Brahmas?

[Chicken Salad]

My chicken daddy (a friend - former 4-H agent who has a poultry operation) says I should get started with Brahmas. What do folks think of them as a "beginner's" bird?

My playhouse conversion henhouse is only 16sq ft inside...since Brahmas are bigger - will I have to cut down from my projected 4 to 3? Are they friendly? Are they durable (that is, forgiving of flaws in a beginner's knowledge/experience base)?

Thanks.

 

[chiknlady]

I love my Brahmas--I think they are a nice laying, heavy bird that is attractive to look at. I have buffs and I am looking to add more come spring. For our climate on the east coast--they have decent feathering to survive winter. I would recommend them, Orpingtons, Wyandottes, or Barred Rocks for beginning a flock. Good luck in making your choice--I think MyPetChicken.com has a breed selector tool depending on your needs...

 

[geareduplyn]

One of the best breeds for beginners. Super gentle and easy to handle. Your 16 square feet should be OK for four if they can be let out a bit during the day.

 

[spatcher]

Your 16 sq ft will be fine for 4 Brahmas. In my opinion you could go to 5 birds if you want. All they do is sleep in there. In the winter you will see them "cuddling" in half that space.

 

[scgamecock]

It will take Brahma's 18 to 24 months to fully mature.They have such a big frame so it will take them longer fill out.

 

[chicken_boy_Kurt]

Brahmas are very good for beginners, they handle cold very well and handle heat moderately well. They are one of my friendliest birds, and their big size turns away a few predators (though their slow walk makes them easy for the ones that still go after them).

 

[seriousbill]

If space is a big concern, why not go with bantam Brahmas?

 

[Chicken Salad]

Quote:
That's a great point I hadn't thought of - the big size turning away some predators. Thanks!

 

[scgamecock]

My two stayed broody half the summer.

 

[gritsar]

If I were to tell you here on this forum about all the beginner's mistakes I made with my brahmas people would think I was a total idiot, instead of just a partial one.

My brahmas are very calm and very forgiving of mistakes. They handled our extremely hot and humid summer just fine and now the cold is not bothering them a bit. Our building a coop around them, instead of before they were actually in it, hasn't bothered them either.