As they have feathered feet, scaly leg mite can be a problem too so keep a close eye on those legs and feet. For instance the Brahma chicken (pictured below) needs five to six square feet (0.4 to 0.5m) of space in the coop and 12 to 14 feet (1.1 to 1.3m) in the pen. Great timing since other breeds will be just starting to lay. Therefore, if you must have Brahmas, keep them around other friendlier chicken breeds and household pets like cats. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Brahma chickens identify with three official color classifications; dark, light, and Buff. The origin of Brahma is debatable like with other heritage breeds. 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. A general indication of egg color is to look at the tiny feathers on the ear lobes. A Brahma hen is particularly broody in the summer, attentively sitting on its eggs most of the time. The Brahma is a striking bird to look at. If you notice some blood on the foot of your chicken, it is best to look at the quills. Many birds with feathered legs and feet experience problems in winter. The American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection featured the light and dark varieties in its first publication in 1874 and the Buff Variety later in 1942. They are relatively easy to care for and are good company for other animals and humans alike. While they arent largely accepted in the United States, the Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12x12 nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14x14 box. Parasite infestation is common in hens and roosters too. Why? Brahma chickens usual only require attention to parasites such as lice, mites and worms. Their incredibly calm dispositions make them a fabulously friendly addition to the flock. Lets look at the reasons why you should make the beautiful Brahma a part of your flock. Brahma is a unique breed of chicken, not only for their large size but for their hardiness and pleasing personality. The plumage consists of feathers that should be tightly held together making them dense but fluffy. The rooster has some feathers on his feet but the hens have none whatsoever. Brahma chickens are large birds, so if you are looking for a smaller bird, then this might not be the right breed for you. My Brahmas will pace at the chicken coop door every afternoon to be let out for their midday rendezvous! Both the light and dark colors were accepted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. Another nice thing with Brahmas is the fact that they prefer laying over the cooler months. This breed is also not among prolific egg layers. Although Brahma chickens were initially met with excitement, their slow growth rates led to their downfall. For instance the Brahma chicken (pictured below) needs five to six square feet (0.4 to 0.5m) of space in the coop and 12 to 14 feet (1.1 to 1.3m) in the pen. Ideally, you should only butcher Brahmas when they reach their market weight of at least 8lbs. Owing to the Queens delight with these gentle giants, the chicken breed became so popular that hen fever spread across the world. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The Brahma chicken could be one of the most impressive additions to the backyard flock. Brahma chickens, like all other chickens, have relatively long life spans. free-ranging. four toes Their legs and feet are feathered and each foot should have four toes. There are also rarer Brahma varieties that you Cochin Chicken. Its better to keep your flock full and happy because they can get aggressive and bully each other when hungry. These birds dont hold up well to heavy mud, because their feathers are so dense. The likely parent birds were Shanghais and Chittagongs and Malays. 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. 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. However, they will not protect the flock from a dog, fox, or hawk. Brahmas have a pea comb and dense and fluffy feathers to keep themselves warm. What is your 4th toe called? As a meat bird, the Brahma is beyond comparison. Although Brahmas can withstand harsh winter, their feathers can be problematic in this season. Although most people argue about its exact origin, some sources suggest that it developed in America after crossbreeding the Shanghai birds from China with the Malaysian birds known as Gray Chittagong chicken. In recent years the upsurge in backyard chicken keeping has seen the popularity of this old favorite rise again. Expect a long, deep and wide body with powerful wings. Asking more so I can figure out when I should be bringing younger hens in to keep egg production up. Both are considered egg and meat birds. 