The Brahma Chicken Has Remained Popular For Over A Century

The popular Brahma chicken has made a name for itself in many countries. Most enthusiasts believe that this gentle giant among chickens originated in India. The Brahma is often bred as a show bird but is valued just as much for its utility as a egg and meat producer.

Although some dispute the fact, it is generally accepted that this breed originated in India. It became popular in England and was brought to the United States in 1846. Its arrival is well-documented, since it was a beautiful bird that sold for a high price. Even though it was expensive, people went crazy over this chicken and it rapidly spread throughout the nation.

In earlier days, cocks were even bigger than they are now, with weights of 14 pounds not unusual. Today the average weight of a mature rooster is 11 to 12 pounds, while hens weigh from 8 to 9. The birds have many fluffy feathers and seem larger, and a rooster may stand 26 inches tall. With their striking coloring and feathered feet and legs, the Brahma stands out in any company.

The original chickens were white with black, and this color is still the most popular; today these are called Light Brahmas. The Dark Brahma is black tipped with white in the cock and dark gray and black in the hens. There is also the Buff Brahma, in which the base color is a warm tan and the markings black and brown. All Brahmas have feathered legs and feet and fluffy, compact tails.

In addition to the Light Brahmas, there is a Dark strain, which is black and white for a male and dark gray and black in a hen. The third color is Buff, which has a base color of warm tan. In all three colors, the face, ears, and wattles should be bright red. There is also a Banty variety that comes in each color but is much smaller.

The comb of all Brahmas is small and close to the head, a pea comb. This is one trait that helps them to be very hardy in cold climates, since they do not have a large comb susceptible to freezing. They do well either as free range chickens, where they must be protected from ground predators but are not bothered by hawks, or in runs. They lay on average three or more eggs a week and are better than average layers in the winter. Their eggs are large and brown. They are not fanatic about setting (except the Banty types) but if allowed to nest will make good mothers.

There are clubs for fans of this versatile fowl in the US, England, and Australia. This chicken has neither gone out of fashion or lost its desirable qualities in over 160 years. You can look online to see pictures and reviews of the Brahma, and chicks are available from hatcheries in the warmer months. You can search for a local hatchery in your area or get 'peeps' through the mail.

Brahma chickens are fun to show, great in the barnyard, and even make good pets. If you have not heard about this breed before, you owe it to yourself to check it out.