Brahma (chicken)

Brahmas are an Asiatic breed of chicken, originating in the Brahmaputra region in India where they were known as "Gray Chittagongs". Their heritage is unclear, but they are believed to be closely related to the Jungle Fowl (Gallus Gigantus) and the Cochin (chicken)Fact|date=February 2007.

The first Brahmas were brought to the U.S. from China in 1846, and were used as a utility fowl for their edibility and generous egg laying and hardiness even during the winter months, although today they are kept mainly for ornamental purposes as selection for utility has taken a back seat to selection for appearance. Some of the earliest imports to the U.S. reached weights of nearly 14 pounds, but rarely is such massive size seen today: standard weight for a cock is 11 pounds; hens are 8.5 pounds. By the 1870s Brahmas had become so popular that they were admitted into the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection.

Temperament

Brahmas are relaxed, friendly birds that can make good pets or show chickens. They aren't flighty and have an even temperament. Roosters are not usually "mean". The are easy to catch and are daring; they will eat food out of your hand no matter what. The downside is that they do not know their size and may jump up onto you, cousing you to trip or fall.

Appearance

Brahmas are massive in appearance, in part due to profuse, loose feathering and feathered legs and toes. Approximate weights:
# Cock - 12 pounds
# Cockerel - 10 pounds
# Hen - 9 pounds
# Pullet - 8 pounds

Recognized varieties

The American Standard of Perfection recognizes three Brahma varieties: light, dark, and buff. The light Brahma has a base color of white, with black hackles edged in white and a black tail. The cocks' saddle feathers in a light Brahma are striped with black. The dark Brahma has the most notable difference between cock and hen. The hen has a dark gray and black penciled coloration with the same hackle as the light whereas the cock has black and white hackles and saddle feathers, and a black base and tail. The wings of a dark Brahma are white-shouldered and the primary feathers (remiges) are edged with white. The buff Brahma is the same in tone as the light, except with a golden buff base color instead of white.

Gallery of varieties

External links

*http://www.brahma-cochin.com/ The site includes Breed history, pictures
*http://www.mypetchicken.com/Brahma-B16.aspx - Pictures and information on Brahmas
*http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/poultry/chickens/brahma/ - Brahma breed information and illustrations
*http://chickscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/resources/standard_varieties/brahmas.html - Detailed information and illustrations
*http://www.feathersite.com//Poultry/CGA/Brahma/BRKBrahma.html - Brahma page at FeatherSite