Introduction
Today we are going to talk about one of my favorite breeds. Who am I fooling? I feel like all breeds are my favorites! Haha! Except for maybe the Wyandottes, I haven’t had very good experiences with this breed. However, we will not talk about other races today. Today, everything is dedicated to the Brahmas!
Brahma Chickens
If you are looking for a sweet, affectionate and robust chicken, look no further than the Brahma! They are gentle giants and excellent egg layers. There are also Brahma Bantams which are just as gentle and docile. I have three Brahmas, a Bantams Buff, a Brahma Light, and a Brahma Dark. Their personalities are very similar although their sizes are very different.
Origin of Brahmas
According to Wikipedia, the Brahma is an American breed of chicken. It was developed in the United States from chickens imported from the Chinese port of Shanghai and was the primary American meat breed from the 1850s until around 1930.
Use and Production
Backyard owners now use Brahmas for meat and egg production. They lay large brown eggs and produce 150-200 eggs per year. Brahmas are known for being gentle, which makes them excellent pets. One of our Bantams follows me everywhere until I pick her up.
Characteristics of Brahmas
Brahmas have a polka dot crest and a thick coat of down, making them ideal for cold climates. They have feathered legs and are a fairly silent breed. Due to their large size, they need more space and larger nesting boxes than average-sized chickens. They get along well with other breeds and are a fun addition to the coop.
Popularity
Brahmas gained popularity after a photo of the giant rooster Brahma Light surfaced on social media. I’ve never seen one this size in person, but my Brahma chickens are the largest in our coop. We also have Jersey Giants, and my Brahmas rival them in size. I feel like as chicks they were also more robust due to their size.
Recommendation
If you’re browsing chick catalogs and wondering what to add to your barnyard this spring, I highly recommend these gentle giants or Bantams. The six Brahmas we have have excellent temperaments and are great egg layers. ! And the fact that they exist in different colors allows you to have a pleasant landscape in your garden.
Personality and Temperament
Brahma Chickens are one of the most peaceful breeds. They are neither nervous nor fearful and are very placid. Due to their size, few things intimidate them. They are not known to fight or argue with other birds. In fact, due to their size, they are usually quite high up in the coop hierarchy and smaller breeds don’t bother them. They are docile and friendly towards people – not quite pet chickens, but certainly not reluctant to beg for treats. Although small children may be afraid of them at first, they will quickly get used to them after a few cuddles!
Egg Production
Brahmas can take up to 7 months before they start laying eggs, but the wait is worth it. They will reward you with 3 to 4 medium brown eggs per week. Brahmas prefer to lay in cool weather, so when other hens slow down their laying for the year, Brahmas lay from October to March. In general, Brahmas are not known for brooding. Those that incubate will do so very determinedly until they hatch. Since the mothers are very large, it is wise to supervise the chicks so that they do not get stepped on by their mother.
Appearance
Brahmas are imposing birds although most of their bulk is made up of feathers. Expect a long, deep, wide body with powerful wings. Despite their powerful wings, they cannot fly much due to their weight. Their plumage consists of feathers that should be tightly packed together, making them dense but fluffy. Their feathers extend to the legs and cover the two outer toes.
Height and weight
Brahmas are very imposing birds measuring around 75 cm tall. Their size can be very intimidating to some people, especially small children. In the 19th century, their weight was very impressive. Today, roosters weigh around 4.5 kg and hens 3.6 kg. Bantam Brahmas are much smaller, with males weighing around 1 kg and females a little less, around 900 g.
Color Varieties
Standard size Brahmas come in three colors: dark, light and fawn. There have been a few other variations over the years, but they have not been officially accepted. Bantam Brahmas can be found in black, white, dark, light and fawn, although black and white are considered rare.
Color Varieties
Standard size Brahmas come in three colors: dark, light and fawn. There have been a few other variations over the years, but they have not been officially accepted. Bantam Brahmas can be found in black, white, dark, light and fawn, although black and white are considered rare.
Brahma Chicken Care
Health problems
Overall, Brahma chickens are sturdy and healthy. They generally require special attention to parasites such as lice, mites and worms. Since they have feathered legs, scaly leg mites can be a problem, so keep a close eye on those paws and feet. Another common problem with feather-footed birds is the accumulation of mud or droppings on the toes, especially in winter when these balls can freeze, causing frostbite and, in severe cases, loss of toes.
Food
Brahmas thrive when fed freely. A 16% protein layer feed is ideal for most of the year. They will need a little more protein when they start to molt. These big birds have big appetites. Trying to ration a Brahma’s food can be difficult, so it is recommended to feed them at will. When they are hungry, they tend to bully other members of the herd, so it is best to keep them well fed and happy.
Installation of the Chicken Coop
Since Brahmas are large chickens, they need more space than average chickens. It is recommended to allow 0.5 to 0.6 square meters per hen in the henhouse.. Do not go below this recommendation, as less space leads to antisocial behaviors such as pecking and feather plucking. For perches, allow approximately 20 to 25 cm per hen. The perches should be low enough (30-45 cm high) so that the Brahmas can easily access them. For nest boxes, a 35×35 cm box will be appreciated. Nest boxes should also be low for easy access.
Conclusion
Brahmas are magnificent birds to watch. Although their heads and foreheads give them a menacing look, nothing could be further from the truth. This placid bird gets along with everyone and can become attached to its owners.. They are very good with children, but be careful that they are not knocked over by these gigantic birds. Just be sure to keep them well fed and you will have a happy hen. They are a good breed for those who want to raise their own eggs and meat poultry, as they can provide both in large quantities.
