Brahma Thread

[Nikki816]

My brahma pullets are about 8 months old and are 5.5-6 lbs, is that a good weight for that age, or should they be bigger already? They were on chick starter until about a month and a half ago when I moved them over to layer.

 

[brahmabreeder]

Seems a little low to me. Then again they get their frame then their meat/muscle mass. They grow up until a year and a half and the males up to two years old. Pullet weight is 8.5 lbs. What percent protein was the chick starter and what's the layer?

 

[Nikki816]

I don't remember. I'll have to look when I get a new bag, but they are culls from a color project. I just got them because I love the breed and wanted pretty layers. So I'm not expecting SQ sizes, just wondered how they are doing compared to the average. They maybe 7ish months, I think they were hatched in june

 

[OleMissChic]

Can anyone tell me how soon should partridge brahmas start showing their feather pattern?

 

[livininbrazil]

oops, wrong thread.

 

[Tuhmu]

Was able to get a couple more photos, was running low on time. I'll try again this weekend.

Not the best butt photo, he was trying to get the grape on the other side of my legs......not the brightest. Included is my lovely assistant. Apparently photo ops are more important than grapes.

 

[Dirt Farmer]

Can anyone tell me how soon should partridge brahmas start showing their feather pattern?

I seem to remember being able to tell the males from the females about as soon as they had feathers, at 3 to 4 weeks. The males show red on the shoulders, and the females some broken barring that develops into penciling.

 

[OleMissChic]

I seem to remember being able to tell the males from the females about as soon as they had feathers, at 3 to 4 weeks. The males show red on the shoulders, and the females some broken barring that develops into penciling.

Thank you Dirt Farmer! I was curious how soon you can tell how good the penciling will be? I was looking at buying a couple started birds and I'd like to be able to know if they are good quality or not.

 

[Trooper Man]

I have always wanted to try the blue partridge brahmas. I always liked the darks a lot too they were some of my favorites growing up. I would like to get some quality brahmas again.

 

[Dirt Farmer]

Thank you Dirt Farmer! I was curious how soon you can tell how good the penciling will be? I was looking at buying a couple started birds and I'd like to be able to know if they are good quality or not.

Oh I get it now. That's a really tough one. Partridge females tend to improve with age. A mossy pullet can molt into a good hen, and may be even better after the next molt, although I've not gotten that far personally. With young birds I would evaluate the breeder as much as the chickens. Good luck.