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The Brahma chicken, often referred to as the "King of All Poultry," is a large breed of chicken developed in the United States from birds imported from China. Known for its impressive size, feathered feet, and gentle disposition, the Brahma was once the premier meat breed in the US. The breed was admitted to the Standard of Perfection of the American Poultry Association in 1874.
- Very large-sized birds
- Come in several color varieties, including Light, Dark, and Buff
- Pea comb, red wattles and earlobes
- Yellow skin and feathered legs and feet
- Typically weigh around 10-12 pounds for roosters, 8-10 pounds for hens
- Broad, deep body with a high tail
- Dense feathering giving a fluffy appearance
BREED & ORIGIN
Brahma
&
United States (from Asian stock)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
5-8 years
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Height: 24-30 inches (61-76 cm)
Weight: Roosters: 10-12 lbs (4.5-5.4 kg)
Hens: 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg)
Chick (0-6 weeks)
Pullet/Cockerel (6-20 weeks)
Layer/Rooster (20+ weeks)
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Temperament
Calm, docile, friendly
Activity Level
Low to moderate, tolerant of confinement
Climate Tolerance
Extremely cold-hardy, less tolerant of heat
Genetic Traits
Large size, feathered feet, pea comb
Egg Laying Capacity
Moderate; 150-200 eggs per year
Broodiness
Moderate tendency, good mothers
Feeding
A balanced layer feed is essential for maintaining their health and egg production. Due to their large size, they may require more feed than smaller breeds. Provide calcium supplements for strong eggshells.
Housing
Brahmas require spacious coops with good ventilation. A minimum of 4-5 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10-15 square feet per bird in the run is recommended. They tolerate confinement well but enjoy free-ranging when possible.
Health
Brahmas are generally hardy but can be prone to foot issues due to their feathered feet. Regular health checks and foot care are important. Their dense feathering requires extra attention to prevent parasites
Breeding Practices:
- When breeding Brahmas, select birds with desirable traits such as large size, good feathering on feet, and gentle temperament. The incubation period for their eggs is about 21 days.
Raising Chicks:
- Brahma chicks are slow-growing compared to other breeds. Provide a warm brooder environment (starting at 95°F and gradually decreasing) until they're fully feathered at about 8-10 weeks. Offer chick starter feed and clean water. Introduce them gradually to the flock when they're big enough to hold their own.
Nutritional Needs:
- Brahmas require a balanced diet to support their large size and egg production. Commercial layer feeds usually meet their needs, but they may require more feed than smaller breeds.
Brahmas were once the primary meat bird in the United States, particularly before the rise of the modern broiler industry. They contributed significantly to the poultry industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Culturally, Brahmas are often seen as exhibition birds due to their impressive size and appearance. They've been featured in poultry shows and county fairs for over a century, capturing the imagination of poultry enthusiasts.
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Origin |
United States (from Asian stock) |
Temperature |
Calm, docile, friendly |
Common Health Issues |
Prone to foot issues due to feathered feet |
Commercial Use |
Once primary meat bird, now mostly for exhibition and backyard flocks |
Backyard Use |
Popular for their impressive size and gentle nature |
Breed Standards |
Admitted to American Standard of Perfection in 1874 |
Exhibition |
Judged on size, feather quality, and color patterns |
Breeding Practices |
Focus on maintaining size, feathered feet, and gentle temperament |
Role in Culture |
Often seen as an exhibition breed, known as "King of All Poultry" |
Population Status |
Not endangered, but less common than some breeds |
Conservation Efforts |
Some color varieties may be subject to conservation efforts |
Fertility Rates |
Generally good, but may be lower than smaller breeds |
Parasite Control |
Require extra attention due to feathered feet and dense plumage |
Market Value |
Chicks typically cost $4-$8 each |
Cost of Raising |
Approximately $40-$50 per chicken per year, due to higher feed consumption |
- Extremely docile and friendly
- Impressive size and appearance
- Cold-hardy
- Good for meat production
- Tolerant of confinement
- Slower to mature
- Moderate egg production compared to layer breeds
- Require more feed due to large size
- Less heat-tolerant
- Feathered feet require extra care
Brahmas typically start laying eggs at around 6-7 months of age.