Keeping Brahmas

Care notes for a big, calm, cold-hardy breed

Brahmas suit many small flocks: they are calm, tolerate confinement and lay through the winter. Their size and feathered feet also bring a few specific needs. This page draws on The Livestock Conservancy's breed profile, Oklahoma State University's breed reference, University of Missouri Extension housing figures and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension guidance on parasites. It is general information, not veterinary advice.

Cold hardiness

The Livestock Conservancy calls the Brahma "extremely hardy" and says it is popularly known as the chicken least susceptible to cold and exposure. It attributes this to two traits: the small pea comb, which offers little surface for frostbite, and tight, downy feathering. Oklahoma State University likewise credits the pea comb, small wattles and earlobes, and profuse feathering for the breed's cold tolerance, and Farm and Dairy calls the Brahma "a very hardy bird through the winter months."

General extension guidance still applies in winter: University of Missouri Extension figures recommend housing that is clean, dry and draft-free year-round, with south-facing windows for winter light and warmth, and insulated roofs and walls to reduce moisture build-up.

Heat

The flip side of all that down is poor heat tolerance. The Livestock Conservancy says Brahmas do not tolerate heat well and are not ideal for southern climates; where they are kept in hot weather they need ample shade and water. The Missouri Extension figures show how much a hen's water needs rise with temperature:

Feathered feet

Feathered shanks and toes are a defining Brahma trait, and they need some attention:

• Mud and wet ground. The Livestock Conservancy notes that the breed thrives on dry, well-drained soil. On damp ground, foot feathering can clump with mud, keeping the feet wet and making the toes prone to frostbite in cold weather.
• Scaly leg mites. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension describes the scaly-leg mite (Knemidokoptes mutans), which lives under the scales of the legs and feet. Infested legs become thick and crusty, and severe cases can restrict blood flow to the toes. Control options in that publication include an approved treatment such as ivermectin or coating the legs with petroleum jelly or linseed oil, and because the mites can survive off the bird for a time, the whole poultry house must be treated too.

Space for a heavy breed

The Brahma falls into the "heavy breed" category in extension housing guidelines. The University of Missouri Extension figures compare light and heavy layers:

The Livestock Conservancy adds that Brahmas need a lot of feed because of their size. They tolerate confinement well, though they spend much of the day foraging when given the chance and are not as wide-ranging or as active at scratching as Mediterranean breeds.

Laying season

Brahmas are prized as winter layers. According to The Livestock Conservancy, hens lay up to about 200 large to medium brown eggs a year and produce most of them between October and May. Wikipedia gives egg weights of roughly 55–60 g. Oklahoma State University is more modest, calling them "fair egg layers." As with any hens, laying responds to day length: the Missouri Extension material notes that production is maximized with 14–16 hours of light and that hens molt and stop laying as days shorten.

Broodiness and chicks

Brahma hens often go broody, typically in early summer, and sit devotedly, according to The Livestock Conservancy; Oklahoma State University calls them fairly good mothers. The Conservancy cautions that hatchlings need watching because a large hen can trample chicks.

Temperament

The breed's calm nature is one of its main attractions. The Livestock Conservancy describes Brahmas as calm and docile, not flighty or skittish, not aggressive toward other breeds, and friendly with people — though their sheer size can intimidate small children. Oklahoma State University calls them stately birds with a gentle nature.

Slow growth

The Livestock Conservancy notes that Brahmas mature slowly, and Oklahoma State University says slow growth and a long time to maturity are why the breed fell out of commercial use. Expect birds to take their time reaching full size.

Sources