About Brahma Chickens
many people disagree over the origin of Brahma chickens because their roots are a snatch fogged. From the best we can tell, it seems Brahmas were bred in North America using stock imported from China.
These chinese chickens were referred to as Shanghai birds, and they gave Brahmas some of the characteristics that distinguish them from Cochins. One main characteristic distinguishing Brahmas from Cochins is comb type. Cochins have a single comb while Brahmas proudly sport a pea comb. This beautiful breed has three color varieties accepted by the American Poultry Association. The first color varieties accepted into the Standard of Perfection were the Light and Dark Brahmas. A few years after the first base two colors, Buff Brahmas were allowed into the Standard of Perfection. In Australia, there are a few other discolor variations which are slowly making their way to the United States .
Brahma Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
arguably some of the largest chickens in the populace, hens weigh about 9 pounds with roosters weighing in around 12-13 pounds. decidedly not a petite chicken ! On top of their large size, Brahmas have fluffy feathers, making them appear to be rather humongous .
2. Temperament
Don ’ t let their large size intimidate you ; these birds are easy giants. Brahmas are very composure and docile with a natural affection for their caretakers. They besides make incredible mothers, and Brahma hens have been known to go brood hen frequently .
3. Egg Production
Though Brahma chickens were chiefly bred for kernel, they do have fair egg production. You can expect approximately 150 large, light brown eggs from a unmarried hen in a year. One of the best parts about their testis production, is they are more likely to lay eggs during the winter. It ’ second dainty to have a breed of chicken that lays eggs when some other breeds in your cluster are ready to take a little break .
4. Meat Production
If you ’ rhenium looking for a large double purpose boo, you don ’ t need to look any far. These large birds can dress out the same size as an averagely size broiler. As with most inheritance breeds, Brahmas are behind growers, and they will not be full grown in 3 months like some meat birds. If you ’ re uncoerced to wait, these birds will reward you with good choice kernel .
Taking Care of Brahmas
1. Feeding and Nutritional Needs
due to their large size, Brahmas can undoubtedly eat their fair share of food. These birds tend to be a snatch cannibalistic when they don ’ t have enough food. Some wimp keepers choose to ration their chicken feed out to the flock. many chicken keepers don ’ thymine commend rationing chicken feed to Brahmas due to their occasionally cannibalistic tendencies. From hatch to about 18 weeks of historic period, your Brahma chicks will need a high-quality chick starter/grower. once your birds near laying age, you ’ ll want to transition over to a full lay feed. Provide auxiliary calcium in a different smasher so your hens can eat it as necessary. When your Brahmas are fed a good diet with periodic extra treats, you ’ ll have a happy, goodly and fat flock.
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2. Housing and Fencing Requirements
Since Brahmas are such giant birds, they require a snatch more distance in the cage than some chickens. I recommend a minimum of 5-6 square feet per bird in the cage, with 12-14 square feet per boo in the prevail. Brahmas do well free roll, and their size makes them very unmanageable for most birds of raven to carry away. Unless of course, you live in Colorado with the eagles that carry mountain goats off cliffs. Due to their size and inability to fly well, you don ’ t need a argue higher than 3 feet to prevent Brahmas from flying out .
3. Health Issues and Care
Brahma chickens are by and large identical hardy and healthy birds. You will need to keep an eye on their feathered legs for scaly branch mites. These annoying short critters love infesting feathered legs, so it is all-important to learn the signs and keep an center out for their presence .
4. Grooming
When bad weather comes about, Brahmas can get matted feathers on their legs. If it is particularly muddy, the feathery legs can get so dirty the hens might need help getting them fairly. Mud can besides collect on toes or ankles making mud balls that will need to be removed with pliers or a long pawn in some warm body of water .
5. Breeding
Breeding Light and Buff Brahmas is relatively simpleton due to their basic fledge colorations. however, Dark Brahmas can be slightly complicated due to their elaborately laced feathers. many breeders choose to use the doubly match method acting to perfect their Dark Brahma lines. As with all breeds with unmanageable feather, fourth dimension and solitaire are key to breeding good birds .
Breed Alternatives
1. Cochins
Cochins are unusually exchangeable to Brahmas for several reasons. These birds are besides identical big dual-purpose chickens, but they weigh just a sting less. In appearance, Cochins do resemble Brahmas, with their feathered legs and downy feathers. I have owned both breeds and find them both to be charming to own .
2. Wyandottes
Wyandottes are besides a larger breed that is capital for kernel and resembles Brahmas in appearance. The columbian Wyandottes about appears to be a carbon copy of a Light Brahma while the Laced Wyandottes are reasonably exchangeable to the Dark Brahma. Wyandottes have better egg product than Brahmas, but they don ’ thyroxine move over quite angstrom much kernel .
Did You Know?
The largest breed of chicken said to be alive mighty now is a Brahma cock ! think keeping up with a chicken the size of a small child ! Bet the feed beak is reasonably hefty.
If you ’ re looking to add a act of “ wow ” to your batch, Brahmas surely won ’ metric ton disappoint. certain to impress your friends and neighbors, you won ’ thymine regret having a few of these gentle giants in your chicken chicken coop.
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