New Brahma Owner

[ojacissej]

We have 1 light and 1 dark Brahma- we live in Colorado and are getting ready to put the flock outside as soon as these 2 finish their molting. I've read that Brahmas need some extra attention bc of all their fluff, especially on their feet. Keeping off mud, snow, ice and poop. Also to be aware of lice, ticks and other burrowing insects.

Does anyone have any tips on what to look out for? How often to check? Are other areas more problematic than others? How much are the able to clean themselves? Can I rely on the other chicks to help clean their sisters? (They're all really good about that now at 5 weeks old- I've watched them closely, it's not aggressive pecking!)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've kept cochins and other feather footed breeds for years and I haven't noticed any problems with mine compared to clean legged breeds.

 

[BrownBugg]

My brahma rooster gets ingrown foot feathers. He's really docile so if I notice he has one, I'll just grab him and take it out with tweezers. Feather footed breeds, and especially the roosters, will sometimes get crud under their foot scales because they're a little raised from the feather shaft. I love brahmas, but yes, feather footed breeds can take a bit more maintenence sometimes.

 

[The Birb King]

I have a few Brahmas and have not had to give them any extra attention compared to my normal chickens and they are pretty hardy. Their feathered feet can get dirty, but it doesn't seem to affect them much