As theyre naturally curious and more inclined to follow you around, they also make great pets. Another common problem with feathered leg birds is the accumulation of either mud or poop on the toes. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. A single chicken is a "Marans" and two chickens are "Marans.". The Brahma chicken is a unique bird with a fascinating history. A 16% layers feed will be ideal for most of the year. Just got my first group of 51 Rooster and 4 egg laying Hens. 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! What makes this breed a spectacular choice is their friendly and placid demeanor. In fact because of their size they are usually pretty high in the pecking order and smaller breeds tend not to bother them. How [] Their plumage is smooth and consists of dense down all over the body. Brahmas distinguishing feature is the small pea comb and the overhanging beetle brow on the forehead. The thicker feathers of Brahma chickens make it easier for lice to hide. Today, this breed, which is officially recognized by the American Poultry Association, is considered a heritage breed. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children). Technically, these silkie chickens are not adhering to the Standard of Perfection and therefore cannot be entered into competitions.) The Brahma chicken was a prevalent breed in the 1930s for many reasons. Both are considered egg and meat birds. At least four square feet per bird in the coop is ideal, but include extra space if youre able. Generally speaking, Brahma chickens start laying their first egg at around 7 months of age. In recent years the upsurge in backyard chicken keeping has seen the popularity of this old favorite rise again. The buff Brahma was accepted in 1924. 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). 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. This chicken species is renowned for their heavy, deep, tight plumage and a thick coat that makes them hardy poultry. As they have feathered feet, scaly leg mite can be a problem too so keep a close eye on those legs and feet. There are some bantam breeds that have six toes on each foot. There are three varieties of large fowl and bantam size classifications of Brahma recognized by the American Poultry Association. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. Because of the difference in weight between the light and dark colors, Light Brahmas are considered more to be meat birds compared to the Dark Brahmas, who boast better laying abilities. This quality adds to making them good company in a populated neighborhood. They are relatively easy to care for and are good company for other animals and humans alike. four toes Their legs and feet are feathered and each foot should have four toes. Most dogs have 5 toes on the front legs and 4 toes on the back. Just like many birds of the Victorian hen craze era (mid-1800s) the Brahma has somewhat uncertain lineage. The Dark Brahma variety was developed during the same time as the Light Brahma. See different Brahma breed colors in the video below. Get More Info If youre looking for a solid egg-layer or a chicken for meat production (with a friendly temperament), this may be the perfect breed for your backyard. 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. When other birds are not laying during the cold temperatures, you can rely on your Brahma hen to continue with egg production. Information provided is general purpose only and not meant to replace professional and medical advice. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know. Great timing since other breeds will be just starting to lay. Outside of the chicken coop, Brahma chickens can benefit from 15 to 16 square feet of space each. In bantam size you can find these chickens in dark, light, buff, black and white. 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 your Brahma hen goes broody, let her hatch her own eggs you can candle them to make sure the embryos are developing. There are also some birds that have 3 toes, and some with 2! This is largely due to the breeds massive size and complacency in being housed in confinement. Brahmas have feathered legs and feet. It was then 50 years later when Buff Brahmas were recognized. Males appear taller than females and weigh about 12 pounds (5.5kgs). For comfort and better egg-laying, you can provide Brahma chickens with high-quality feed, enough water, and clean nest boxes. However, the meat of an adult Brahma is not as tender as a young Brahma. During this time Brahmas were so popular even Queen Victoria in England kept them. If youre considering a walk-in coop, Ive reviewed some of the best on the market here. Dark Brahma roosters have striking . Because of their determination, a really broody hen can be given fertilized eggs from another chicken to hatch. Some larger breeds will require even more space. Unlike Plymouth Rock, this chicken breed with feathered legs is not aggressive towards humans and other chickens. You can also purchase bantam Brahma breeds that are about six inches tall. Therefore, it would be best if you maintain warm temperatures during hot summers to prevent heat strokes. Therefore, Brahmas require a highly nutritious diet to avoid disease, stunted growth, or poor egg laying ability. These varieties are: Dark Brahma is the only variety to have a distinct color pattern between rooster and hen. 4. They thrive in cold weather and simply need proper living conditions in order to continue laying during the winter months. Im fairly new to the chicken kingdom, just started about 2 years ago so Im still learning. Thank you. Partridge is a unique color distinguished by mottled feather patterns, as opposed to the softer filigree feather patterns found across the body of darker Brahmas. If you are looking for a beautiful large breed chicken that will also consistently lay eggs, the Brahma chicken could be for you. They will reward you with 3-4 medium brown eggs each week. Although Brahma fowl species are hardy, they are susceptible to health concerns if owners arent keen enough. 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 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. Many birds with feathered legs and feet experience problems in winter. Heres an overview of this chicken breeds qualities to help you decide if theyre a good fit for you. They are very sweet and docile which makes them the perfect breed for beginners or kids. How big do faverolles get? The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. Can take 7 months before they start laying. 