Like other chicken breeds, it would still be best to observe a minimum of 16% proteins and commercial grade feed for layers most of the year or when molting. 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. If you are looking for a chicken that will provide you with both meat and eggs, then the Brahma chicken is a good choice. Just make sure you keep them well fed and you will have a happy chicken. However, feeding them shouldnt end when free-ranging because they cant forage enough to sustain them. I like to spend my time writing and teaching skills for homesteading and self sufficient living. They have pea comb and they can adopt themselves with all types of climates. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. Pet Keen is reader-supported. However, any other Brahma color variety might cost you more. So, they cant scale low fences, and they wont fly away if theres no fence. Buff Brahma is similar in pattern to that of the light Brahma chickens, but it has a golden brown hue. This chicken species is renowned for their heavy, deep, tight plumage and a thick coat that makes them hardy poultry. In a mixed flock, smaller breeds can bully Brahma chickens. Brahmas can produce about 140 eggs per year. They will tolerate confinement as long as they have enough room in the pen. Brahmas are very calm and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. They can start laying eggs from October to May. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. 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. The dark color Brahma requires a double mating technique to ensure good quality birds. 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. She is docile and friendly towards people not quite a lap bird but certainly not averse to begging for treats. 52. Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. Allow your chicken to free-range and run around regularly. Remember, Brahmas are large birds. 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. Lets look at the reasons why you should make the beautiful Brahma a part of your flock. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. See different Brahma breed colors in the video below. These are features not commonly found with traditional coops. 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. Brahmas arent sickly birds, but what makes them most vulnerable are wet and muddy environments. If youre considering a walk-in coop, Ive reviewed some of the best on the market here. A single chicken is a "Marans" and two chickens are "Marans.". The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. As you can see their lineage can be classified as muddled at best! In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well. This is meant to protect the feathers on their legs and feet from being damaged or soaked which can lead to health problems. A 2-foot fence or 5-6 square foot space for each chicken in the coop is enough to keep them in place. Let us know any of your questions in the comments section below, A chicken coop is one of the most important parts of raising healthy and happy chickens. Although light Brahma and other varieties cannot fly, they require low and stable roosts to support their weight. These large birds need a fair amount of space due to their size. There are few breeds with a history as rich as the Brahma. How many toes do Brahma chickens have? However, keep an eye on the eggs once they hatch. These birds are good-natured, gentle, and happy around kids. They arent early layers, but can instead take up to twelve months to begin laying. But, researchers believe that the Brahma breed was developed in the United States from very large fowls or birds imported from Shanghai. Another common problem with feathered leg birds is the accumulation of either mud or poop on the toes. Even so, they are big softies at heart. There are also rarer Brahma varieties that you She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. 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. There are a few different types available so today we Read More . Your chicks will need at least one-half square foot of space for the first two weeks, but after the first two weeks, they will grow rapidly and will need one square foot per bird. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. 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. Along with the size of the nest box, you should provide Brahma hens a secure chicken coop that is well-ventilated. The buff Brahma was accepted in 1924. The bedding should provide a secure foundation for your flocks legs and feet and should be easy to clean. The breed is easy to contain, not being able to fly low fences very easily. The Light Brahma was established in the early 1870s; however, its overall size and appearance have undergone several changes since then. While not "normal," the extra toe certainly is cute! Brahma can start laying eggs between 6 to 7 months of age. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. Brahmas are very placid chickens and are similar in size to the Jersey Giant chicken. There are countless benefits to raising these chickens, with perhaps the most notable being their ability to: However, perhaps one of the greatest benefits of raising a Brahma chicken is that these birds are adaptable to most climates, meaning you can raise a Brahma chicken no matter where you live. It would also be best to provide up to 14 hours of light to Brahma hens to allow them to lay eggs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. The Brahma chicken is distinguished by a pea comb, feathered legs and feet, and a yellow skin. For their neck, chest, and back, the features are mostly silver with black centers. The yolks, in particular, are exceptionally large and great for using in cooking or baking. The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. Light Brahmas are usually white-feathered with a grayish hint. Make sure you inspect the feet of your chickens on a regular basis and remove any mud balls you find. They will lay right through the winter and slow down as spring starts to arrive. In the winter these balls can freeze causing frostbite and in severe cases the loss of toes. They can accidentally squish their chicks, especially in a small enclosure. It also stands tall, up to 30 inches, a size that can be intimidating at first. Larger nesting boxes will accommodate their larger size and provide other chickens ample space to lay without stress. Before you decide to bring a Brahma chicken into your coop, think about the space you have to accommodate their growing needs. You should also allow your chickens to free range, because Brahmas love to forage or relax under shady trees and shrubs in summer. 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. For this reason, youll have to cover their run and ensure it keeps them safe from severe weather changes. You can eat chickens without any problem. Just like many birds of the Victorian hen craze era (mid-1800s) the Brahma has somewhat uncertain lineage. Brahmas are indeed large, but not quite so absurdly so. The Brahmas have tight, soft, and dense feathers that extend to their legs and hind toes, making them appear even larger than they are. Dark Brahma hens are easily identified by their white laced feather pattern across a darker gray body, breast, and wings. However, Brahmas are still ideal egg layers and meat producers on a small scale. They are a good breed for those wanting to raise their own eggs and meat birds since they can supply both in great quantities. There were several different names for the breed and at a meeting of poultry judges in Massachusetts in 1852, the name Brahmaputra was chosen. