From April to June, they are likely to sit as a broody hen on their nests. Brahmas are indeed large, but not quite so absurdly so. Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. Many birds with feathered legs and feet experience problems in winter. Ready to purchase a flock of these chickens? Brahma fowl species are an excellent choice for chicken enthusiasts looking more for personality than eggs in their flock. The Brahma chicken is distinguished by a pea comb, feathered legs and feet, and a yellow skin. On average, these birds will reach about 12 pounds for roosters and 10 pounds for hens. Jersey Giant roosters are around 13lbs compared to the Brahma rooster of 12lbs. Larger nesting boxes will accommodate their larger size and provide other chickens ample space to lay without stress. Now you can say it with confidence! As theyre naturally curious and more inclined to follow you around, they also make great pets. 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. (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 However, feeding them shouldnt end when free-ranging because they cant forage enough to sustain them. There are also some birds that have 3 toes, and some with 2! These birds have feathers on their toes and shanks as well as gorgeous pea combs. Although Brahma fowl species are hardy, they are susceptible to health concerns if owners arent keen enough. This makes them ideal for an urban setting as long as they have enough space to roam. Caused by their excessive foot feathering, these mud balls can cause the loss of nails or tips of toes. Average Weight (Pounds and KG) Fully Grown Brahma Roosters. 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. The Brahma chicken could be one of the most impressive additions to the backyard flock. 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 Your local temperature, current flock, and space limitations will mean they are either a terrific choice or a terrible mistake. You can then reduce the temperatures every week by five degrees Fahrenheit until the chicks are old enough to be independent. Learn more. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. The buff Brahma was accepted in 1924. A 16% layers feed will be ideal for most of the year. This placid bird gets along with everyone and can become attached to their owners. Those that do go broody will set very determinedly on their eggs until hatching. What you do have to look out for is more boisterous or bossy hens picking on the Brahmas. Yes, this breed is cold hardy and will usually lay eggs in the winter. Don't panic though, it's not long before these huge chickens start laying large brown eggs a few times a week. A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. First pic is of the father. They will tolerate confinement as long as they have enough room in the pen. Contrary to their intimidating size, the giant Brahma breed is very docile. Great timing since other breeds will be just starting to lay. There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. 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. Most chickens dont usually lay during the shorter days of the year unless you provide supplementary light. Brahmas are not so common because they are slow growers. However, any other Brahma color variety might cost you more. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week. Add: Chickens+You, 211, 1309 Coffeen Avenue STE 1200 Sheridan, WY 82801, USA, Raising young chicks can be incredibly rewarding. Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. Its appealing outlook and demeanor places it among the best backyard chicken pets for any family. Buff Brahma is similar in pattern to that of the light Brahma chickens, but it has a golden brown hue. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. Read our Breed guide below to find out if the Brahma chicken is for you. Trying to ration feed a Brahma can be difficult so we recommend the free feed choice. 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. Dirt floor pens get muddy very quickly and with feathered feet the Brahmas may develop foot problems. Brahma chickens, there are a few factors to consider that may dissuade you from It was then 50 years later when Buff Brahmas were recognized. Because they are such a good winter layer, they could be a prolific addition to the backyard flock! Murdaugh, 54, faces the possibility of life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of murder and other charges related to the shooting deaths of Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and her son Paul, 22 . There are also rarer Brahma varieties that you Its best to provide this space in advance so you dont have to move your chicks. The hens lay their first egg at 67 months, unlike other breeds that start at 45 months. Brahmas have a pea comb and dense and fluffy feathers to keep themselves warm. Instead, keep the Brahma chickens away from bullies. However, the body, wings, and breasts are grey with black patterns. What chicken has 6 toes? Make sure to get a breathable mesh harness for when you want to take them on walks. The dark Brahma has the most notable difference between cock and hen: the hen has a dark gray and black penciled coloration with the same hackle as the light, whereas the cock has black and white hackles and saddle feathers, and a black base and tail; the wings are white-shouldered, and the primary feathers are edged with white. It is also one of the simplest ways to keep a healthy and happy chicken! The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. They give a little bit of everything you would need and want from a chicken. It would also be best to provide up to 14 hours of light to Brahma hens to allow them to lay eggs. Thank you. They should be provided a 14x14 nest box, slightly bigger than standard nest boxes. It is also vital to check for lice, fleas, mites, and other parasites that could harbor your chickens thick plumage. You may find the Brahma chicken to be quite talkative but without the constant squawking and chirping of Leghorns, Orpingtons, or Silkies. Along with the size of the nest box, you should provide Brahma hens a secure chicken coop that is well-ventilated. Retrieved from: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/brahma, About the Brahma. For this reason, youll have to cover their run and ensure it keeps them safe from severe weather changes. Although males tend to be taller than females, both genders have strong feet and even stronger posture. 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. The latter species were likely imported in the 1840s from the Chinese port of Shanghai and were referred to largely as Shanghai birds. The Brahma is a striking bird to look at. They are also prolific layers, giving you between 150 and 300 eggs per year or four to six eggs each week. You can build fencing around their enclosure, but it should be high to prevent predators from entering. These birds are jumbo-sized, meaning they eat a lot, too. 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. This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. Brahmas are also easy to contain, as they cant fly well. They are soft, gentle, and dont fight back when attacked. On the other hand, adolescents range between $7$12 and adults $15$25 depending on quality. The Brahma chicken is a multi-purpose chicken breed and a must-have for backyard farmers. The saddle areas feathers have black stripes, while the tails are black with a few white feathers. The Light Brahma was established in the early 1870s; however, its overall size and appearance have undergone several changes since then. Landing on a thorn or sharp object when jumping off a roost can cause the debris to penetrate the skin and cause infection. Do you have enough space to accommodate the king of chickens? But while they may seem like the perfect all-around breed, dont start adding them to your backyard just yet. In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well. However, it would be best to keep these species in hot climates because they dont handle heat well like other breeds. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. Australian Poultry Association recognizes partridge, blue, black, crele, and Its vital to consider your budget before purchasing the Brahma chicken breeds, especially the cost of feeding and shelter needs. The chicks require a brooder box with fresh water, bedding, and chick feed. This exquisite bird has an upright posture, with large impressive stature, and long feathered legs that appear like a narrow V if you view it from the sides. Chickens And More is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. 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. 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. The origin of the Brahma dates as far back as the mid-1800s. The pea comb and beetle brow come of Indian descent. Light Brahmas are usually white-feathered with a grayish hint. The Dark Brahma exhibits the greatest differences between hens and roosters, with a dark gray hen and a black rooster. But all of them have 4 toes. 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. Brahma hens typically have a small pea comb, while roosters have a large pea comb set on a wide head. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. Pet Keen is reader-supported. How [] Originally, there were dozens of different names and strains of this bird, leading to the formation of the Brahmapootra breed in 1852. With consistent egg production in winter and the ability to adapt to confinement, you should definitely consider this chicken breed for your flock. 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.