Brahma chickens are an incredibly popular breed among backyard chicken keepers for their gentle nature, fabulous egg laying abilities, and of course – their massive size. But exactly how big do these gentle giants get? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Brahma chicken sizes.
A Brief History of Brahmas
Brahmas have a truly fascinating history. They originated in the United States during the mid-1800s from large fowl imported from China. Initially called “Shanghai” chickens, they were further developed into the stunning Brahmas we know and love today Their origins explain the regal names they’ve acquired over the years like “King of Chickens”
Average Size of a Full Grown Brahma
Brahmas are colossal compared to standard backyard chicken breeds. A fully grown Brahma rooster can reach up to 30 inches tall and weigh around 12-18 lbs. Hens are slightly smaller, averaging 26 inches tall and 9-12 lbs in weight.
To put this into perspective, a common Leghorn chicken weighs just 5-7 lbs – less than half the size of a Brahma!
How Long Does it Take Brahmas to Reach Full Size?
Due to their large size, Brahmas take longer to fully mature compared to other backyard chickens
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Hens are normally full grown around 2 years of age.
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Roosters can take up to 3 years to finish growing.
Medium sized chicken breeds reach their adult size much quicker – as early as 6 months to 1 year The extended growth timeline of the Brahma is likely due to their genetics,
Brahma Chicken Size Compared to Other Breeds
Here’s a helpful size comparison between Brahmas and other popular backyard chicken breeds:
| Chicken Breed | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Brahma | 12-18 lbs |
| Orpington | 7-10 lbs |
| Australorp | 6-8 lbs |
| Plymouth Rock | 7-9 lbs |
| Leghorn | 5-7 lbs |
As you can see, Brahmas far surpass the others in terms of their sheer size and mass. Truly the King of Chickens!
Amount of Space Brahmas Need
To comfortably house these big birds, give each Brahma:
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5-6 square feet of coop space. This is more than average chickens require.
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10-15 square feet of outdoor run space to roam.
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8-10 inch perches. Lower these for easy access since Brahmas are heavy.
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14 x 14 inch nesting boxes. Provide multiple, as they are prolific layers.
Having adequate room to move is essential for Brahmas to prevent issues like feather pecking. Their enclosure must accommodate their substantial size.
Brahma Egg Size
For their massive stature, Brahmas lay a good number of eggs – around 3 per week or 150 yearly. Their large brown eggs weigh approximately:
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50-60 grams on average
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Equivalent to a large to extra large egg
The eggs have delicious flavor with abundant yolks.
Size of Brahma Chicks & Growth Rate
Brahma chicks are adorably fluffy! Here are the average weights as they mature:
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Day old chicks – around 1.5 oz
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10 weeks old – 1.5-2 lbs
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16 weeks old – 3-4 lbs
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6 months – 4.5-6.5 lbs
Chicks grow rapidly in the first few months, then their growth rate slows as they near maturity. Proper nutrition is key for healthy development.
While it takes time for them to reach full adult size, their gentle personality and prolific egg laying abilities make them a top choice for chicken keepers. Just be sure to give them adequate coop and run space to accommodate their large stature.
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Brahma Chicken Egg Production
In addition to their size and beauty, Buff Brahma Chickens are also valued for their egg-laying capabilities. While they may not be the most prolific layers, they do produce a respectable number of large brown eggs. Brahma chicken eggs are known for their rich flavor and sturdy shells, making them a favorite among egg enthusiasts.
The Brahma Chicken breed is known for its variety in color, contributing to its appeal among poultry enthusiasts. Recognized as one of the largest chicken breeds, the range of colors available in Brahma Chickens enhances their visual distinction and adds diversity to the flock.
Buff Brahma Chicken
This variation displays a golden buff color across its plumage. The Buff Brahmas feathers have a light golden hue, offering a soft and warm appearance that is appreciated by many.
Light Brahma Chicken
Characterized by its contrasting white and black feathers, the Light Brahma Chicken has a predominantly white base with black markings around the neck, tail, and wings. This contrast creates a distinct and attractive pattern.
