Brahma Breeders thread

[cdover15]

I am new to brahmas and would like to start breeding sometime in the next couple of years. I got some pullets at a swap that I think might be decent quality. I am trying to learn the standard of large fowl brahmas.

What I have learned from reading this thread and some from the old thread (and correct me please if any of this is wrong) is:

Bigger is better, and wide is the goal.
The tail should look like a half moon or upside down U when viewed from behind, NOT pointed.
The wing carriage should be high with the wing about horizontal.
No vulture hocks.
I am not 100% on this one but the back should be somewhat straight going up to the tail. I'm not sure how to describe it, this is just an observation from pictures of hens.
The heads should be really wide, just like the body.

I might be leaving something really important out, not sure.

 

[brahmabreeder]

Just posting to subscribe.

 

[Tim63]

Maybe there should be a bantam brahma thread? Then the small stuff could be posted there?

Just a thought. LOL

bigz

I'm just happy to have a thread without all the "what sex is my day old chick from TSC?" stuff. The Brahma description in both standards is basically the same. I agree Bantams do lack the length(relative of course) of the big birds. Of course there are differences in rate of growth/maturity. I am happy with the one thread where all serious about breeding Brahmas can meet and discuss our breed. A good Bantam "should" look like a miniature version of a good big bird.

Tim

 

[big medicine]

I'm just happy to have a thread without all the "what sex is my day old chick from TSC?" stuff. The Brahma description in both standards is basically the same. I agree Bantams do lack the length(relative of course) of the big birds. Of course there are differences in rate of growth/maturity. I am happy with the one thread where all serious about breeding Brahmas can meet and discuss our breed. A good Bantam "should" look like a miniature version of a good big bird.

Tim

Agreed. I don't raise bantams, ( or accepted variety standards for that matter), but good information, is still good information. I learn things reading bantam related posts as well.

 

[TNBEARCHICK]

I like having it all together(bantams and LF) that way I can hear from everyone. I am preparing a large run or 2 so I can grow out several LF Blue Columbian Brahmas, I am hoping maybe wishing to get at least 5 nice candidates for next years breeding.
OK question, I think I know the answer can I safely breed 2 generations from the same Rooster? Father to daughter and then replaced him with a new line?

 

[ocap]

I like having it all together(bantams and LF) that way I can hear from everyone. I am preparing a large run or 2 so I can grow out several LF Blue Columbian Brahmas, I am hoping maybe wishing to get at least 5 nice candidates for next years breeding.
OK question, I think I know the answer can I safely breed 2 generations from the same Rooster? Father to daughter and then replaced him with a new line?

I copied and kept the information below from another thread on BYC (quoting Mr. Russell), I am too new to have even an uneducated opinon:



Craig Russell

President, SPPA



I believe this to be the most practical and probably the best overall breeding system for poultry. It simply consists of breeding cocks to pullets and cockerels to hens. Yes, it requires at least two pens for each breed or variety, but it requires minimal record keeping, prevents extremes in breeding and helps to select for both vigor and uniformity. The system is also relatively forgiving of mistakes in selection or an introduction of new stock that does not combine well with an established flock. These problems will tend to correct themselves in future cycles.

Here is the formula for starting with a trio of Javas. (Note: Most old time breeders would not use less than two trios of anything, because that was not “deep enough” and preferred a “breeding” of two males and eight to ten hens).

But, in this case, we are starting with an initial trio. Let us say in a single season we raise thirty Javas (15 of each sex). From these, we would keep the three best males and eight or ten of the best females. The rest we sell or eat. The next breeding season, the old male is mated to the pullets and the best cockerel is mated to the old hens. The other two cockerels are spares and show birds. A rule of thumb is always to keep at least half as many spare males as you had breeding males and never keep less than two. This system can be expanded to any size, but when in full swing, it should have at least four males and twenty females.

The following year the two old cocks (the cockerel is over a year old now) are teamed with the 10 best pullets. The young (year old) hens join their mothers with the two best cockerels and the system is now running well.

After each season, the old birds are combined and culled to the two best cocks and the best ten hens. The best two cockerels and the ten best pullets are selected from the young birds. The pullets are teamed with the cocks and the hens with the cockerels. The breeder is ready for the following season.

Old time breeder, Bruce Lentz, would often have “side matings”. This might be unrelated stock from another breeder or culls that had one or more very desirable characteristics. He might work with these birds for years until he got them to the desired state of perfection. Then, they would be slowly worked in on the pullet and cockerel side of his regular matings.

The complaints I have heard about this system are that it is too easy; anybody can do it; it is not breeding, and it depends upon your ability to select breeders or cull.

The answer? It is easy; anybody can do it; it is breeding, and any system depends upon your ability to select breeders. This system will maintain a viable population while you develop the art.

 

[bumpercarr]

I know this is off topic. But I wanted to explain why I won't be on for a while. All of my chickens are dead except for the ones in the brooder. I left a door open last night, and something (I suspect raccoon) got in and killed them all. I am absolutely devastated and don't know what I am going to do for now. I've worked so hard. Signing off.

 

[TNBEARCHICK]

I know this is off topic. But I wanted to explain why I won't be on for a while. All of my chickens are dead except for the ones in the brooder. I left a door open last night, and something (I suspect raccoon) got in and killed them all. I am absolutely devastated and don't know what I am going to do for now. I've worked so hard. Signing off.

So sorry that is horrible

 

[Tim63]

I know this is off topic. But I wanted to explain why I won't be on for a while. All of my chickens are dead except for the ones in the brooder. I left a door open last night, and something (I suspect raccoon) got in and killed them all. I am absolutely devastated and don't know what I am going to do for now. I've worked so hard. Signing off.

Sorry. I hate those stinking coons.

 

[bigzio]

One of the most important things to do daily is ....lock up at night....I get out of my lazyboy no matter what, and go close doors...it's the only way to avoid the predators after dark....and worth the effort.

bigz