Brahma
The Brahma chicken is a large and distinctive breed, originally developed in the United States from birds imported from the Chinese port of Shanghai, with some influence from the crossbreeding of dark Brahmas and Chittagong fowl. Recognized for their impressive size and feathered legs, Brahmas gained popularity in the 19th century as a dual-purpose bird prized for both meat and egg production.
Brahmas have a robust body covered with dense, soft feathers that extend down their legs to their feet, giving them a unique, heavy-set appearance. They come in several color varieties, including light, dark, and buff. The light Brahma is characterized by white feathers with black accents on the neck and tail, while the dark and buff varieties feature darker plumage with varying patterns.
Known for their calm and gentle temperament, Brahmas are excellent for backyard flocks, especially for families and beginner keepers. They are winter hardy and relatively good layers of large, brown eggs, maintaining production well into colder months. Due to their large size and substantial meat yield, Brahmas are also valued in meat production.
Overall, Brahma chickens are celebrated for their combination of size, hardiness, calm nature, and reliable performance, making them a versatile breed suitable for a range of poultry keeping purposes.
On average, this breed lays approximately 280 to 320 eggs per year.