Brahma

The Brahma is a large feather-legged chicken developed in the United States from Asian-derived fowl imported in the nineteenth century. It became one of the best-known heavy breeds, with a broad body, pea comb, dense soft feathering, and feathers on the shanks and outer toes. Light, dark, and buff are the best-established standard varieties, while additional colors appear in some countries and breeder groups. Brahmas were historically important as table birds, but today they are also kept in backyard flocks, exhibitions, and small homesteads for their size, calm temperament, and brown eggs.

Brahmas mature slowly and eat more than light laying breeds, so they reward keepers who plan for their scale. Low, sturdy roosts help reduce hard landings, and dry bedding keeps foot feathers from packing with mud or ice. Their pea comb is useful in cold weather, but shade and airflow are important in hot climates because the birds carry a lot of body and feather mass. Breeding flocks are usually evaluated for width, leg feathering, correct comb, fertility, and color pattern; very large size should not be pursued at the expense of sound movement.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Dark, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Light, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White