Guide to Blue Brahma Chickens: Origins, Temperament, Care Tips, and More

An Introduction to Blue Brahma Chickens

Blue brahma chickens are a beautiful and unique breed of chicken admired by poultry enthusiasts for their large size, calm temperament, and lovely blue plumage. Sometimes called blue partridge brahmas, this chicken breed originated from the brahma chicken, which was first imported to the United States from China in 1846. Blue brahmas were developed soon after by crossing brahmas with bluish gray leghorn chickens to introduce the gene for blue or slate-colored feathers.

Today, blue brahma chickens are an excellent backyard chicken breed for many reasons. Read on to learn more about the history, physical characteristics, temperament, egg laying abilities, and more of this gentle giant chicken breed.

Origins of the Blue Brahma Chicken

As mentioned, the blue brahma chicken was developed from the brahma breed in the late 1840s after brahmas were first imported to the U.S. from China. The goal was to introduce the blue gene from blue leghorns into the already popular large brahma breed.

Blue brahmas were admitted into the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1935. However, their popularity declined in the 1940s when small egg production breeds became more mainstream. Today, blue brahmas are enjoying a resurgence among backyard chicken keepers.

Physical Characteristics of Blue Brahmas

Blue brahma chickens are truly massive birds. Hens can reach 10 pounds, while roosters can tip the scales at 12 pounds or more. For comparison, average chickens range between 4-6 pounds. Brahmas in general are the largest chicken breed.

These chickens have feathered legs and feet and profuse feathering on their bodies. Their most distinguishing feature is their solid blue-gray plumage that extends over their bodies, tails, and wings. The blue coloring results from a single gene mutation that original brahmas did not have.

Other physical traits include:

• Bright red single combs and wattles
• Small pea combs
• Red earlobes
• Small beaks
• Small curved nose with a skull cap on top

Overall, blue brahmas have a very distinctive look and their large size alone makes them stand out from other backyard chickens.

Temperament of Blue Brahma Chickens

One of the best things about blue brahmas is their calm, friendly temperament. They tend to be very docile, easygoing chickens. Roosters in particular are not aggressive like some breeds. The hens also have a very maternal, broody nature. Brahmas in general are known as an excellent breed for first-time or novice chicken owners due to their peaceful personalities.

A few key facts about blue brahma temperament include:

• Docile, calm nature
• Roosters are not aggressive towards humans
• Very hardy and heat/cold tolerant
• Make quiet, gentle clucking sounds
• Love to forage in the yard
• Hens go broody frequently and make great mothers

Blue brahmas get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. Their gentle nature also means they are at the bottom of the pecking order with more assertive breeds. But their size deters bullying for the most part.

Egg Laying Ability of Blue Brahmas

Blue brahma hens lay a decent number of large brown eggs. On average, you can expect 3-4 eggs per week from a blue brahma once they reach laying age at around 6 months old. Some birds may lay slightly more or less than this.

Key facts about blue brahma egg production:

• Lay frequency: 3-4 eggs per week
• Egg size: Large to extra large
• Egg color: Light brown
• Start laying at: 6 months old
• Egg production peaks at 1-2 years old
• Prone to broodiness

While brahmas will not break any egg laying records, their production is quite good considering their larger size. The eggs are also very large and perfect for a backyard family flock.

Health Issues of Blue Brahmas

For the most part, blue brahma chickens are very hardy with minimal health problems. As a larger breed, they can be prone to leg and joint issues if they become overweight. Providing an appropriate diet and space to exercise can prevent this.

A few other potential health issues include:

• Impacted crop: This can occur if they eat long pieces of grass
• Respiratory illnesses
• Foot infections from damp litter

With proper care, most blue brahmas thrive and live long 5-8 year lifespans.

Cost of Blue Brahma Chickens

If you are looking to add some blue brahma chickens to your flock, expect to pay $20-$45 per chick from a hatchery or breeder. Show quality birds can cost over $100.

Prices depend on factors like:

• Chick age and sex
• Quality and pedigree
• Hatchery or breeder
• Local availability

It's often cheaper per chick if you buy a straight run batch (mixed sex) from a hatchery. Check for local breeders as well to potentially save on shipping costs.

Caring for Blue Brahma Chickens

Caring for blue brahma chickens is mostly straightforward. However, their massive size does require some specific considerations when it comes to housing, feeding, and health management.

Housing Blue Brahmas

As a giant breed, blue brahmas need lots of space! Each standard sized blue brahma should have at least 8-10 square feet of coop space. Smaller bantam blue brahmas only need 4 square feet.

Some housing considerations include:

• High ceilings to accommodate their height
• Wide doors for their width
• Sturdy, reinforced perches
• Nest boxes at least 14x14 inches
• Fenced yard space to roam in

Deep litter methods with frequent litter changing is ideal to prevent foot infections. Their feathered feet also need to be checked periodically for dirt buildup.

In terms of climate, blue brahmas tolerate heat and cold very well thanks to their rose comb and dense feathering. Just provide extra shade in summer and a draft-free coop in winter.

Feeding Blue Brahma Chickens

As large birds, blue brahmas need free choice access to an complete feed formulated for bigger breeds. They eat around 1⁄4 pound of feed daily. Younger chickens require a starter feed, while layers need calcium for egg production.

Supplement their diet with kitchen scraps, garden vegetables and fruits, mealworms for protein, oyster shell grit, and fresh water. To prevent obesity, do not overfeed them.

Common Health Issues

To keep your blue brahmas healthy, focus on providing exercise, preventing obesity, and practicing good biosecurity measures. Quickly treat any signs of illness such as discharge, swelling, limping, lethargy or parasites.

Protect against respiratory illness by vaccinating for infectious bronchitis and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. These bacterial diseases can rapidly spread through a flock.

Also trim the feathers between their toes if needed to remove dirt and check for injuries. Apply petroleum jelly to prevent frostbite of their combs and wattles in cold weather.

Is the Blue Brahma Right for You?

If you’re looking for a calm, friendly chicken that lays nice big eggs, the blue brahma can make an excellent addition to your flock. This breed is ideal if you have children or just enjoy a laidback backyard chicken. They are great pets with their peaceful personalities and tend to be one of the quietest roosters out there.

Just be sure you have the ample space this massive bird needs to thrive. And take advantage of their broody hen instincts to possibly even hatch out some adorable blue brahma chicks!

FAQs

How big do blue brahma chickens get?

Blue brahmas are very large chickens. Hens weigh around 10 pounds, while roosters can reach 12+ pounds. They are much bigger than average chickens who weigh 4-6 pounds.

What color eggs do blue brahmas lay?

Blue brahma hens lay a moderate number of large, light brown eggs. You can expect 3-4 eggs per week from a blue brahma once they start laying at 6 months old.

Are blue brahma chickens cold hardy?

Yes, blue brahmas handle cold winter weather very well. Their rose comb and thick feathering keeps them insulated. Just provide a draft-free coop and they will continue laying eggs through cold months.

How long do blue brahmas live?

Blue brahmas are a hardy breed and live 5-8 years on average with proper care and housing. Their calm temperament also contributes to their long lifespan.

Do blue brahma chickens make good pets?

Absolutely! With their gentle, friendly personalities, blue brahmas make wonderful backyard pets. They are calm around children and get along great in small flocks. Their roosters are also not aggressive like some breeds.