What are the differences between brahma lines?

[HannaKessler]

I am interested in breeding light brahmas for show and a bit of profit (selling culls for pet quality). I had one of these hens as a child, and I love the breed for their hardiness, size, and calm personalities.

I have had a hard time finding information about the different lines of light and other coloration brahmas. Some have been mentioned in ads, but I would like to know what specific characteristics set each of these lines apart from each other and general hatchery stock.

I am inexperienced in breeding chickens for show, but I have owned chickens for 13 years and am trying to break into the area. Any information you can offer would be great!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. I would recommend going to a chicken show and purchasing brood stock from someone who does well with their birds. Also look for birds that suit you.

 

[HannaKessler]

Welcome to BYC. I would recommend going to a chicken show and purchasing brood stock from someone who does well with their birds. Also look for birds that suit you.

Thanks! I don't know what I would really be looking for in this case, I am not experienced with analyzing stock at all. Also, I don't know where (or if) there are any chicken shows in my area. I live in Boise Idaho and the only similar thing I have seen in the county fair, but that is pretty casual.

I am specifically looking for information about this breed and its characteristics between lines. I am not familiar with the way lines are defined (other than obviously being descended from the same original birds). I have heard that it is a significant difference that an experienced eye can see, so I am trying to find out what exactly I should be looking for.

 

[Sydney Acres]

Read through the entire Brahma Breeder's thread on BYC (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/brahma-breeders-thread.873000/), which is currently 143 pages. There will be a lot of contact information, details on what makes a good vs poor quality bird, lots of pictures, etc. There will also be some controversy, as there always is between successful (or unsuccessful) people, but you'll still learn a huge amount. Take notes, and by the end of 143 pages you'll feel more comfortable with the breed, and hopefully have decided how to move forward. You can also post your questions there, as the right people will be there to answer them. But post your questions after reading the thread. Most beginner questions have already been answered 20 times or more in a long thread like that, and people eventually get tired of re-answering the same questions. When you start your question with, "I have read through the entire thread and still have this question," people realize that you have invested into the breed, and will usually be more generous with their answers.

 

[Sydney Acres]

In most breeds (I can't speak specifically for the Brahma), a line is named for the breeder who developed it, not for the being descended from the same original birds. All show breeders strive to meet the SOP, but specific breeders may also select for other characteristics within their lines. These characteristics can be anything, from structure, feathering, foraging, temperament, egg laying, literally anything. Once a breeder's bird are consistently unique enough from the general population of the breed for whatever reason, it is considered to be a specific line.

 

[Gray Farms]

I would recommend three things before you buy any breeding stock

1. Memorize the APA Light Brahma standard - One flaw can knock you out of the winners circle in a show.

2. Go to a show and talk to a veteran Light Brahma breeder - Most are willing to share their knowledge and tips on breeding/showing/housing/grooming/etc.

3. Join the American Brahma Club "if your in the US, there are Brahma clubs abroad if you not" - This will give you access to a concentration of Brahma breeders.