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. Brahmas are incredibly intelligent, calm, sweet, with a laid-back disposition. Being a bird breed common to the Northern Hemisphere, keeping Brahma chickens in a spacious indoor chicken coop is ideal for preventing freezing feathers. If you are ready to raise a gorgeous chicken that can provide you with both meat and eggs, the Brahma chicken is the bird you should include in your backyard flock. One way of minimizing these issues is by ensuring that their enclosures are clean and can withstand severe climates. Because of these characteristics, the Brahma chicken breed is one of the most expensive chicken breeds in the world. If your space permits, you should raise them as free-range chickens. In this chapter, we look at the number of eggs Brahmas produce per year, when they start laying, and important nest box considerations for your growing hens. Tana grew up around island farms and pine forests. Initiate their relationship gradually while monitoring their interaction. Brahma chickens are winter birds, and you will notice the formation of thick feathering as the cold approaches. Most backyard chicken keepers will place their Brahmas in a sheltered area during harsh weather conditions. Compared to the height of fewer than 27.6 inches for standard chickens, this certainly puts the Brahma a head above the rest! This was because early birds were very large, with roosters weighing up to 18 pounds in some cases! Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12x12 nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14x14 box. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. How Old Are Brahma Chickens When They Start Laying Eggs? Each of these three colors is officially recognized and include Light, Buff, and Dark. Brahmas will tolerate confinement since they are less active than Mediterranean breeds, but they absolutely shine when allowed to free range. These gentle giants need 12-14 square foot each. getting into the box. They will reward you with 3-4 medium brown eggs each week. 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). Bantams can be a bit difficult to find but there are sources out there! I was just gifted 3 of these Beautiful babies just before Easter off this year and I dont think Ill ever want a different bread again. The American poultry standard for the Brahma chicken includes the Light, Dark, and Buff Brahmas. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. 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. 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. This quality adds to making them good company in a populated neighborhood. 5. You can check the feathers for any sign of leg mite and immediately consult a veterinarian for treatment. 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. For the most part Brahmas are not known for broodiness. Be sure to research each breed before considering buying them. The Buff Brahma is similar to the light Brahma but has a golden buff base color instead of one that is white. In general the pullets will feather in quicker. They are also prolific layers, giving you between 150 and 300 eggs per year or four to six eggs each week. Brahma hens typically have a small pea comb, while roosters have a large pea comb set on a wide head. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. Smaller breeds tend to leave them alone, but young Brahmas may be picked on by older hens. 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. 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. 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 will take a year and a half for a Brahma chicken to mature. They also stand confinement extremely well having calm and docile personalities. Unlike Plymouth Rock, this chicken breed with feathered legs is not aggressive towards humans and other chickens. 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! While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. Brahmas have a large head with a slightly overhanging brow which gives the bird a mean look. What animals have four toes? Chickens have different feet depending on the breed, sex, and age of the chicken. Whilst their head and brow gives them a fearsome look, nothing could be further from the truth. First pic is of the father. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Faverolles chickens are recognized as a standard breed by the American Poultry Association in two varieties: Salmon in 1914; White in 1981. . A 16% layers feed will be ideal for most of the year. Buying the best you can afford Read More , Automatic chicken feeders sound wonderful. BFE, Nevada. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviors such as pecking and feather picking. The occasions when they do make noises are the daily egg song and predator alarm calls (which will hopefully be infrequent). Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. Do you want large, friendly, affectionate, and relatively inexpensive chickens for your backyard? Brahma chicken species have a stocky build and require plenty of calories, water, and lots of feeds to sustain their large appetites and health. Outside of the chicken coop, Brahma chickens can benefit from 15 to 16 square feet of space each. It is best to choose a medium to large breed chick for her to take care of, as her heavy weight could be problematic for very small hatchlings. Being familiar with how they look is a good start. 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. You can then reduce the temperatures every week by five degrees Fahrenheit until the chicks are old enough to be independent. This was followed by White, Buff, Partridge, Black, and Blue and Gold Partridge. These birds are quiet and docile and get along with other breeds of chickens, too. Brahma chickens are fair egg layers for their large size. 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. Parasite infestation is common in hens and roosters too. This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. They are very sweet and docile which makes them the perfect breed for beginners or kids. Brahma chickens make excellent meat and egg birds but you have to wait for it. A large Brahma chicken will take much longer to mature than other chicken breeds. However, the body, wings, and breasts are grey with black patterns. Read our Breed guide below to find out if the Brahma chicken is for you. Both are considered egg and meat birds. 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. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. If you notice some blood on the foot of your chicken, it is best to look at the quills. They became the primary meat chicken of the US from the 1840s until the 1930s. For example, most chickens raised for meat will only grow two toes whereas laying hens tend to develop four or five toes per foot. (3). The size of the Brahma chicken cannot be emphasized enough. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week.