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The ISA Brown chicken is a hybrid breed developed specifically for high egg production. Created by the Institut de Sélection Animale (ISA) in France, this breed is widely used in commercial egg production due to its excellent laying capabilities and friendly temperament.
- Medium-sized birds
- Reddish-brown feathers with some white underfeathers
- Single comb, red wattles, and earlobes
- Yellow skin and legs
- Typically weigh around 4-6 pounds
- Compact, robust body
BREED & ORIGIN
ISA Brown
&
France
LIFE EXPECTANCY
3-5 years
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Height: 15”-17” (38-43 cm)
&
Weight:Roosters: 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
Hens: 5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Chick (0-8 weeks)
Pullet/Cockerel (8-20 weeks)
Layer/Rooster (20+ weeks)
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Temperament
Friendly, calm, and easy to handle
Activity Level
Moderate, good foragers
Climate Tolerance
Adaptable to various climates
Genetic Traits
High egg production, early maturity
Egg Laying Capacity
Excellent; 300-350 eggs per year
Broodiness
Low tendency
Feeding
A balanced layer feed is essential for maintaining their high egg production and overall health. Supplement with calcium sources like oyster shells for strong eggshells. They are good foragers and will benefit from free-ranging opportunities
Housing
ISA Browns require standard chicken housing with good ventilation. A minimum of 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run is recommended. They adapt well to both free-range and confined settings.
Health
ISA Browns are generally hardy and healthy. Regular health checks for common poultry issues like mites and lice are important. Their adaptability makes them resistant to many common chicken ailments.
Breeding Practices:
ISA Browns are a hybrid breed, so breeding them does not result in offspring with consistent characteristics. Instead, they are produced by crossing specific parent breeds (typically Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns).
Raising Chicks:
ISA Brown chicks are fast-growing and hardy. Provide a warm brooder environment (starting at 95°F and gradually decreasing) until they are fully feathered at about 6-8 weeks. Offer chick starter feed and clean water. Introduce them gradually to the flock when they are big enough to hold their own.
Nutritional Needs:
ISA Browns require a balanced diet to support their high egg production. Commercial layer feeds usually meet their needs. Supplement with grit for digestion and provide access to fresh greens when possible.
ISA Browns are valued primarily for their high egg production and friendly nature. They are widely used in commercial egg production and are popular with backyard chicken keepers.
Culturally, the ISA Brown represents a modern approach to poultry breeding, focusing on productivity and ease of care for small-scale and backyard flocks.
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Origin |
France |
Temperature |
Friendly, calm, and easy to handle |
Common Health Issues |
Generally healthy, no breed-specific issues |
Commercial Use |
Primarily used for egg production |
Backyard Use |
Popular for excellent egg production and friendly nature |
Breed Standards |
Not recognized as a standard breed due to hybrid nature |
Exhibition |
Not typically used for exhibition due to hybrid nature |
Role in Culture |
Represents a modern, productive hybrid breed |
Population Status |
Not applicable due to hybrid nature |
Conservation Efforts |
Not applicable due to hybrid nature |
Breeding Practices |
Produced by crossing specific parent breeds (Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns) |
Fertility Rates |
Generally good |
Parasite Control |
Standard poultry parasite control measures apply |
Market Value |
Chicks typically cost $2-$5 each |
Cost of Raising |
Approximately $25-$35 per chicken per year, depending on feed costs and housing |
- Excellent egg production (300-350 eggs per year)
- Friendly and calm temperament
- Hardy and adaptable to various climates
- Early maturity, start laying eggs at a young age
- Good foragers
- Being a hybrid, breeding does not produce consistent offspring
- May have a shorter lifespan due to high egg production
- Not recognized as a standard breed for exhibition purposes
ISA Browns typically start laying eggs at around 16-20 weeks of age.