Brahma Chickens: Complete Breed Guide

Brahmas are the gentle giants of the backyard. These big, calm birds with feathered feet were once called the "King of All Poultry," and they still stop visitors in their tracks. They lay brown eggs, keep laying through cold weather better than most breeds and are so easygoing that children can carry them around the yard.

This guide covers the three Brahma varieties we offer, what to expect from their eggs and personality, and how to keep them comfortable through Mid-Atlantic winters and summers.

Quick facts

Egg color	Brown
Egg size	Medium to large
Eggs per year	About 150–200
First eggs	About 28–32 weeks (slow to mature)
Adult hen weight	About 9–10 lbs
Temperament	Very calm, gentle, easy to handle
Cold hardy	Yes, among the most winter-hardy breeds
Heat tolerance	Low to moderate, needs shade
Broodiness	Sometimes
Purpose	Dual purpose: eggs and meat
Comb	Pea comb
Legs	Feathered

History of the Brahma

Brahmas were developed in the United States in the mid-1800s from very large chickens brought in through the port of Shanghai. American breeders refined them into the big, feather-legged bird we know today. The name likely comes from the Brahmaputra River region of India, which some early birds were said to come from. In 1852, breeder George Burnham sent a group of Brahmas to Queen Victoria, and the breed became a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic. The Light and Dark varieties joined the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874, and the Buff variety followed in 1924.

Brahma varieties

• Light Brahma: a white body with a black-striped neck and black in the tail. This is the classic Brahma look.
• Buff Brahma: warm golden buff feathers with the same black-striped neck and tail.
• Dark Brahma: silver and black penciled feathers, one of the most dramatic patterns of any breed. Dark Brahmas are a little smaller and lay about 160 medium brown eggs a year.

All three share the same calm personality, feathered feet and winter toughness, so many keepers mix them in one flock.

Eggs and laying

A Brahma hen lays about 150–200 medium to large brown eggs a year. That's fewer than a production layer, but Brahmas make up for it in winter. Their size and dense feathers help them keep laying through cold months when lighter breeds slow down.

Patience is part of owning Brahmas. They're slow to mature and often lay their first egg at about 28–32 weeks, compared with 18–24 weeks for many breeds. If you want eggs sooner, pair them with an early layer such as a Rhode Island Red or Black Australorp. Our chicken egg color chart shows which breeds lay which colors.

Size and temperament

Brahmas are among the largest chicken breeds, with hens around 9–10 pounds. Despite their size, they're famously gentle. Most are quiet, slow-moving and happy to be picked up, which makes them a favorite with families and first-time keepers.

Because they're so laid back, Brahmas rarely bully other birds. Their size also means a low fence usually keeps them in, since they don't fly well. Give them sturdy, low roosts and wider pop doors and nest boxes than you'd use for smaller breeds.

Raising Brahmas in the Mid-Atlantic

Winter is where Brahmas shine. A small pea comb resists frostbite, and thick feathers down to their toes keep them warm. A dry, draft-free coop with good ventilation is all they need. Keep water from freezing in January and February with a heated waterer.

Summer takes more planning. Large, heavily feathered birds feel the heat, and our Eastern Shore humidity makes it harder. Give them deep shade, airflow in the coop and plenty of cool water. Frozen treats help on the hottest days. For more, read the best chicken breeds for Maryland, Virginia and Delaware weather.

Caring for feathered feet

Feathered feet are part of the Brahma's charm, but they need a little attention. Muddy, wet bedding can cake on foot feathers, so keep the run well drained and the coop bedding dry. Check their legs every few weeks for raised scales, which can be a sign of scaly leg mites, and treat early if you see them.

Space, feed and care

• Brooder: keep chicks warm, dry and draft-free for the first several weeks. Our guide to how to set up a brooder for baby chicks walks you through it.
• Coop space: plan on at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and about 10 square feet per bird in the run.
• Roosts and nests: one nest box for every four or five hens, and enough roost space for everyone to sleep side by side.
• Feed: chick starter from day one, grower feed from about 8 weeks, then layer feed with oyster shell on the side once they start laying.
• Size: use low roosts, wide pop doors and roomy nest boxes for these big birds.
• Lifespan: with good care, many Brahmas live 8 years or more.

Sizing your flock? Read how many chickens should I get? and day-old chicks vs started pullets.

Frequently asked questions

Are Brahma chickens good for beginners?

Yes. They're calm, gentle, cold hardy and easy to handle, which makes them a great choice for families and first-time keepers.

How many eggs does a Brahma lay?

About 150–200 medium to large brown eggs a year. Dark Brahmas lay about 160.

When do Brahmas start laying?

Brahmas are slow to mature and usually lay their first egg at about 28–32 weeks.

Do Brahmas lay in winter?

Yes. They're known for laying through cold weather better than most breeds, though production slows as days get shorter.

How big do Brahma chickens get?

Hens are usually about 9–10 pounds, which puts them among the largest chicken breeds.

Can Brahmas handle hot weather?

They can with shade, airflow and plenty of cool water. They're happier in cold weather than heat.

Can I buy Brahma hatching eggs?

Yes. We offer Light Brahma hatching eggs and Buff Brahma hatching eggs for home incubation.

Ordering Brahma chicks from Chesapeake

All chick orders are pre-orders by hatch date. Shipped chicks travel by USPS Priority Mail to your local post office for pickup, and the post office calls when they arrive. Most breeds have a 6-chick minimum for shipping, and you can mix breeds that ship the same week. Live near Maryland's Eastern Shore? Light and Buff Brahmas are available with Free local pickup in Preston, with no minimum order. Dark Brahmas are available for shipping only. Marek's vaccination is optional and can be added in your cart, and every order is backed by our live arrival guarantee.

See chick shipping rates and times and free local pickup details, read when to order baby chicks, or compare all of our chicken breeds.

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