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. As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. Because these chickens have such a tall stance, that creates a wider and fuller-bodied appearance compared to other breeds. Since Brahmas are heavy, it is vital to ensure that the runs and the coops are wide and tall enough to accommodate their sizes. While not "normal," the extra toe certainly is cute! Here are some general commonly shared traits. Brahma hens typically have a small pea comb, while roosters have a large pea comb set on a wide head. These are not only unsanitary, but they can be dangerous. The Giant, the King, the Brahma. Although their large sizes can be overwhelming for new parents and children at first, it is easy to grow to love these birds. The American poultry standard for the Brahma chicken includes the Light, Dark, and Buff Brahmas. The Brahma is a large bird with a long, deep, and broad body. Brahma chicken species have a stocky build and require plenty of calories, water, and lots of feeds to sustain their large appetites and health. Chickens And More is quickly becoming the online destination for all backyard chicken enthusiasts. 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. While a generally healthy bird, lets look at some of the most common conditions that affect Brahmas. If you make the perches too high you run the risk of a leg or foot injury when they come down from the roost. However, any other Brahma color variety might cost you more. Small predators are not usually a match for a fully grown Brahma. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. They can live in confinement with other types of chickens, however, having very docile, calm personalities. These birds usually start laying at around six or seven months of age. This will prevent the more daring Brahmas from trying to perform high jumps to get down from the box, thereby preventing leg injuries. 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. If you are looking for a chicken that will provide you with both meat and eggs, then the Brahma chicken is a good choice. Most dogs have 5 toes on the front legs and 4 toes on the back. Some additional space considerations are perches and nesting boxes. 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. Keep reading to discover more about this wonderful breed. Interestingly enough, Dark Brahma chickens were cross bred with Black Langshans to produce the Jersey Giant. Brahmas are incredibly intelligent, calm, sweet, with a laid-back disposition. can pursue. Brahmas are stately and elegant in their demeanors. Brahma hens lay an average of 3-4 eggs of medium to large per week and about 150 eggs annually. Commonly known as the king of chickens, the majestic Brahma is a big bird, standing at an impressive 30 inches tall. The growth of their muscles and bone structure is slower than the average chicken. Brahmas stay the healthiest when they are raised in a damp, cool climate. However, the breeds slow maturity rate made it lose its popularity in favor of other quickly-maturing chicken breeds. FLYGRUBS Black Soldier Fly Larvae Chicken Feed. Because of their incredibly friendly temperament and ability to tolerate confinement. The breed standard required by poultry judges includes sharp gray penciling along the hackles, and black penciling across the rest of the body. Hens also have feathered feet but are less profuse. They have whats known as a beetle brow, meaning their forehead extends slightly over their eyes. While their origins date as far back as the 1800s, today these beautiful birds have become a popular addition to the backyard flock. Being familiar with how they look is a good start. Cocks are larger in size than the hens. Today, this breed, which is officially recognized by the American Poultry Association, is considered a heritage breed. In a mixed flock, smaller breeds can bully Brahma chickens. As an added bonus, their egg production rarely slows during the winter months, making them a good choice if you want to maintain a steady supply of eggs when the temperature drops. Hawks will seldom try to prey on a mature hen or rooster. But between free-ranging and medicated feed, what do chicks eat? If you are interested in raising a Brahma chicken as a pet, know that it will likely live for about five to eight years, depending on how well you care for it and whether it is being raised for the production of some sort. 5. The Brahma chicken is an Asiatic poultry breed named after the Brahmaputra River in India. Are Brahmas the right birds for you? Being a cost-saving option is a bonus if you have land space for it. They lay lovely brown eggs (sometimes dotted or speckled with white) that are relatively large compared to those of other species. What chicken has 6 toes? It depends on the age. . A Brahma hen can take 2 years to finish growing while roosters can take up to 3 years before reaching full maturity! We publish weekly guides and articles written by experienced chicken enthusiasts! If your Brahma hen goes broody, let her hatch her own eggs you can candle them to make sure the embryos are developing. 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. They are winter hardy birds and lay large light brown color eggs. barred varieties of Brahma. For comfort and better egg-laying, you can provide Brahma chickens with high-quality feed, enough water, and clean nest boxes. Light Brahma hens dont have as much black feathering apart from the tail. Brahma fowls are large birds that require a sizeable cage or enclosure than the average chicken. 