Backyard Brahmas!!

[CarolinaHen]

I love the colors!

 

[CarolinaHen]

I don't think they are mixes.  They all look like darks to me.  I don't think the variation really means anything, it's just a different shade - maybe different parents.

So within the darks there are variations. That would mean there is a genetic component to the variation, right? If so, I am going to band the ones with the lighter down so I can tell which adults carry that gene for future color combos.

 

[SigningChickens]

Help!! I got a light brahma today & the top of her beak is missing. The lady I got her from said that hatcheries do this? Can anyone shed light on this? My son & daughter are very upset that someone would do this to a chicken.
Here she is:

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Google de-beaking or beak trimming. It is done because in confined situations birds peck each other. Most people find it very cruel and while you can request it done most hatcheries don't automatically do it and most don't suggest it for a small flock. I am unsure about their ability to forage for food I believe they can only eat commercial rations. Hope it helps.

 

[SigningChickens]

Google de-beaking or beak trimming. It is done because in confined situations birds peck each other.  Most people find it very cruel and while you can request it done most hatcheries don't automatically do it and most don't suggest it for a small flock. I am unsure about their ability to forage for food I believe they can only eat commercial rations. Hope it helps.

Will it grow back? My girls free range and eat organic grains. I don't buy commercial feed.

 

[Huntress78]

She might have been born that way. I don't know if it will grow out.
I would check her condition and weigh her every few days for awhile to be sure that she is not losing weight. It may be easier for her to eat out of a deep dish so she can scoop the food up or you could try wetting the food. Also you can do a search on this site for 'care and feeding for a crossbeak'.
Good luck! Please keep us posted as to how she's doing.

 

[SigningChickens]

Thanks everyone!

 

[crazycluck86]

Hi guys! Would like some advice please. Pullet or roo? The darker brahma im guessing is a roo but let me no what you all think....im no expert lol

 

[Huntress78]

Hi guys! Would like some advice please. Pullet or roo?

Ya good question! lol
I have two about the same age as yours and I can't tell either. I suspect the first pic is a roo and the second a pullet but I'm no expert either.
I should take some pics of mine....maybe you can tell me what they are. lol

 

[crazycluck86]

Ya good question! lol
I have two about the same age as yours and I can't tell either. I suspect the first pic is a roo and the second a pullet but I'm no expert either.
I should take some pics of mine....maybe you can tell me what they are. lol

Ha! I just have a weird feeling about them, and so far my weird feelings have been right! The one we think is a Roo was so tiny as a chick but stands more upright,has more solid black feathering also sqeals like a piglet when you pick it up!yeh go ahead...post some pics