Impressive size, regal gait and colorful plumage - this is what allows you to easily recognize this breed of chickens among many others. And the presence of lush cuffs on the legs leaves no doubt that this is a real decoration for any chicken coop - the Brahma breed is light.
The history of the breed
Brahma light (Brahminka, Light Brahma) was bred by breeding and crossing Kokhinkhinskaya and Malayan breeds of chickens. Initial results were obtained by monks in Asian temples, and the formation of a rock in the Americas was completed. In 1874 its current standard was finally fixed, and already in the XIX century, the first representatives of the breed came to Russia. Brahma was derived as a heavy meat breed, but over time, much attention was paid to its decoration and new color combinations in color. The results of painstaking breeding have become subspecies - American meat, European decorative, Asian decorative meat and dwarf subspecies.
Did you know? The chicken is a smart enough bird that can remember its home and more than 100 people, recognize its owner from a distance of 10 meters and even navigate in time.
Breed assignment
Initially, the light Brahma was attributed to the meat direction, however, thanks to its beautiful exterior, many experts consider it to be a decorative and meat variety.
Bram meat, although inferior to some breeds of chickens in quality, is still an excellent dietary dish. Also, do not detract from the quality of Brahm as a hen, because, despite the late maturation, they practically do not reduce their egg production throughout the year.
Also check out such meaty chickens as Brama, Jersey giant, Dorking, Cochinchyn, Corniche, Plymouthrock, Orpington and Fireol.
External characteristics
There are several types of coloring plumage chickens Brahma. The central color of Brahma is light, also called Colombian, is silvery-white. In addition, adult individuals have black winged wings, a striped cervical collar, as well as the upper part of the tail. The breed standards do not allow even a small yellow blot on silvery-white feathers. Since the breed was originally grown for a cold climate, it stands out with ample plumage in the form of cuffs. Representatives of the breed have a magnificent posture, a massive body, a broad back, stomach and chest. Even in appearance, meat assignment of the breed is guessed, because roosters reach a weight of 4.0 kg, and chickens, 3.0 kg.
Brahma light has a high-set body, a small head with a prominent forehead and an underdeveloped nape, and a broad frontal bone with well-defined superciliary arches. Its crest is small, low, pod-like, without pronounced teeth. Earrings - small and rounded. Beak - strong, short, curved, yellow. Wide and strongly feathered loins have a smooth rise to the tail. The tail of the bird is small, beautifully fluffed up with not long big braids.
Check out such ornamental breeds of chickens as: Araucana, Ayam Tsemani, Bentamki, Hamburg, Dutch bearded, Chinese silk, Krecker, Curly, Milfleur, Paduan, Sibright, Phoenix and Shabo.
Character
Bright light brama has a calm, balanced and even phlegmatic disposition. Many breeders call her behavior "truly royal." Chickens of this breed are easy enough to tame because they are very trusting. In addition, Brahma Light has a good livability, unpretentiousness and endurance. And, unlike many other chickens, completely devoid of fussiness.
Egg production
The average adult chicken for the year brings about 100-120 cream-colored eggs with a strong shell weighing up to 60 grams. The average frequency of laying - one egg in three days.
Brahma is characterized by the absence of a decrease in productivity during the cold season. However, in chickens older than two years, egg production begins to decline sharply.
Important! Chickens of this breed differ in late maturity, therefore, the first eggs should be expected from them only at the age of 7.5-8 months.
Breed content
Brahma is light - unpretentious and hardy bird, the content of which is not difficult even for a beginner.
Nutrition
Before you get the chicken Brahma breed light, you need to think about their food.
Chickens
The first ration of chickens should consist of chopped boiled eggs mixed with finely ground corn or wheat grits. Later, you can begin to give a mixture of grains with boiled vegetables. It is also recommended to use wet mash made of vegetables, green fodder and milk waste. At 10 days of age, a mixture of low-fat cottage cheese with chopped dandelion greens, nettle or knotweed can be added to the diet. For good work of the gastrointestinal tract, chickens need to pour coarse sand into a separate container. Correct development of the skeletal system will be ensured by the addition of calcium in the form of chalk, shell rock or crushed egg shell.
Adult generation
Food should be fresh and of high quality, and balanced in the amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is better if it is presented in a different form:
- cereal mixture;
- wet mash;
- kitchen waste.
Important! Drinkers of chickens should be regularly cleaned, washed and disinfected. In addition, in order to preserve good egg production in winter, birds should be given warm water.
Requirements for the room
For birds, you should equip a spacious chicken coop with sufficient lighting. For good egg production, it is necessary to maintain a 13-14 hour light day in it. If there is insufficient sunlight, an artificial light source should be provided. The house should be dry and as clean as possible, it should provide for roosting, nests, feeding troughs and drinking bowls.
For the purity of the Brahmu breed, it is better not to keep a bright one with other hens You should also provide good ventilation of the chicken coop, if necessary, arrange additional exhaust. You can perform them with valves to regulate the flow of air.
Video: pomfret light (description of enclosure for content)
Diseases and control measures
As a preventive measure for chickens, it is necessary to provide for quarantine of new individuals with a duration of 2-4 weeks, and only after its termination allow these birds to be admitted to the main herd. Also, do not forget about regular cleaning and disinfection of drinking bowls and water replacement. To avoid the appearance of parasites in feathers and down birds, a tank with a mixture of ashes and ashes should be placed in the hen house, where birds could take “baths”. No drafts in the room and place of walking of chickens, as well as vaccination of birds against bird flu will help prevent colds. Avoiding rickets in chickens will be helped by adding fish oil or fish waste to their diets each week. Also, at least once a season, birds' paws should be treated with birch tar or vegetable oil to prevent the appearance of parasites.
Advantages and disadvantages
Breed pros:
- fine decorative qualities;
- endurance and unpretentiousness;
- high meat productivity;
- average egg production.
Did you know? Chickens love to dig the ground, destroying the landing on a fairly large area in a short time. And even the constant availability of food will not stop the bird's desire to look for something tasty and to enjoy the spreading of the earth around.
Breed minuses:
- slow chickens growing up;
- late onset of egg laying;
- weak plumage plus;
- low mobility.