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. The Brahma chicken the gentle giant of your chicken coop. The white feathers have a gray undertone, while the black feathers have a white stripe around the edges. Despite their size and intimidating appearance they are gentle giants. In this ultimate guide for raising a Brahma chicken, well look at three main things: how to care for these large birds, whether they are good layers, and everything you should know before adding this chicken breed to your flock. Some Silkies that are pure can hatch with four toes. Light Brahma roosters have a prominent black collar of feathers below the black and white neck feathers. Get More Info For shows and exhibitions, three types of Buff Brahma can only participate (2). The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. What youll get will depend on the color variety of your bird. This chicken species would make a great pet and asset for your family, thanks to its calm demeanor thats ideal for company, meat, and eggs. Do Brahma Chicken Get Along with Other Pets? Owners should understand that these fowls are great foragers and are happier chasing bugs and worms in the yard. Remember, Brahmas are large birds. This quality adds to making them good company in a populated neighborhood. Read our Breed guide below to find out if the Brahma chicken is for you. Make sure to get a breathable mesh harness for when you want to take them on walks. If youre considering a walk-in coop, Ive reviewed some of the best on the market here. Brahma Chicken. Hens lay medium to large sized eggs that can weigh up to 60 grams each. 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! 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. Though the Brahma chicken is a giant breed, they are not the noisiest birds. Some larger breeds will require even more space. Bantams can be a bit difficult to find but there are sources out there! When my Brahma hen laid her first egg, I was surprised at the smaller size compared to my other layers. 20 Best Egg Laying Chickens (Illustrated Guide), When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? Cover the box with a screen to eliminate the likelihood of drafts (and other pets!) The bedding should provide a secure foundation for your flocks legs and feet and should be easy to clean. They'll start by laying smaller 'pullet' eggs. This is a breed that thrives when roaming so try to let them free range they will enjoy the freedom and variety. Now you can say it with confidence! It needs a lot of space to move in, and being tall, they also need more ceiling and door height for their enclosures. 3. I like to spend my time writing and teaching skills for homesteading and self sufficient living. chickensandyou.com is reader-supported. 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. 10-12 lbs (4.5-5.4 kg) Fully Grown Brahma Hens. Referred to often as the King of All Poultry, this chicken breed would make a fantastic addition to your backyard flock. The Brahma chicken is distinguished by a pea comb, feathered legs and feet, and a yellow skin. Even so, they are big softies at heart. Females are a creamy white and . Both the light and dark varieties are popular among American fancier breeders, however, the penciling feather patterns in the Dark Brahma remain a fan favorite. Perfect for anyone wanting to take a natural approach to backyard chicken keeping! Check out some of the special considerations to put in place when keeping Brahma chicken species. 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! Below, lets dive into the personality and the nature of Brahma chickens and whether they are the right breed for your needs. Brahma hens rarely become broody, but this depends on the individual hen, as it does with all breeds of chickens. Brahma chickens have more dense and profuse feathers, unlike their cousin, the Cochin. Brahma chickens, even roosters, tend to be very quiet, making them a good choice for an urban or suburban setting. If your space permits, you should raise them as free-range chickens. Thanks. It's spelled "Marans," but it's pronounced, "Muh-ran.". Because they are such a good winter layer, they could be a prolific addition to the backyard flock! 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. I absolutely love all of my chickens now and I dont think Ill ever be able to live without them now. In fact because of their size they are usually pretty high in the pecking order and smaller breeds tend not to bother them. 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. The first thing to do when rearing these species is to accord them plenty of protection from predators. These can still be found today, but remain less popular than the light and dark varieties. Do you want large, friendly, affectionate, and relatively inexpensive chickens for your backyard? They dont need to scratch or free range as often as other breeds, being very laid back. They can be difficult to sex. However, keep an eye on the eggs once they hatch. But while they may seem like the perfect all-around breed, dont start adding them to your backyard just yet. But all of them have 4 toes. Males are straw-colored with reddish brown and black markings. The light and dark Brahma was admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874. It doesn't actually touch the ground or serve any functional purpose. The Brahma is a large bird although most of their bulk is feathers. While there will be some variation among the individuals of the species, these are some general similarities in appearance of the breed. The relatively slow rate of growth and long time required to reach maturity have caused Brahmas to be passed by as a commercial fowl. She is one of the largest chicken breeds and has a beautiful plumage which only adds to this special breeds appeal. Whilst small children may be fearful of them they will warm up to them after a few hugs! Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay however the wait is worth it. The Brahma chicken is a unique bird with a fascinating history. The Buffs brown hint makes it popular among farmers. These chickens are quite large, but there is a misconception that they are enormous compared to other birds in a flock. Outside of the chicken coop, Brahma chickens can benefit from 15 to 16 square feet of space each. These chickens are also great with children, and most birds wont mind a kind and gentle cuddle every now and then. There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. Dirt floor pens get muddy very quickly and with feathered feet the Brahmas may develop foot problems. Brahmas can produce about 140 eggs per year. Males appear taller than females and weigh about 12 pounds (5.5kgs). Caused by their excessive foot feathering, these mud balls can cause the loss of nails or tips of toes. It also stands tall, up to 30 inches, a size that can be intimidating at first. Here is a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about this illustrious bird. Despite their size they are a very gentle chicken that is well suited for beginners or families. 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). A single chicken is a "Marans" and two chickens are "Marans.". Related: 18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard. Bantam Brahmas are much smaller with the males weighing about 38oz and hens weighing slightly less at 34 oz. Beginning in the 1850s until about 1930, the Brahma chicken was the primary breed for meat production in the United States. And this breed usually lays its eggs from October to May, just when other breeds are shutting down for winter. It should not leak and should be easy to clean and refill. The good thing is that, despite being huge, Brahmas can thrive in confined spaces. Brahma chickens are very friendly and can be trained to enjoy the company of humans. Yet, they are one of the largest chicken breeds. Dark Brahma hens are easily identified by their white laced feather pattern across a darker gray body, breast, and wings. Chickens as large as the Brahma will need a fair amount of space to keep them comfortable. Google it. Size And Weight Of A Brahma chicken. There are three varieties of large fowl and bantam size classifications of Brahma recognized by the American Poultry Association. A classic American chicken breed, the Brahma chicken is a popular breed among hobbyists and breeders alike, laying a prolific number of brown eggs. Since rationing their feeds can be challenging since they are heavy feeders, it would be best to free-feed them to reduce your feeding bill. This giant chicken has distinct feather patterns compared to other breeds that were incorporated in its history. How [] Fact #1: Silkie chickens have extra toes (Though the breed standard is 5 toes, some have an additional toe for a total of 6. Raising chickens means providing them the right environment thats designed to accommodate their needs throughout all growth stages. Therefore, Brahmas require a highly nutritious diet to avoid disease, stunted growth, or poor egg laying ability. Regular inspections can help you spot parasites early on and treat before it becomes an infestation. For this reason, youll have to cover their run and ensure it keeps them safe from severe weather changes. On the other hand, buff Brahmas have a similar coloration to the light Brahma but with brown feathers. Egg Production Though Brahma chickens were primarily bred for meat, they do have fair egg production. The hens will lay the usual brownish colored eggs, though are not known to be overly productive when compared to other breeds. Interestingly enough, lighter ear lobes usually mean lighter eggs! These roosters are incredibly friendly, making them an excellent choice if you want a more docile flock. The original Brahma chicken colors included the Dark and Light Brahma up until the 1950s. These prolific winter layers produce an impressive amount of eggs between October and May. KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The Brahma chicken was one of the ultimate table birds until the rise of industrial birds in the 1930s. You can expect 4-5 medium-sized, brown eggs per chicken every week during the spring, summer, and fall. I have one beautiful rooster of Brahma. Brahmas are very placid chickens and are similar in size to the Jersey Giant chicken. 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.