Dark Brahma Chicken
The Dark Brahma Chicken has predominantly black feathers with white markings on the neck, saddle, and tail. This color variation has a more subdued elegance, with the contrast providing visual interest.
Blue Partridge Brahma Chicken
Unique among the Brahma variations, the Blue Partridge Brahma has a bluish-gray color due to a dilution gene affecting the black pigmentation. This results in a muted, soft appearance that adds a unique color option to the breed.
Partridge Brahma Chicken
Featuring a blend of reddish-brown and black feathers, the Partridge Brahma Chicken offers a color pattern that is rich and complex. This variation brings a sense of depth to the breeds appearance. Partridge Brahma chicks develop their color variation as they age.
Silver Penciled Brahma Chicken
The Silver Penciled Brahma Chicken showcases a pattern of silver and black feathers. The base color is silver with black lines or penciling, creating a detailed and intricate design. This color variation is notable for its distinct and refined appearance.
These color variations within the Brahma Chicken breed not only underscore the breeds status as one of the larger chicken breeds but also highlight its diversity. The range of available colors allows for customization and variety in building a flock, meeting the preferences of chicken enthusiasts looking for specific traits such as size, egg production capabilities, and aesthetic appeal. However, the American Poultry Association recognizes this short list of colors for Brahma chickens: Light Brahma, Dark Brahma, Buff Brahma, Black Brahma, and White Brahma.
Brahma hens are known to have a tendency to go broody. Broodiness is a natural instinct in hens where they develop a strong desire to incubate eggs and raise chicks. Brahma hens, with their nurturing and maternal instincts, may exhibit broody behavior more frequently compared to some other chicken breeds. When a Brahma hen goes broody, she may become dedicated to sitting on a clutch of eggs, often refusing to leave the nest and becoming protective of her eggs. This broody behavior can be advantageous for those interested in hatching their own chicks or expanding their flock.
Brahma Chicks are a delight to raise, and have to be one of the easiest to raise. Chicks that we hatched with broody hens, or incubated have consistently had less issues as chicks. Be careful to separate these adorable babies, as they distinctly tower the other baby chicks inside the brooder, and while they are docile in nature, accidents like smothering smaller baby chicks can and do happen by complete accident. When breeding Brahma Chickens, it is important to select healthy and well-tempered parent stock to ensure the best quality offspring. The chicks are known for their fluffy down feathers, which gradually give way to the characteristic buff plumage as they mature.
As with any breed, proper care and nutrition are essential for the healthy development of Buff Brahma Chicks. Providing a balanced diet, adequate shelter, and regular veterinary check-ups will help ensure their well-being. It is also important to provide them with enough space to roam and exercise, as their size requires ample room to thrive.
Characteristics of the Buff Brahma Chicken
One of the most remarkable features of the breed is the size of Brahma chickens. Distinguished as one of the largest chicken breed in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful chicken breeds with their unique appearance. Many argue the Brahma breed is the largest chicken in the world, credited to various altered photos of giant Brahma chickens circulating the internet today. Indeed amongst the largest chicken breeds in the world and arguably a favorite. However, the Jersey Giant Chicken would win this prize. Still, the Brahma chicken is no small contender, with the Brahma roosters reaching an impressive weight of 12 to 14 pounds, while Brahma hens typically weigh between 9 and 11 pounds. Their size alone makes them a sight to behold in any flock.
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Despite their imposing size, Buff Brahmas are known for their gentle and docile nature. They are friendly, calm, and easily handled, making them an excellent choice for families and beginners in poultry keeping. Their laid-back temperament also makes them great additions to mixed flocks, as they tend to get along well with other breeds.
The Brahma Chicken is known for its distinctive appearance. It has a broad, muscular body with a deep, wide chest. The feathers are soft and fluffy, giving the bird a regal and majestic appearance. Brahma chickens are known for their unique and distinctive feathered feet. Instead of having the typical scaly appearance, their feet are covered in soft, fluffy feathers. This feature is often referred to as “furnishing” or “feathering” on the feet.
