When it comes to majestic and awe-inspiring chicken breeds, Brahma chickens take center stage. With its towering stature, gentle temperament, and exquisite plumage, this breed has captured the hearts of poultry enthusiasts worldwide. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating history, recognized breed varieties, egg facts, distinctive features, and characteristic traits that make the Brahma chicken truly remarkable.
History of Brahma Chickens
| Class | Asiatic |
| Type | Large Fowl |
| Size | Very Heavy |
| Rarity | Common |
| Purpose | Dual Purpose |
| Recognized Varieties | Light, Dark, and Buff |
The Brahma breed has its origins shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have been developed in the United States in the mid-19th century from large birds imported from China, known as Shanghai chickens, crossed with various breeds, including Gray Chittagong from India.
The result was a remarkable breed, initially known as “Shanghai” before being renamed Brahma, after the Brahmaputra River in India. They quickly became popular due to their size and hardiness, as they could withstand the harsh New England winters. In the late 1800s, Brahma chickens were also introduced to England, where they were further developed and refined.
They were recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874.
Recognized Breed Varieties
The American Poultry Association (APA) recognizes three varieties of the Brahma chicken breed: Light, Dark, and Buff.
Light Brahma
- Admitted to the APA in 1874
- Showcases a white base color with contrasting black tail and wing feathers
Dark Brahma
- Admitted to the APA in 1874
- Exhibits a stunning black base color with contrasting white hackles, saddle, and tail.
Buff Brahma
- Admitted to APA in 1924
- Displays a warm buff color throughout its plumage.
All three varieties have feathered legs and feet, making them well-suited for colder climates. There are other color variations such as the Blue, Partridge, and Silver Penciled Brahma that are recognized by other poultry associations.
Egg Facts
| Egg Laying | Good 200-280 a year |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Medium-Large |
Brahma chickens are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities. Although they are considered large fowl, their egg production is good. A single Brahma hen can lay around 200-280 medium-large brown eggs per year, making them a great addition to any backyard flock.
Breed Features
| Comb Type | Pea |
| Crested | No |
| Feathered Legs | Yes |
| Number of Toes | 4 |
One of the most striking features of the Brahma chicken breed is its size. They are among the largest domesticated chicken breeds, with roosters often reaching weights of 12 to 13 pounds (5.4 to 5.9 kg), and hens weighing around 9 to 10 pounds (4.1 to 4.5 kg).
Their imposing size, combined with their upright posture, gives them an impressive and regal appearance. Brahma chickens have a broad, muscular body and a small pea comb. They also have feathered legs and feet, which give them a unique and regal appearance.
Their feathered feet make them more susceptible to mites and lice because the feathers can hold moisture, keeping the feet moist. This can easily be managed with DE. Learn more about keeping your flocks healthy and happy.
Because they are heavy birds, they are more prone to bumblefoot than lighter breeds. Otherwise, they are generally hearty birds and not prone to common poultry diseases.
Their size and weight make them excellent for meat production. Since they are also good egg layers, they make a good dual-purpose breed for any homestead or farm.
A word of caution, if you choose a lighter-colored variety, remember they will stand out to predators. This will mean you need to provide them with extra protection. There are many things you can do to help protect your flocks from predators.
Breed Characteristics
| Cold Hardiness | Yes |
| Heat Tolerance | Yes, if given plenty of shade and cool water |
| Bears Confinement | Yes |
| Docile | Very |
| Setter/Broody | Yes |
| Personality | Extraordinarily Friendly, Quiet |
Apart from their physical attributes, Brahma chickens are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them suitable for both exhibition and backyard purposes. They have a calm demeanor and are generally tolerant of human interaction, making them an excellent choice for families and new chicken keepers.
Brahma hens will go broody and make good mothers. You can do a few things to help your broody hens while they are setting a nest.
My first experience with this breed was back in 2004. We had a favorite juvenile Brahma we named Bertha because “she” was so kind and gentle. It loved to be held. We had a very dominant Rhode Island Red rooster, named Cogburn, who never allowed any other roo to crow.
After Cogburn was gone, we heard a rooster crowing who sounded like he was just learning. We rushed outside because we didn’t think we had a roo in the young birds. There stood Bertha on the porch crowing, it turns out she was really a Burt. He loved his flock and was always kind and gentle. I never had to use my skills of breaking an aggressive rooster with him.
The pea combs, and the abundance of feathers on their body, shanks, and toes make them well-suited to colder climates. Their adaptability to various climates and their hardiness make them a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts worldwide.
Where to Buy
There are several hatcheries that sell Brahma chickens. We always recommend first checking with local poultry groups, farmer’s markets, and farm supply stores to get birds locally. This reduces stress on mail order birds.
However, if you need to order them online, use a company you feel comfortable doing business with. I found them here for you.
Wrap Up
The Brahma chicken breed is a must-have for any chicken keeper looking for a beautiful, friendly, and hardy bird that’s a great dual-purpose breed. Their large size and distinctive appearance make them a standout in any flock, and their calm temperament makes them a joy to handle. If you’re looking for a new addition to your backyard flock, consider the majestic Brahma chicken. You won’t be disappointed!
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