For a chicken sometimes nicknamed the King of All Poultry, it makes sense that Brahmas stand out among other chicken breeds. Buff Brahmas are one of the three varieties accepted by the American Poultry Association (APA), whose buff plumage is highlighted with black. With the wide range of poultry supplies available at Tractor Supply, you can support Brahmas and other chickens on your farm or homestead.
Breed type: Egg
Egg color: Brown
Pen or free-range: Both
Temperament: Mostly calm and friendly, broody
Buff Brahmas quick facts:
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Weight: Females (hens): 7-9 lbs.; Males (roosters): 10-12 lbs.
Appearance: Buff/golden plumage with black tail and neck feathers
Egg production: 150-200 eggs/year
Good for beginners: Yes
History of Buff Brahmas
The origins of Brahmas go back to Asia, where they first appeared in the Chinese port city of Shanghai. Other breeds, such as the Cochin and Malay found in India, have similar features, including their large, feathered feet, so it’s believed they could be the Brahma’s ancestors.
By the mid-1800s, Brahmas made their way to the West, alongside the Cochin. Their popularity grew in the U.S. and Europe due to their large size, pleasant personality and hardiness in different climates. These chickens aren’t just dual-purpose chickens prized for their eggs and meat but also make great ornamental poultry.
As breeders began standardizing the breed, the Brahma was born, and three varieties were recognized by the APA in 1874 – Buff, Dark and Light. From urban and suburban homesteaders with backyard flocks to commercial farms, keepers everywhere value Brahmas for their utility and beauty.
Temperament and Good-to-Knows
Beyond their appearance and usefulness, the Brahma’s personality also makes them famous. They might be larger than other chicken breeds, but Brahmas are gentle giants with docile and friendly dispositions that keepers find easy to handle. See some of the other characteristics that make Brahmas a popular breed:
Peacemakers in a mixed flock: In addition to getting along with humans, Brahmas are tolerant of other chicken breeds and not territorial or aggressive. What’s more, they don’t make a lot of noise, so they work well in backyard flocks.
Curious but not inclined to fly: These large birds usually don’t try to fly, but they enjoy foraging and exploring, so they can thrive in free-range environments.
Broody hens make excellent mothers: Brahma hens are prone to be broody and raise their chicks when their eggs hatch.
More adaptable to cold weather: With large bodies and feathers that go down to their feet, Brahmas are equipped to handle the cold. However, these same physical features can make them less hardy in the heat. They may require special accommodations in warm climates, such as access to shade and extra waterers around the coop and run.
Physical and Egg Characteristics
Buff Brahmas are just one variety of the breed, with Light and Dark as the two others accepted by the APA and additional varieties such as the Blue and Splash. As its name suggests, the Buff Brahma features buff or golden plumage with black tail feathers, plus some black feathers in their necks. Like other Brahmas, Buffs also have textured pea combs and medium-sized red wattles.
Historically, Brahmas were considered a dual-purpose breed, and people continue to use them for meat and eggs today. It takes Brahmas longer to reach their full size than other breeds, and as such might not be as efficient for meat production as they are for their eggs. These chickens are large – roosters weigh between ten and twelve pounds and hens weigh seven to nine pounds on average. Your chickens’ diet, genetics and health and wellness will ultimately determine their weight.
Buff Brahma Egg Production
It’s with egg-laying that Brahmas excel, producing between 150 and 200 brown eggs annually, even laying consistently during the winter. Hens will typically start to lay between six and nine months old, although factors such as their diet, environment and exposure to daylight can influence when and how many eggs they lay.
Health and Care of Buff Brahmas
The average lifespan of Brahma chickens is between five and eight years, but as with any poultry, their care often decides their longevity. By providing the right shelter and quality feed and monitoring your chickens’ health and wellness, you can help them thrive on your small farm or homestead for eight or more years.
Housing for Large Birds
As foragers, Brahmas enjoy being free-range birds, but they’ll tolerate confinement. Coops and pens give your chickens a safe, clean and properly ventilated area to retreat to in the evening, protecting them from predators. To ensure enough space for the entire flock to be comfortable, it’s suggested to provide at least four square-feet of space per bird.
Prepare for your hens to lay eggs by supplying them with nesting boxes, plus related accessories such as nesting pads for added comfort, as well as nesting herbs to reduce stress and keep pests away. Perches allow them to roost or sit on elevated surfaces, but make sure these perches are large enough to safely hold a chicken’s weight, and low enough to prevent bumblefoot when they get down.
Even if your Brahmas can’t roam free, giving them ample space in a run still allows them to exercise and explore. To safeguard them from predators that might be close by, consider poultry containment parts and security accessories.
Chicken Feed from Hatchling to Adulthood
A balanced diet is one of the most important elements for a chicken’s health, and their nutritional needs will change depending on their life stage. For the first six to eight weeks of their lives, chicks require a starter poultry feed with at least 18-20% protein, which you can decrease to 16-18% once they reach nine weeks old. When your hens start laying, switch to a layer feed containing 15-17% protein, plus supplemental calcium to boost egg production. You can give your Brahmas the occasional poultry treat – in moderation – for additional nutrition.
Responding to Common Health Concerns
They might be equipped to man the cold weather more than other chicken breeds, but Brahmas can still have health issues. Bumblefoot is common, especially among larger breeds, and it occurs when cuts or other injuries to the feet lead to bacterial infections. It’s why any perches in their coop should be close enough to the ground so they don’t have as much of an impact upon landing. You can also get poultry first aid supplies to quickly tend to any wounds you notice.
Parasites can harm chickens, whether it’s external lice and mites or intestinal worms, and these disease-carrying insects might cause weight loss and other problems for your birds. Applying poultry fly and pest control in the coop can help prevent their spread, and poultry dewormers allow you to treat internal parasites.
If any of your chickens begin coughing, sneezing or having nasal discharge, these could be signs of a respiratory problem, and you can consult their veterinarian for treatment. Poultry vitamins and supplements boost specific areas of their health, such as providing immune system support, to help prevent these issues. Additionally, their feathered feet can get wet and muddy after spending time outside, so make sure you clean them so that your chickens stay warm and dry.
Support Your Flock with Help from Tractor Supply
Buff Brahmas might not be the first breed that comes to mind when people think about chickens, but among breeders and keepers, they’re one of the most iconic. Celebrated for their size and unique appearance, these chickens shouldn’t be overlooked when seeking to start or add to your flock. Find the poultry supplies your birds require in our wide inventory. Visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.