Brahma chicken with feathered feet: one of the reasons that poultry enthusiasts love this breed! The feathering on the Brahma chickens feet starts from the shanks and extends all the way down to the toes. The feathers are long, abundant, and have a soft texture. They can vary in color depending on the variety of Brahma but are typically in harmony with the overall plumage color.
The purpose of the feathered feet in Brahma chickens is not only for aesthetic appeal but also for practical reasons. The feathering helps to protect their feet from cold weather and harsh conditions. It acts as insulation, keeping their feet warm and preventing frostbite during winter months. Additionally, the feathering on their feet can help them navigate through snow or muddy terrain by providing better traction and stability.
Its important to note that the feathering on the feet of Brahma chickens requires regular maintenance. The feathers can accumulate dirt, debris, and moisture, which may lead to matting or potential health issues. Therefore, its recommended to keep their feet clean and dry, and occasionally trim any excessively long feathers to prevent any discomfort or hygiene problems.
Overall, the feathered feet of Brahmas chicken are not only a unique and eye-catching feature but also serve a practical purpose in providing protection and stability for these majestic birds.
Brahma chickens typically have a pea comb. The pea comb is a small, compact comb that is characterized by three distinct, rounded points. It is named after its resemblance to a pea pod. The pea comb of a Brahma chicken is relatively low and close to the head, with the three points evenly spaced along its length. This type of comb is less prone to frostbite and is well-suited for cold climates, which is beneficial for the Brahma breed known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. The pea comb of a Brahma chicken adds to its unique and charming appearance.
Brahma Chicken Size, Egg Laying, Height and More…
FAQ
How large does a Brahma chicken get?
Brahma Chicken Size
Roosters can reach a height of 30 inches and hens around 26 inches. This substantial size is a testament to their heritage as one of the largest chicken breeds globally.
What is the largest breed of chicken?
The largest breed of chicken is the Jersey Giant. They are known for their impressive size, with roosters weighing 13-15 pounds and hens weighing 10-12 pounds.
What are the cons of Brahma chickens?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large eggs | Can go broody often |
| Cold hardy | Feet can get irritated if not regularly cleaned |
| Won’t fly any higher than 3-4 feet | Will need to make coop, run & nesting boxes larger |
| Love to snuggle | Takes longer for them to start laying eggs |
Why are Brahmas so big?
Early breeders crossed these Chinese birds with other large breeds, like Malay and Cochin chickens to create the Brahma. Their impressive size made them a popular choice for meat production in the 1850s, and they quickly became the go-to chicken for American farmers.
How big does a Brahma chicken get?
While this breed can be as tall as 30 inches, the average Brahma chicken size is n’t much larger than other chickens – although they have the nickname “gentle giant” and are often compared to a Jersey Giant. Even in our own flock, they vary in size, with one about 8 inches tall and another about 18 inches tall.
How much space should a Brahma chicken have?
Brahma chickens should be given 5-6 square feet of space inside the coop, given their large size. This is slightly more than your average breed of chicken. It is important not to allow any less space, as this can lead to issues such as feather picking, pecking, and bullying-type behaviors.
Can a Brahma be a chicken?
Nowadays Brahmas are kept as pets and egg layers in backyard flocks – although there are still those that use them for table fare. But if you’re interested in birds that are large and in charge, the Brahma is but one of many giant chicken breeds.
How long do Brahma chickens live?
Brahmas chickens live on average 5 to 8 years depending on the care they receive, just as any other breed of chicken. According to Guinness World Records Matilda was the oldest living hen at fourteen years of age.
How many eggs does a Brahma chicken lay?
The Light Brahma chicken is a great egg layer, producing large brown eggs. On average, they lay around 3-4 eggs per week. These eggs are also larger than those produced by many other chicken breeds, with an average weight of 55-60 grams per egg. The Buff Brahma Chicken is another popular variety of the Brahma breed.
How long does a Brahma chicken take to grow?
As such, this is quite a slow-growing breed, especially when you consider that medium breeds can finish growing by the age of 6 months to 1 year. Slow growth is partly due to the large size in which they become, which naturally takes longer, but it’s likely that genetics is a factor too. How Much Space Do Brahma Chickens Need?