Nicknamed the "gentle giant," the Brahma is one of the largest chicken breeds — roosters can top 12 pounds — developed in 1840s America from massive Shanghai imports and named for the Brahmaputra river. Feathered legs and feet, a small pea comb and dense plumage make it outstandingly cold-hardy and calm to the point of huggable. Hens lay brown eggs steadily, even into winter, and go broody readily. Its size and mellow nature suit cold climates and families, though those foot feathers need dry ground and occasional care.
Beginner friendly
Quiet breed
Good with kids
Cold hardy
Broody
Egg colorBrown
Egg production150–200 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessFrequent
ClimateCold hardy
PurposeMeat, Eggs
Weight
Large fowl (Standard size)
Hen9–10 lb
Rooster11–12 lb
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen2.1 lb
Rooster2.4 lb
How to spot it
CombPea
Small pea comb, three low ridges
Earlobes
Red
Legs & feet
Heavily feathered yellow legs and outer toes, with vulture-like feathering; yellow skin
Look for
Enormous size, a beetle-brow over the eye, a pea comb, and heavily feathered feet
Varieties
Buff
Light
BlackBlueBlue LacedDarkSilver LacedSplash Blue ColumbianGold LacedPartridgeRedWhite
Pea