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. They arent early layers, but can instead take up to twelve months to begin laying. We do not specifically market to children under 13. Smaller breeds tend to leave them alone, but young Brahmas may be picked on by older hens. The Brahma is a massive chicken and is only rivaled by the Jersey Giant. The breed standard includes the Light Brahma, Buff Brahma, and Dark Brahma but you can find a variety of colors like black, blue and gold partridge, or solid white feathers. 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. Your Brahma hens will also need a finely tuned diet with proper portions of protein in order to maintain a reliable egg laying schedule. Whilst small children may be fearful of them they will warm up to them after a few hugs! On the other hand, the females weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5kgs). What is your 4th toe called? While a generally healthy bird, lets look at some of the most common conditions that affect Brahmas. The boys will develop a larger comb and wattles and have a more curious nature. The Brahma chicken the gentle giant of your chicken coop. 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. However, Brahma chicken species grow slowly and can take up to 18 months to realize full maturity. Since Brahmas are heavy, it is vital to ensure that the runs and the coops are wide and tall enough to accommodate their sizes. How many toes do dogs have? But while they may seem like the perfect all-around breed, dont start adding them to your backyard just yet. 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. This will prevent the more daring Brahmas from trying to perform high jumps to get down from the box, thereby preventing leg injuries. A classic American chicken breed, the Brahma chicken is a popular breed among hobbyists and breeders alike, laying a prolific number of brown eggs. 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. These birds can eat up to a third of a pound of chicken feed daily. This big yet gentle chicken breed can give you four brown eggs per week. Here is a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about this illustrious bird. In a mixed flock, smaller breeds can bully Brahma chickens. Unfortunately, your chicken can exhibit anti-social behaviors like pecking and picking if you put them in less space. Pet Keen is reader-supported. How does the black one have black skin but 4 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. Brahmas are quiet birds and rarely make a lot of noise. Chickens And More. Because of their size not too much intimidates them. 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. It will take a year and a half for a Brahma chicken to mature. Probably the best way to get these balls off the feet is soaking in warm water. 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. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! They dont tend to wander far but are relatively good foragers. It depends on the age. The Livestock Conservancy noted that the Light Brahma is a pound heavier than the Dark Brahma. Caused by their excessive foot feathering, these mud balls can cause the loss of nails or tips of toes. 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. Another nice thing with Brahmas is the fact that they prefer laying over the cooler months. Whilst their head and brow gives them a fearsome look, nothing could be further from the truth. My 6 month old Brahma rooster is already towering over my mature Orpingtons and Australorps, they are certainly the giants of the chicken world! Instead, keep the Brahma chickens away from bullies. This, of course, depends on the quality of care that you provide. Brahmas have a pea comb and dense and fluffy feathers to keep themselves warm. Brahma chickens, even roosters, tend to be very quiet, making them a good choice for an urban or suburban setting. Here are a few questions you might have before making that decision. 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. If you are hatching your own chickens from an incubator, know that these large fowl can take a bit longer to hatch (a few hours, in most cases). BFE, Nevada. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Learn more. Know Your Chickens is a free resource dedicated to teaching backyard chicken owners more about their flock. There is no doubt that they look both tall and stocky. Although Brahmas are large, they are often victims of bullying from other chickens. In the winter these balls can freeze causing frostbite and in severe cases the loss of toes. There are three colors of Brahmas you can choose from when you are building your flock. A 2-foot fence or 5-6 square foot space for each chicken in the coop is enough to keep them in place. Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. Overall they are robust and healthy birds. What chicken has 6 toes? 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. Ensure that the chicken coop gets about eight hours of natural light, especially during winter. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. Despite their powerful wings they are not able to fly much due to their weight. The hens lay their first egg at 6-7 months, unlike other breeds that start at 4-5 months. Their incredibly calm dispositions make them a fabulously friendly addition to the flock. If you have heavy, clay soil, a Brahma chicken might not be for you. chickensandyou.com is reader-supported. Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. On the other hand, buff Brahmas have a similar coloration to the light Brahma but with brown feathers. 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. Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. However, being foragers, they prefer free-ranging and larger yards. The Brahma is a tall, erect bird despite its size (approx 10lb for a rooster, 8lb for a hen). Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. Other than Brahmas, some chicken breeds with feathered feet are Booted Bantams, Cochins, Faverolles, and Silkies. My Brahmas will pace at the chicken coop door every afternoon to be let out for their midday rendezvous! Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. The breed is easy to contain, not being able to fly low fences very easily. Brahmas can even be as heavy as 12lbs for cocks and around 10lbs for hens. Hawks will seldom try to prey on a mature hen or rooster. