About the Dark Brahma
The Brahma is a large, impressive heritage breed known for its substantial size, feathered legs and feet, pea comb and calm temperament. Despite their imposing appearance, Brahmas are generally gentle, docile birds that become quite friendly when regularly handled.
The Dark Brahma is one of the traditional varieties of the breed and is particularly striking because males and females have distinctly different plumage. Hens have finely patterned silver-grey plumage with darker pencilling, while males develop contrasting silver-white and black plumage.
History & Origin
The early history of the Brahma is complicated. Its foundation came from very large feather-legged Asian fowl imported from China during the 1840s, then commonly known as Shanghais. Birds of Indian or Chittagong ancestry are also believed to have contributed characteristics including the distinctive pea comb and head shape.
The Brahma as we recognise it today was developed through selective breeding in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century. The breed became enormously popular during the Victorian-era enthusiasm for large Asian poultry and was valued both as a practical table and egg bird and as an exhibition breed.
Brahmas in Australia
Brahmas have an unusual Australian history. The breed was established here but died out in Australia after the Second World War. Dedicated Australian breeders subsequently recreated the breed during the latter part of the twentieth century.
More recently, new bloodlines have been introduced from overseas. The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia records that UK lines of Blue Partridge, Blue Silver, Dark, Gold and Red Pyle Brahmas were imported into Australia in 2016.
Characteristics
Egg colour: Tinted – cream to light beige.
Egg size: Medium to large.
Average egg production: Approximately 100–150 eggs per year, averaging around 2–3 eggs per week across the year. Brahmas can continue laying into early to mid-winter.
Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.
Day-old sexing: Dark Brahmas are not an autosexing or sex-linked breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch. Differences between the sexes become increasingly obvious as their juvenile and adult plumage develops.
Temperament: Calm, gentle and docile. Brahmas are generally friendly birds that can become very tame with regular handling. Their substantial size makes them imposing, but they are not typically flighty or aggressive.
Broodiness: Brahma hens can become broody and are generally considered devoted and capable mothers. Because of their considerable size, care should be taken around newly hatched chicks.
Notable features: A very large, heavy body; pea comb; abundant plumage; and characteristic feathering down the shanks and toes. Dark Brahmas show pronounced differences in adult plumage between the sexes. Hens have intricate silver-grey and dark pencilling, while cockerels develop strongly contrasting silver-white and black plumage.
Hardiness: Brahmas are particularly well suited to cooler conditions and are noted for their cold hardiness. Their dense plumage and small pea comb provide good protection in cold weather. However, their feathered feet are best kept on reasonably dry, well-drained ground, as persistent mud can cling to the foot feathering and contribute to foot problems. Their large size and heavy feathering also mean they require adequate shade and water during very hot weather.
Rare Breed Status
The large Brahma is currently classified as WATCH by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. The Trust describes WATCH breeds as having reasonable presence but requiring greater breeding-flock uptake to be considered secure in Australia.
Current Availability
See what’s currently available from Deb’s Heritage Hens.