Are Brahmas the right birds for you? Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. Although the Brahma chicken is an excellent dual-purpose breed, they are slow-growing and slow-maturing chickens. A Brahma rooster will stand at 30 inches while a Brahma hen tends to be a few inches shorter. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. All you need to do is feed them lots of treats, and theyll crawl right into your hand for a cuddle or a snack. This brooder box should be at least eighteen inches higher is better. 10-12 lbs (4.5-5.4 kg) Fully Grown Brahma Hens. KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If the weather is too hot, giant Brahma chickens may develop skin conditions or heat stroke. Anyone have insight on this? Your local temperature, current flock, and space limitations will mean they are either a terrific choice or a terrible mistake. The babies ended up being 1 yellow with darkish yellow skin, 1redish with pink skin, and 1 black with black skin. The Brahma chicken could be one of the most impressive additions to the backyard flock. Keep reading to discover more about this wonderful breed. One way of minimizing these issues is by ensuring that their enclosures are clean and can withstand severe climates. 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. Yes, this breed is cold hardy and will usually lay eggs in the winter. Even the Brahma roosters are peaceful, and not as likely to attack humans or other birds as those from other chicken breeds. Brahma Chicken. They can easily be contained behind a 2-3 foot high fence. There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. 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. Brahmas arent sickly birds, but what makes them most vulnerable are wet and muddy environments. Although they fell from industry favor they remained popular with small flock keepers as they are a dual purpose hen. The Brahma is a large bird although most of their bulk is feathers. 4. Its feather pattern is similar to the Plymouth Rock and Silver Laced Wyandotte or Golden Laced Wyandotte. 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The pea comb and beetle brow come of Indian descent. 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 eggs of Brahma chicken weight approximately 55-60 grams. Brahma hens lay an average of 34 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. Also, apply cornstarch or styptic powder to treat your bleeding chickens feet after the feet feathers pull off, snag or get stuck on surfaces. Brahma chickens can live up to 8 years. Brahma Hen Egg Production While many people raise Brahmas for meat, they're decent egg producers as well. Here are a few questions you might have before making that decision. 52. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. The origin of the Brahma dates as far back as the mid-1800s. It's spelled "Marans," but it's pronounced, "Muh-ran.". They will tolerate confinement as long as they have enough room in the pen. 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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! At the time, no other chicken looked anything like the Cochin. Outside of the chicken coop, Brahma chickens can benefit from 15 to 16 square feet of space each. Raising chickens means providing them the right environment thats designed to accommodate their needs throughout all growth stages. Today's bird is a bit smaller than its ancestors and a rooster will weigh in around 10lb with the hens at 8lb. Brahmas are hardy and least susceptible to cold climates and frostbite because of their large mass, dense-feathering, and small pea comb. The named Brahma refers to the Hindu God of Creation, but its unclear why this breed received such an important name. Brahmas are very calm and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. Brahma chickens are winter birds, and you will notice the formation of thick feathering as the cold approaches. A 2-foot fence or 5-6 square foot space for each chicken in the coop is enough to keep them in place. 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. From April to June, they are likely to sit as a broody hen on their nests. 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. Brahmas are quiet birds and rarely make a lot of noise. Brahma chicks have pea combs but there is a significant difference between the color varieties. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acd8d4fcbd7ea3aa701625b90f646e83" );document.getElementById("d926f7c7d8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Again, each Brahma chicken will have a slightly different personality depending on its individual demeanor. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. Look out for limping, foot preening, or inflammation and swelling under the foot which could indicate bumblefoot. Brahma chickens, there are a few factors to consider that may dissuade you from They are a good breed for those wanting to raise their own eggs and meat birds since they can supply both in great quantities. The earliest versions of the Brahma chicken, which were the dark and light Brahma variants, were included in the Standard of Perfection for the American Poultry Association in 1874, with the Buff Brahma variant added in the 1920s. There are also rarer Brahma varieties that you However, you may want to put some special considerations when taking care of them because these are large birds and require larger nests, more feeds, and lots of petting. We recommend 5-6 square foot for each chicken in the coop. The dark color Brahma requires a double mating technique to ensure good quality birds. It would also be best to provide up to 14 hours of light to Brahma hens to allow them to lay eggs. It needs a lot of space to move in, and being tall, they also need more ceiling and door height for their enclosures. The hens lay their first egg at 67 months, unlike other breeds that start at 45 months. 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. Brahmas flock is also docile, peaceful, and has low noise levels making them an excellent fit for urban dwellers and beginners. Fondly called a gentle giant among chickens, the Brahma is a large, robust bird with feathered legs and a docile personality. My Brahmas will pace at the chicken coop door every afternoon to be let out for their midday rendezvous! 33. This, of course, depends on the quality of care that you provide. Another nice thing with Brahmas is the fact that they prefer laying over the cooler months. The likely parent birds were Shanghais and Chittagongs and Malays. Soon, they became expensive exotic fowls that people kept for meat, eggs, and ornamental purposes. These birds are good-natured, gentle, and happy around kids. This unusual-looking chicken is exceptional hardy, making it resilient in both the summer and winter months. It depends on the age. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. Ideally, you should only butcher Brahmas when they reach their market weight of at least 8lbs. 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. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! However, if you must keep the Brahmas together with other pets, it would help if you trained and prepared the other pets beforehand. Although Brahma chickens were initially met with excitement, their slow growth rates led to their downfall. A single Brahma hen or rooster should have at least 5 to 6 square feet of space per bird inside the chicken coop. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. Because of their large size hawk attacks is rare in adults. Brahma chickens were developed for northern climates and are arguably the least susceptible breed to cold and exposure. But, researchers believe that the Brahma breed was developed in the United States from very large fowls or birds imported from Shanghai. The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. If yes, then Brahma chicken breeds are ideal for you. Now she grows food in her backyard and shares what she learns from Eco Peanut with others. They can be difficult to sex. BFE, Nevada. As Brahmas cannot fly too high because of their size and weight, a 3 foot fence should effectively keep them confined to their pen. The latter species were likely imported in the 1840s from the Chinese port of Shanghai and were referred to largely as Shanghai birds. Brahmas are easy-going and much less likely to start picking on new chickens that are introduced to the flock. Light Brahmas are usually white-feathered with a grayish hint. However, it would be best to keep these species in hot climates because they dont handle heat well like other breeds. Brahmas may not be the best choice for the commercial market because of their slow growth rates, large size, and need for consistent care. This is rare, as the meat of most broiler birds will decline in quality when the birds are about eight or nine months old. Brahma hens can weigh up to 10lbs while roosters weigh between 10lbs and 12lbs. The Brahma is a massive chicken and is only rivaled by the Jersey Giant. They arent early layers, but can instead take up to twelve months to begin laying. If they stop laying eggs when it gets cold, that could be a sign that their living situations arent ideal or that theyre unhealthy. Chickens And More. 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. 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. four toes Their legs and feet are feathered and each foot should have four toes. It also stands tall, up to 30 inches, a size that can be intimidating at first. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. This is meant to protect the feathers on their legs and feet from being damaged or soaked which can lead to health problems. Although they are slower than other chicken breeds, the long wait is rewarding. this pursuit. Most backyard chicken keepers will place their Brahmas in a sheltered area during harsh weather conditions. While there are countless benefits of raising Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. The Brahma is known to many as the King of chickens! Founder of Chickens & You. 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. In the early 1850s after successfully breeding Brahmas, George Burnham, a poultry enthusiast, had a few gray shanghaes delivered to Her Majesty Queen Victoria of England. It was after that that the re-exportation of the chicken variety to America began. Brahma Chicken Variants. 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). Light Brahma hens dont have as much black feathering apart from the tail. 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. Interestingly, Brahma hens tend to be favored by roosters when they are part of a larger, mixed flock. It doesn't actually touch the ground or serve any functional purpose. The Brahma is a big bird! You may have to wait a few months before you can determine the average size, color, and weight per egg. A single chicken is a "Marans" and two chickens are "Marans.". Because of these characteristics, the Brahma chicken breed is one of the most expensive chicken breeds in the world. Because of their incredibly friendly temperament and ability to tolerate confinement. Mostly, the light, Buff, and dark chicks cost $3$5 or more if they are show birds. For the most part Brahmas are not known for broodiness. To keep your hen happy, the nesting box should provide the following features: Brahma chickens are considered consistent egg layers compared to other chickens of a similar size. You can eat chickens without any problem. If your space permits, you should raise them as free-range chickens. They dont need to scratch or free range as often as other breeds, being very laid back. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. 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. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. You can extend the lifespan of your Brahma chicken by providing it with quality food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Their welcoming temperament and the fact that they are big and cant fly makes them easy to contain. The average Brahma chicken can grow to be 18 inches (45 cm) tall and can weigh up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). 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. Since the mothers are so large it is wise to keep an eye on the hatchlings so they do not get trampled by Mom. To give you a sense of how they look, light Brahma chickens have contrasting white and black feathers. The hens will lay the usual brownish colored eggs, though are not known to be overly productive when compared to other breeds. The Brahma is a tall, erect bird despite its size (approx 10lb for a rooster, 8lb for a hen). 5. Therefore, Brahmas require a highly nutritious diet to avoid disease, stunted growth, or poor egg laying ability. If you notice some blood on the foot of your chicken, it is best to look at the quills. A full-grown and mature Brahma Chicken size can reach up to 30 inches tall. By the next season, she was laying large eggs with incredibly tough shells. Brahmas, like all chickens, need high-quality feed and regular veterinary visits to reach their life expectancy. Another common problem with feathered leg birds is the accumulation of either mud or poop on the toes. 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. Otherwise, the hatching procedures and advice for raising these birds is the same as with other breeds. The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. Docile, peaceful, gentle, friendly, and calm. Buying the best you can afford Read More , Automatic chicken feeders sound wonderful. 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. What makes this breed a spectacular choice is their friendly and placid demeanor.