out there! This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. Brahmas can also develop small mud balls between their toes that may cause damage to the foot. 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. Since the Brahma is initially for shows, they take confinement well. : 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. Brahma Chicken Variants. four toes Their legs and feet are feathered and each foot should have four toes. 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. Small predators are not usually a match for a fully grown Brahma. All you need to do is feed them lots of treats, and theyll crawl right into your hand for a cuddle or a snack. 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. At 1-3 days,girls have uneven pipe cleaner looking wing feathers while boys tend to be straight. They'll start by laying smaller 'pullet' eggs. 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. 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. How [] A single Brahma hen or rooster should have at least 5 to 6 square feet of space per bird inside the chicken coop. This placid bird gets along with everyone and can become attached to their owners. However, any other Brahma color variety might cost you more. The roosters of this variety will have black stripes on their saddle feathers. 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. It also stands tall, up to 30 inches, a size that can be intimidating at first. These birds dont hold up well to heavy mud, because their feathers are so dense. When they get hungry they have a tendency to bully other flock members so it is better to keep them fed and happy. The extra toe these breeds have is generally located higher up than their first toe (the hallux) and faces upwards. The origin of the Brahma dates as far back as the mid-1800s. We determine the egg laying abilities of the Brahma chicken and whether this large bird is the best choice for your backyard flock. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. Brahma hens typically have a small pea comb, while roosters have a large pea comb set on a wide head. Its best to check your flock regularly and clean them with warm water to get rid of the build-up or caked poop because of the feathery feet. Brahmas stay the healthiest when they are raised in a damp, cool climate. Brahmas are indeed large, but not quite so absurdly so. A single chicken is a "Marans" and two chickens are "Marans.". Most backyard chicken keepers will place their Brahmas in a sheltered area during harsh weather conditions. Along with the size of the nest box, you should provide Brahma hens a secure chicken coop that is well-ventilated. It would be best to pair it with another Brahma chicken to prevent it from loneliness and excessive harassment. Yet, they are one of the largest chicken breeds. Whether you have kept chickens for years, or are just starting out on your chicken journey. Because they are such a good winter layer, they could be a prolific addition to the backyard flock! Otherwise, the hatching procedures and advice for raising these birds is the same as with other breeds. They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a chicken. 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. The Buff Brahma is similar to the light Brahma but has a golden buff base color instead of one that is white. free-ranging. This is particularly important during hot summers because of their dense feathering and the accompanying risk of overheating or dehydrating faster than other birds. 5. The good thing is, these birds can use regular chicken bedding like dry hay, straws, pine and cedar shavings, grass clippings, shredded leaves, paper shreds, or sand. You should provide your birds with a heat lamp or a heat plate, set at just under 100 degrees for the first few days, with the temperature decreasing by about five degrees each week until they are ready to go outside. They dont tend to wander far but are relatively good foragers. American standards also require thin feathers on the feet with a large or heavy-set body. In this ultimate guide for raising a Brahma chicken, well look at three main things: how to care for these large birds, whether they are good layers, and everything you should know before adding this chicken breed to your flock. FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed. These birds are good-natured, gentle, and happy around kids. They also need to be housed on dry, well-draining soil in order to avoid the development of disease. 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. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. The boys will develop a larger comb and wattles and have a more curious nature. 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. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. Your Brahma hens will also need a finely tuned diet with proper portions of protein in order to maintain a reliable egg laying schedule. Although mother Brahmas are usually great brooders, it would be best if owners provided heat sources of just below 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the hatchlings during the first five days if the brooding hen is unavailable. While they arent largely accepted in the United States, the There are also some birds that have 3 toes, and some with 2! Buff Brahmas are a color variation of the regular Brahma and they are certainly eye-catching. These birds have feathers on their toes and shanks as well as gorgeous pea combs. Dark Brahma roosters have striking . Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12x12 nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14x14 box. Careful introductions to new chickens and a spacious coop will ensure that you create a peaceful environment for all chooks. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. The Brahma chicken the gentle giant of your chicken coop. If youre considering a walk-in coop, Ive reviewed some of the best on the market here. These can still be found today, but remain less popular than the light and dark varieties. 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. For comfort and better egg-laying, you can provide Brahma chickens with high-quality feed, enough water, and clean nest boxes. They are a heavy bird which means they do not fly well (if at all). How many toes do Brahma chickens have? With their size of more than 8 to 10 lbs, these chickens will tower above the average chickens in the coop! You should keep them in a cool shaded area if you stay in a warmer place. Contrary to their intimidating size, the giant Brahma breed is very docile. Typically Brahmas start laying eggs when they're 6 or 7 months old. Todays bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. Walk-in chicken coops offer your chickens an off the ground coop, external nesting boxes and high roosts. Add: Chickens+You, 211, 1309 Coffeen Avenue STE 1200 Sheridan, WY 82801, USA, Raising young chicks can be incredibly rewarding. Some larger breeds will require even more space. Because these chickens have such a tall stance, that creates a wider and fuller-bodied appearance compared to other breeds. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. The Buffs brown hint makes it popular among farmers. The plumage of Brahma chicken should be held more tightly. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. This is largely due to the breeds massive size and complacency in being housed in confinement. The growth of their muscles and bone structure is slower than the average chicken. Probably the best way to get these balls off the feet is soaking in warm water. Fact #1: Silkie chickens have extra toes (Though the breed standard is 5 toes, some have an additional toe for a total of 6. Since the Brahma chicken breed is slow-growing, it is crucial to provide quality feed to Brahma chicks to ensure their growth. Asking more so I can figure out when I should be bringing younger hens in to keep egg production up. At least four square feet per bird in the coop is ideal, but include extra space if youre able. You can easily clean frost and mud balls from their feet with warm water. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. 10-12 lbs (4.5-5.4 kg) Fully Grown Brahma Hens. The hens will lay the usual brownish colored eggs, though are not known to be overly productive when compared to other breeds. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. The named Brahma refers to the Hindu God of Creation, but its unclear why this breed received such an important name. Technically, these silkie chickens are not adhering to the Standard of Perfection and therefore cannot be entered into competitions.) Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. See different Brahma breed colors in the video below. These giants are great backyard chickens because they are relatively easy to care for and are friendly. The Brahma chicken is a multi-purpose chicken breed and a must-have for backyard farmers. Whilst they will tolerate confinement they prefer roaming around. Because of their large size hawk attacks is rare in adults. The pea comb and beetle brow come of Indian descent. 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. Brahma hens can weigh up to 10lbs while roosters weigh between 10lbs and 12lbs. The Brahma is a large bird with a long, deep, and broad body. What youll get will depend on the color variety of your bird. After all, people originally bred them to thrive in cold climates this is also the reason for their fully feathered legs and feet! Here are a few questions you might have before making that decision. I like to spend my time writing and teaching skills for homesteading and self sufficient living. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Brahmas are not so common because they are slow growers. A Brahma leg injury can take a long time to heal because of its weight, so high perches are best avoided. Light Brahma roosters have a prominent black collar of feathers below the black and white neck feathers. Being familiar with how they look is a good start. Brahma chickens, even roosters, tend to be very quiet, making them a good choice for an urban or suburban setting. If the pets seem not to get along, do not force a relationship. It takes 7 months on average for Brahma pullets to begin laying eggs. And the "s" is silent. In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well. Pet Keen is reader-supported. For this reason, youll have to cover their run and ensure it keeps them safe from severe weather changes. 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. Brahmas cost greatly depends on the chickens age, sex, demand, and color variety. The occasions when they do make noises are the daily egg song and predator alarm calls (which will hopefully be infrequent). Brahma chickens can live up to 8 years. On the other hand, the females weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5kgs). The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. Both the light and dark colors were accepted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. The Giant, the King, the Brahma. Brahma chickens have more dense and profuse feathers, unlike their cousin, the Cochin. Its vital to consider your budget before purchasing the Brahma chicken breeds, especially the cost of feeding and shelter needs. 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. 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. Heres an overview of this chicken breeds qualities to help you decide if theyre a good fit for you. This was not a poultry disease, but rather a craze among chicken breeders who just had to have a Brahma at the time! Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. On average, these birds will reach about 12 pounds for roosters and 10 pounds for hens. Brahma fowl species are an excellent choice for chicken enthusiasts looking more for personality than eggs in their flock. Keep an eye on the baby chicks when they first hatch. These Shanghai birds were probably bred with Grey Chittagong birds of Malay origins, which gave the Brahma distinctive pea comb and head shapes. Most breeders suggest that this is due to its pea comb as well as its tight feathering and extensive down. Of the Brahma Chicken colors, this variety was the last to be recognized for show. Do Brahma Chicken Get Along with Other Pets? By the next season, she was laying large eggs with incredibly tough shells. They dont need to scratch or free range as often as other breeds, being very laid back. This makes it much easier to care for them, especially with those feathered feet. Remember, Brahmas are large birds. I love raising chickens and creating a self sustainable homestead for my family. Their welcoming temperament and the fact that they are big and cant fly makes them easy to contain. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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. ring toe Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. Most dogs have 5 toes on the front legs and 4 toes on the back. 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.