Often referred to as the “King of All Poultry,” the Light Brahma chicken is appreciated for its great size, strength, and vigor. By 1901, some individual birds were documented to have reached the incredible weights of 17 to 18.25 pounds for cocks.
Brahmas are large chickens with feathers on shanks and toes, pea comb, smooth fitting plumage with dense down in all sections, and broad, wide head with skull projecting over the eyes (beetle brow).
From the beginning Brahmas have been recognized not only for their unusual appearance and size, but also for their practical qualities. First and foremost, Light Brahmas are extremely hardy chickens. They are also good egg-layers for their size. As a superior winter-layer, they produce the bulk of their eggs from October to May.
The Light Brahma was generally known as the leading meat breed for the period of time (mid-1850’s through about 1930). As a family fowl they were unequaled, and a large Light Brahma could feed a moderate-sized family. The breed is easy to contain, and can’t fly low fences very easily. They also stand confinement extremely well – having calm and docile personalities. The Brahma is an ideal fowl for northern climates. It was popularly known as the least susceptible chicken to cold and exposure. This is because of its strength its pea comb’s strength and tight feathering with down through all sections.
You can learn more about our rare heritage livestock breeds here.