The Brahma chicken has fans around the world. The country of origin is said by most authorities to be India, which goes with the name and its popularity in English speaking countries. These birds are bred for show and for utility, which means meat and egg production.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you let your chickens out to roam or keep them in a run, the Brahma will do well. They are calm enough to tolerate confinement, and when allowed to range are not aggressive around children. They grow rapidly, and the hens lay large, brown eggs with a rich flavor. Hens are not usually insistent on nesting but take good care of their chicks if they are allowed to set.
Brahma chickens are good barnyard fowl, spectacular 4-H projects, and also make good pets. Check online for pictures and reviews of this popular bird and to find hatcheries in your area. National suppliers will ship chicks to your local post office in the spring and early summer.