Light Brahma or Delaware?

[Jdc361]

i am looking for a very docile breed and am debating between these two breeds. i'm not a fan of the Brahmas feathered feet. so which breed lays better and which tends to be more docile? are Delawares friendly?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

i am looking for a very docile breed and am debating between these two breeds. i'm not a fan of the Brahmas feathered feet. so which breed lays better and which tends to be more docile? are Delawares friendly?

Is it the color pattern you are attracted to? I ask as there are other breeds you could also consider that would show the same Columbian pattern - ie the Light Sussex or Columbian Rock. Of the two breeds you have listed I would take the Deleware - great producers and, imo, more efficient conversion rate of feed intake and return in eggs - outshining the LB there.

 

[Jdc361]

Is it the color pattern you are attracted to?  I ask as there are other breeds you could also consider that would show the same Columbian pattern - ie the Light Sussex or Columbian Rock.  Of the two breeds you have listed I would take the Deleware - great producers and, imo, more efficient conversion rate of feed intake and return in eggs - outshining the LB there. 

No I'm just getting a large breed flock and these two breeds I can't decide between. Are Delawares friendly? Do they outlay brahmas?

 

[Michael OShay]

I've had both Light Brahmas (the first breed I ever had about 50 years ago) and Delawares. The lay rate of both breeds is about the same (about 4 eggs per hen per week), however the Brahma eggs tend to run a little smaller than the Delaware eggs and Brahmas eat more than Delawares so your feed conversion rate will not be quite as good for the Brahmas. As far as temperament goes, both breeds are generally docile, but Brahmas tend to be quieter, a little calmer and more gentle (a little easier to make lap pet of). Which is the better chicken is obviously a matter of personal preference--Ol Grey Mare leans towared the Delawares for better feed conversion reasons and I lean toward the Brahmas for slightly better temperament. Personally for the columbian color pattern, I agree with Ol Grey Mare and would consider the Light Sussex. In my experience you get the best combination of both the Delawares (clean legs and good feed conversion rate) and the Light Brahmas (calm and gentle terperament) with the Light Sussex.