Reba and Barbara Jean - 2 of my Buff Brahma Bantams
Today we’re going to talk about one of my favorite breeds. Who am I kidding! I feel like all the breeds are my favorite! Haha! Except maybe not Wyandottes. I haven’t had a great experience with that breed. However, we’re not talking about the other breeds today. Today, it’s all about Brahmas!
Why Brahmas Stand Out
Picking out chickens is super exciting and fun. A lot of backyard chicken keepers choose their breeds according to egg production, temperament, and if they’re cold or heat hearty. Some may choose smaller breeds if they have a smaller set up, or they may have a wide variety if they have more space. I have 18 different breeds of chickens, so there’s never a dull moment in our coop! The yard is speckled with beautiful feathers and the egg basket is the same. I love a variety of egg colors and our chickens are our pets, so I want them to be docile. Those are the two qualities I look for first.
Big Momma is my largest chicken in the coop and is a Dark Brahma
My Experience with Brahma Chickens
I own three Buff Brahma Bantams and one Light Brahma, one Dark Brahma and one Buff Brahma. Their personalities are so similar even though their size is much different. So, if you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate, hearty chicken, look no further than the Brahma! They are gentle giants and are excellent egg layers.
My Buff Brahma’s feathered foot is huge!
The History of Brahma Chickens
Brahma chickens have a fascinating history that goes back to the mid-19th century. They were developed right here in the United States, but their roots trace back to chickens imported from the port of Shanghai, China.
Early breeders crossed these Chinese birds with other large breeds, like Malay and Cochin chickens to create the Brahma. Their impressive size made them a popular choice for meat production in the 1850s, and they quickly became the go-to chicken for American farmers. Some Brahmas were even sent to England, where they became a hit at poultry shows thanks to their size and beauty!
From the 1850s to the 1930s, Brahmas were the stars of the poultry world, mainly prized for their meat. As time went on and other breeds took over for meat production, Brahmas found a new role as a dual-purpose breed, loved for both their eggs and meat.
Blanche is my Light Brahma and she is gorgeous!
Egg Production and Temperament of Brahmas
In my flock, we use Brahmas strictly for egg production. They lay large brown eggs and produce between 150-200 eggs per year. Their gentle and calm nature also makes them fantastic pets. One of my Buff Brahma Bantams follows me around the yard until I pick her up – she’s so affectionate and sweet! If you’re looking for chickens that are not only great layers but also fun companions, Brahmas are a wonderful choice.
Reba is the sweetest gal in the coop! She follows us everywhere until we hold her!
Cold Weather Hardy & Space Requirements
Brahmas are ideal for cold climates, thanks to their thick layer of down and pea comb, which protects them from frostbite. They also have feathered feet and are fairly quiet compared to other breeds. Because of their larger size, they do need more space and larger nesting boxes. However, they get along great with other breeds, making them a fun and peaceful addition to your flock.
Brahmas have gained popularity after that picture of the giant Light Brahma Rooster circulated through social media. I have never seen one in person that size, but my Brahma hens are the biggest in our coop. We have Jersey Giants as well, and my Brahma’s give them a run for their money in the size department. I feel like as chicks, they were more hearty as well due to their size.
Why You Should Add Brahmas to Your Flock
If you’re scrolling through chick catalogs and are wondering what to add to your flock this spring, I’d highly recommend these gentle giants or sweet Bantams. All 6 of our Brahmas have excellent temperaments and are great egg layers! And the fact that they come in different colors allows for a pretty landscape in your backyard.
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady