subject: The Brahma Chicken - Popular For Over A Century [print this page] 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.
The first Brahmas were brought to the US in 1846 and within 24 years has become an established breed accepted by the American Poultry Association. Fabulous prices were paid for the earliest of the breed, but their offspring spread rapidly through the country and in a surprisingly short time many people were able to enjoy this versatile fowl.
Although the Brahma has stayed remarkably true to the founding strain in size and shape, modern birds are slightly smaller and there are now three color categories. Early roosters weighed around fourteen pounds and hens as much as nine, but today twelve pounds is more of an average for the cock and eight for the hen. However, their fluffy feathers make them appear larger than they are, so they look very majestic as they poke around the yard or are posed for pictures.
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.
Show birds are judged for both color and conformation, and chickens bought for the barnyard should follow the same standards. Long experience has shown that there is a certain shape shared by all good Brahma hens that are good layers, and the high, rounded breast of a Brahma is a sign of a good meat chicken. Get purebred chicks if you want to have the full benefits of owning this all-purpose fowl.
The Brahma is a hardy bird that does well in areas with cold winters. They have the small 'pea comb' which will not freeze like the larger combs of other breeds, and their profuse feathers and feathered feet keep them warm with little help from their owners and less feed as well. The hens continue to lay eggs in the winter months, when hens of other breeds may stop altogether until the weather warms up.
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.
