My OperaGallinero The Brahma Chicken Popular For Over A Century
Sunday, February 20, 2011 10:13:09 AM
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.
When Brahmas were first imported to the United States in 1846, cocks weighed as much as fourteen pounds. Modern chickens are smaller; cocks weigh from eleven to twelve, and hens from eight to nine, depending on the variety. The Light Brahma, a white bird streaked with black, is the most popular variety, but there are also Dark Brahmas and Buff Brahmas.
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.
Their feathers are profuse and billowy, which makes then look even larger than they are, they should have bright red ears, wattles, and combs, which are small and close to the head (pea combs is the technical term). They are known for their calmness and lack of aggression, which makes them good for families with children who want to treat them as pets. They retain their composure at fairs and shows, where they stand out as exhibition birds.
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.
These birds, which grew so rapidly in popularity that they were well distributed in the United States by 1870 (only twenty-four years after they were first brought from India), have never gone out of fashion. Standing up to twenty-six inches in height, with feathered legs and toes, the roosters are striking in all of the three accepted colors. The Light Brahma is the most true to type, which makes it the most suitable for 4-H projects and other poultry show breeding. Breeders have developed a Banty version, which is just as attractive and hardy while being much smaller.
The chicks are available from most hatcheries, many of which ship the day-old chicks all over the country as soon as the spring brings warmer weather. Check online for local sources and for national hatcheries. There are Brahma clubs to be found in the United States, in England, and in Australia.
Brahma chickens make great pets, are good barnyard fowl, and good exhibition birds. For a well-rounded chicken, who could ask for better?
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