New Brahma Group: Blue Partridge x Partridge, Plus Dark

[junebuggena]

Haha, the midget and the giant, LOL! These Brahmas are so mild-mannered, so sweet, I'm very happy to have them. Bruno is my best buddy in the group, with Bash a close second and oh, that sweet B.J.! She is a hoot, always needing a rescue because she gets separated from the group. And big Betsy is such a crybaby! Every night, she cries as the sun is going down, like she's afraid of the dark. I think as one of the other groups gets smaller, I may switch the Brahmas to one of those 8x8 pens for more room.

When do they just blow up in size? I'm sort of expecting a big growth spurt soon, right? I don't recall that with my other two Brahmas, though they were both hatchery gals.

They are very slow growers. It usually takes them about 6 to 8 months to reach maturity, and they continue growing until they are about 18 months old.

 

[speckledhen]

They are very slow growers. It usually takes them about 6 to 8 months to reach maturity, and they continue growing until they are about 18 months old.

Much like the Orpingtons. Those males take 18-24 months to reach their full size. They just keep broadening. So, by having the Brahmas, I now have my giant breed back again after losing my beloved Suede four years ago. I have one Blue Orp hen left, my largest hen now, though my BR hen, Ida, at her full weight is impressive. Still not Brahma/Orp-size.


usually, with the BRs, you see leg length take off, then they broaden, so all the teen males are awkward and lanky.

 

[Sjisty]

Haha, the midget and the giant, LOL! These Brahmas are so mild-mannered, so sweet, I'm very happy to have them. Bruno is my best buddy in the group, with Bash a close second and oh, that sweet B.J.! She is a hoot, always needing a rescue because she gets separated from the group. And big Betsy is such a crybaby! Every night, she cries as the sun is going down, like she's afraid of the dark. I think as one of the other groups gets smaller, I may switch the Brahmas to one of those 8x8 pens for more room.

When do they just blow up in size? I'm sort of expecting a big growth spurt soon, right? I don't recall that with my other two Brahmas, though they were both hatchery gals.

You're going to wake up one morning, go out there, and wow, they've doubled in size! At least it will seem like it. Every time I move my young ones to a bigger area, it seems like they outgrow it within a week!

Another funny story. You reminded me of it talking about needing a rescue. Last night I heard one of my silkie Seramas crying. I went out to the brooder to check. She was kind of cocked to one side, walking backwards in a circle. I immediately thought Mareks! Well, it turned out she got her foot stuck in her wing. I straightened it out and she's fine.

Now back to Brahmas . . .

 

[speckledhen]

You're going to wake up one morning, go out there, and wow, they've doubled in size! At least it will seem like it. Every time I move my young ones to a bigger area, it seems like they outgrow it within a week!

Another funny story. You reminded me of it talking about needing a rescue. Last night I heard one of my silkie Seramas crying. I went out to the brooder to check. She was kind of cocked to one side, walking backwards in a circle. I immediately thought Mareks! Well, it turned out she got her foot stuck in her wing. I straightened it out and she's fine.

Now back to Brahmas . . .

Bwahahahaha! See? I keep telling folks not to go to the worst case scenario when they see a problem. Usually, it's the most ludicrous, at least with some birds. Some just seem to get themselves into one pickle after another.

 

[1muttsfan]

The ABs are pretty birds. What is the weight of a rooster, generally?

Probably around 5-6#, a few of the hens are a little larger. While I would not call them fearful, they do not like handling and are very alert and wary of anything different - a really good trait for ranging birds, not so much for those who want pets. They also fly very well.

 

[speckledhen]

Probably around 5-6#, a few of the hens are a little larger. While I would not call them fearful, they do not like handling and are very alert and wary of anything different - a really good trait for ranging birds, not so much for those who want pets. They also fly very well.

I still think chickens can be easy to handle and good for free-range, both. I've free-ranged every flock we've ever had here, in many breeds, but mostly BRs, Delawares and Orpingtons. All were what most would call "pets", but I've never lost a bird to a predator, even as far and wide as both Isaac and Atlas were prone to go, from front perimeter fence to back perimeter fence. BRs and Delawares have always been my best free rangers. The Ameraucanas tended to stick around the coop most closely, rather be in someone's lap than digging for food.

Now, the flying thing is something I think may help with evading predators, but it could be a bad thing evading hawks, who can turn on a dime and catch birds in the air. Believe it or not, I was actually considering getting some Egyptian Fayoumis not long ago because of the traits you listed. May still do that one day, but it will be awhile. Can you imagine a flock of Fayoumis and a flock of guineas and that's all I have? Talk about flighty!

 

[speckledhen]

Brahma Brigade at 12 1/2 weeks.

 

[1muttsfan]

That last one looks like an odd hat

 

[speckledhen]

That last one looks like an odd hat

Hehehe, yes, sitting down with all his rear-end glory, Mr. Bruno is rather wide and fluffy, isn't he? He'd make a heavy hat, for sure. They are so darn sweet still. Got a video of the Barred Rocks herding (harassing, really) the Brahmas. One of these days, Bruno and/or Bash is going to stand his ground.

 

[Sjisty]

They are beautiful!