Brahma Thread

[michaelinnc84]

Oh sorry. I want LF

 

[Dirt Farmer]

Alright brahma owners, I plan on getting some brahmas at our feed store. My questions are,

-Are they good layers?

-Are they good pets?

-How big are they?

-Does the feathering on their feet get really dirty sometimes?

Thanks!


P.S I think these birds are beautiful...especially the dark and buff!

Agreed with above said, my personal experience though is that they're friendly yes, much more friendly than the average chicken, but of course can't beat some other breeds in rooster stability. As for feet - They're fine in dry or semi-dry areas, they do fine in rain too, but in seriously rainy places (chances of you living in such are low) they don't do as well, their feathers can indeed get muddy and weigh them down, and all the moisture and bits stuck in there can often irritate the feathers. As long as the Brahma doesn't have unwanted stubs or ingrown feathers or the sort, it will be fine though. Just not as agile in the muck

Illia makes a good point in response to my answer in post #3158. My cockeral is only 7-8 months old. Currently he likes to eat scratch from my hand and wear silly hats. Unfortunately the male birds of most breeds tend to get meaner as they age. I don't usually think of them as pets for that reason. Thanks.

 

[RedRoosterFarm]

He is the guy who created the buff laced and gold laced

got to get me some of these brahmas!! Who is Dan.

 

[County Boy]

Could you possibly give me a price on your buff laced brahma eggs. I have to get some. Tthink yours look so good. Thanks

 

[County Boy]

What does Lf mean. sorry, not familiar with all the abreviations and such. i am used to just calling them by their breed name.

 

[big medicine]

What does Lf mean. sorry, not familiar with all the abreviations and such. i am used to just calling them by their breed name.

They are referring to large fowl, some times also called standard, the full sized version, verses bantams.

 

[littlecreekfarm]

OMG!!!!!!! Drool, drool, drool, ........ I need a bib!!!! Gorgeous Gary!!!!

I breed BLRW and one day I HAVE to have one of those!!!!

 

[littlecreekfarm]

I'm relatively new to Brahmas but I'll give it a shot. Correct me if I'm wrong folks.

Brahmas are average layers. They won't compete with egg laying specialist like the Leghorn or Rhode Island Red hybrids. Even though developed as a meat and show bird, many people keep them as dual purpose. I have one strain that came from jumbo eggs. Also they are slow to develop. My 9-10 month old pullets have not laid an egg. My Javas lay at 4 months.
As pets they are the best breed I've owned and I've owned Orpingtons, Sussex and Barnvelders, all touted as friendly breeds. About half of my 8 bird flock let me walk over and pick them up. The others (all pullets) try to keep some distance but are easier to catch than say my Javas. They don't flap around like crazy.
The Standard weights for a cock and hen are 12 pounds and 9 1/2 pounds. Hatchery stock, as with most breeds, will generally run smaller. Try to find a breeder if you like them big.
Yes the foot feathering can get messy, and I've read can cause foot health issues if mud balls are allowed to develop. During wet weather I keep the run thick with straw, or don't let them out of the henhouse. Not so much of an issue where I live.
And, you won't get any argument as to their beauty on this thread.

Agreed with above said, my personal experience though is that they're friendly yes, much more friendly than the average chicken, but of course can't beat some other breeds in rooster stability. As for feet - They're fine in dry or semi-dry areas, they do fine in rain too, but in seriously rainy places (chances of you living in such are low) they don't do as well, their feathers can indeed get muddy and weigh them down, and all the moisture and bits stuck in there can often irritate the feathers. As long as the Brahma doesn't have unwanted stubs or ingrown feathers or the sort, it will be fine though. Just not as agile in the muck

Thanks! I think I will get a few at my local feed store this Spring! I own silkies and I know how their feet are. Very excited! I'll share pics when I get them next month!

 

[big medicine]

There has been some talk here about having problems with mud clinging to foot/leg feathers. Personally I have not had any problems with free ranging my birds, as to any physical or health issues. My birds have the option to free range every day, with the exception of a restricted run out pen when in breeding pens. Now various soil types and drainage might likely have different effects. We have a fairly heavy clay soil here, and just completed the wettest year in recorded history. I do add sand to the breeding pen run outs, as the heavy use in a confined area does wear it down, and helps control mud. Now all that being said, the mud does wear on the foot feathers. If I was showing, I would have to change how I operate. This hen shows the effect of the wet weather we have had on her foot feathers.

 

[RedRoosterFarm]

I just put them in seperate pens from the gold laced and wont have pure buff laced for another 3+weeks. I will list some on auction at that time. I do have buff and gol together right now.

Could you possibly give me a price on your buff laced brahma eggs. I have to get some. Tthink yours look so good. Thanks