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. If predators are a concern, a Brahma rooster wont do much to help you. Because these chickens have such a tall stance, that creates a wider and fuller-bodied appearance compared to other breeds. What, Chickens are wonderful animals to own, even if you dont count their many advantages, including fresh eggs and, Whether you are new to chicken keeping or youve had a run-in with a predator, the best way, Fluffy, speckled, bearded, and feather legged, you can find bantam chickens in every variety and because of their, If you could imagine a chicken with a mustache, and not just any mustache but one of imperialism,, While it may be either the prettiest or the strangest looking chicken youve ever seen, the Polish chicken, What Do Chicks Eat? 33. Brahmas are not so common because they are slow growers. There were several different names for the breed and at a meeting of poultry judges in Massachusetts in 1852, the name Brahmaputra was chosen. 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) Growing Cockerels. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. Of the Brahma Chicken colors, this variety was the last to be recognized for show. Brahma chicks also consume more food than smaller breeds of chicken. The Livestock Conservancy recognizes them as recovering, for a long time dropping from popularity but experiencing a resurgence in growth as they become more popular with backyard chicken keepers. Your feed conversion ratios will not be as profitable, as they are so slow to mature, and it may be difficult to find space for them in the chicken run and coop. You may find the Brahma chicken to be quite talkative but without the constant squawking and chirping of Leghorns, Orpingtons, or Silkies. 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 You dont want those beautiful back feathers rubbing against the roof. Brahma hens lay an average of 3-4 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. You can expect the brown egg size to be medium to large. Dark Brahma chicks have darker coloring and stripes down their backs, while Light Brahmas have a lighter, solid coloring. Similar to the perches nesting boxes should be low to the ground. Due to their enormous size roosters of 18lb were not unknown. The feathers along the legs can also make it tough to spot scaly leg mites. 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! Light Brahma roosters have a prominent black collar of feathers below the black and white neck feathers. Brahmas are one of the most laid back breeds there is. To get more meat from these meat birds, you need to wait because young (about 5 to 6 months) Brahma chickens do not have much meat. 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. The Brahma chicken is a multi-purpose chicken breed and a must-have for backyard farmers. Parasite infestation is common in hens and roosters too. They are a heavy bird which means they do not fly well (if at all). Or you can look at the vent at 1 day and see a protruding organ which are boys.Or wait 6 months and the one that crows is the rooster. Brahma hens typically have a small pea comb, while roosters have a large pea comb set on a wide head. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. The breeding contributed to Brahmas distinctive large head and pea comb. These roosters are incredibly friendly, making them an excellent choice if you want a more docile flock. Below, lets dive into the personality and the nature of Brahma chickens and whether they are the right breed for your needs. Why? Because of their incredibly friendly temperament and ability to tolerate confinement. Being a bird breed common to the Northern Hemisphere, keeping Brahma chickens in a spacious indoor chicken coop is ideal for preventing freezing feathers. A Brahma rooster will stand at 30 inches while a Brahma hen tends to be a few inches shorter. The occasions when they do make noises are the daily egg song and predator alarm calls (which will hopefully be infrequent). 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. Brahma hens are good egg layers for their size and they can lay between 3 to 4 eggs per week, or 150 to 180 eggs per year. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. You can build fencing around their enclosure, but it should be high to prevent predators from entering. The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. American standards also require thin feathers on the feet with a large or heavy-set body. Brahma chickens are called gentle giants because they have a docile nature and a very large size. They are not skittish, and dont mind being handled by the chicken keeper. Write us at info(at)knowyourchickens.com with any questions or concerns! They are a dual-purpose chicken breed, which means they are great for eggs and meat. Back in the 1800s their weight was very impressive. The Dark Brahma will also have white-shouldered wings and primary feathers that are edged with white. As these big birds struggle to fly perches should be fairly low for them to access (12-18 inches tall). If the weather is too hot, giant Brahma chickens may develop skin conditions or heat stroke. It was later shortened to Brahma. It is also vital to check for lice, fleas, mites, and other parasites that could harbor your chickens thick plumage. This is meant to protect the feathers on their legs and feet from being damaged or soaked which can lead to health problems. (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 Ready to purchase a flock of these chickens? Brahma chickens are a large feather-footed breed with a pea comb. Thankfully, the Livestock Conservancy has termed it as a recovering variety in recent years as they gradually become a backyard farmers popular fowl again. Females are a creamy white and . From April to June, they are likely to sit as a broody hen on their nests. They also make Read More , Choosing the right chicken waterer for your flock can save you a lot of time and work. These birds are jumbo-sized, meaning they eat a lot, too. They dont need to scratch or free range as often as other breeds, being very laid back. 5. 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. 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. Brahma fowl species are an excellent choice for chicken enthusiasts looking more for personality than eggs in their flock. Moreover, roosters can be up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall and as heavy as 12 pounds (5.4 kg). Brahmas are not commonly a broody chicken, but if you do happen to come across a broody hen she will be very stubborn when it comes to sitting on the nest and trying to hatch her eggs. They are calm in temperament and enjoy being handled, just like the Ayam Cemani chicken breed, making them a wonderful pet for children. In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well. While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. 6.5 lbs (2.9 kg) 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.