Imagine a chicken that stands tall and proud, exuding an air of magnificence. That’s the Giant Brahma. With males weighing between 5.4-8.2 kg and females ranging from 4.5-6.4 kg, these birds are truly giants among their feathered counterparts. Their sturdy, muscular build is complemented by long, well-feathered legs, a broad chest, and an upright stance. And let’s not forget their magnificent plumage.
The Light Brahma, with its striking black and white feathers, is the most recognized variety, but there are other captivating colour variations to discover.
The Brahma is a very imposing bird standing around 30 inches high. The size can be very intimidating to some folks (especially small children).
Standard-sized Brahmas come in 3 colours: Dark, Light and Buff. There have been a few other variations over the years but they have not been officially accepted. The dark colour Brahma requires a double mating technique to ensure good quality birds.
In bantam size, you can find these chickens in dark, light, buff, black and white. The black and white colours are considered rare. Bantams can be a bit difficult to find but there are sources out there!
Brahmas are good foragers and will like to spend the majority of their day roaming. Whilst they will tolerate confinement they prefer roaming around.
They are heavy birds which means they do not fly well (if at all). They can easily be contained behind a 2-3 foot high fence. In the summer months care should be taken to provide them with shade and water as they do not tolerate the heat well.
Personality: Brahmas are one of the most laid-back breeds there is. She is not flighty or skittish and is very placid. Because of their size not too much intimidates them. They are not known for fighting or fussing with other birds. In fact, because of their size, they are usually pretty high in the pecking order and smaller breeds tend not to bother them.
Gentle Giants: Beyond their impressive size, what truly sets the Giant Brahma apart is its gentle and calm temperament. Approach one of these magnificent birds, and you’ll be met with a docile nature that is instantly endearing. They are easily handled and enjoy human company, making them a favourite among backyard chicken keepers and poultry enthusiasts alike. The Giant Brahma’s friendly disposition also makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as their gentle nature ensures safe interactions and memorable experiences.
A Moderate Egg Layer: While the Giant Brahma is renowned for its size and personality, it also contributes to the egg basket. Hens of this breed lay light brown eggs, offering a moderate production rate of approximately 150-200 eggs per year. While not the most prolific layers, their eggs are of good size and quality, making each one a delightful addition to your breakfast table.
Brahmas can take up to 7 months until they come into lay – however, the wait is worth it. They will reward you with 3-4 medium brown eggs each week.
The Brahma prefers to lay in cooler weather so when the other girls are winding down for the year, the Brahma will be laying from October through March.
For the most part, Brahmas are not known for broodiness. Those that do go broody will set very determinedly on their eggs until hatching. Since the mothers are so large it is wise to keep an eye on the hatchlings so they do not get trampled by Mom.
Noise Levels: Brahmas are quiet birds and rarely make a lot of noise. The occasions when they do make noises are the daily egg song and predator alarm calls (which will hopefully be infrequent). This makes them ideal for an urban setting as long as they have enough space to roam.
The Broodiness Factor: One of the endearing traits of the Giant Brahma is its strong inclination towards broodiness. These chickens exhibit a natural instinct for hatching and caring for chicks. When given the opportunity, they become dedicated and attentive mothers, diligently tending to their offspring. For those interested in natural hatching and raising chicks, the Giant Brahma’s broodiness is a valuable characteristic to embrace.
Health Issues: Overall they are robust and healthy birds. Brahma chickens usually only require attention to parasites such as lice, mites and worms. As they have feathered feet, scaly leg mites can be a problem too so keep a close eye on those legs and feet. Another common problem with feathered-leg birds is the accumulation of either mud or poop on the toes. Try to keep the birds out of the mud and be sure to keep the pens as clean as possible. Probably the best way to get these balls off the feet is soaking in warm water.
Feeding: Brahmas thrive when they are free-fed. A 16% layers feed will be ideal for most of the year. They will need slightly more protein when they start to moult.
Trying to ration feed a Brahma can be difficult so we recommend the free feed choice. When they get hungry they have a tendency to bully other flock members so it is better to keep them fed and happy. It is better if you free-range them as this will occupy their time and reduce your feed bill.
A Dual-Purpose Breed: In addition to their egg-laying capabilities, Giant Brahmas are considered a dual-purpose breed. Their large size and ample musculature make them suitable for meat production as well. When it comes time to harvest, their well-developed bodies provide a satisfying yield for those seeking flavorful, substantial poultry.
Caring for the Gentle Giants: Due to their size, Giant Brahmas require adequate space and suitable housing. Providing them with a spacious coop and an outdoor area for foraging ensures their comfort and well-being. While they are relatively cold-hardy and can tolerate cooler climates, it’s important to shield them from extreme weather conditions, offering protection when necessary.
Housing: The Brahma is a big bird so they need more space than the average chicken. We recommend 5-6 square feet for each chicken in the coop. Do not go below this as less space leads to anti-social behaviours such as pecking and feather picking.
As for roosting space give them around 8-10 inches each. As these big birds struggle to fly perches should be fairly low for them to access (12-18 inches tall). If you make the perches too high you run the risk of a leg or foot injury when they come down from the roost.
Whilst Brahmas can fit into a 12″x12″ nesting box they will appreciate a larger 14″x14″ box. These extra few inches create a bit of manoeuvring room. Similar to the perches nesting boxes should be low to the ground. Now for outside the coop requirements.
They will tolerate confinement as long as they have enough room in the pen. These gentle giants need 12-14 square feet each. Your pen area should ideally be stone or sand. Dirt floor pens get muddy very quickly and with feathered feet, the Brahmas may develop foot problems.
This is a breed that thrives when roaming so try to let them free range – they will enjoy the freedom and variety.
Because of their large size hawk attacks is rare in adults.
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