Brahma Bantam

The Brahma Bantam is a stately and upright dwerghoen with a broad and deep build. Its profuse feathering and full leg feathering contribute to its imposing appearance, making it less round than the Cochin Bantam. The head appears small in proportion to the body, making the overall profile seem larger.

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh between 2.2-2.6 lbs (1000-1200g), while hens weigh 1.5-2.0 lbs (700-900g).
• Comb: They have a small, three-row pea comb firmly set on the head.
• Head: The head is relatively small but broad, with eyebrows that somewhat shade the eyes.
• Beard and Muffs: N/A (The text does not specify beard/muffs for the bantam, but pea comb usually means no or minimal wattles/earlobes, and feathered legs are present).
• Legs: They have heavily feathered legs and feet, with stout shanks and well-feathered outer and middle toes. The shanks are medium-long and strong, and the skin color is yellow.
• Eyes: The eyes are large and orange-red to reddish-brown, with a solemn and challenging expression.
• Feathering: The feathering is full, dense, and soft, giving the impression of a feathery ball.

Brahma Bantams are moderate layers, often valued more for their ornamental qualities and broodiness than their egg production volume.

• Egg Production: Hens lay approximately 100-120 eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay small to medium-sized brown or tinted eggs, typically weighing around 1.1 oz (30g).
• Broodiness: Brahma hens are famously very broody and make excellent mothers. They are diligent sitters and attentive to their chicks, making them a good choice for natural incubation.

The primary physical differences between Brahma Bantam roosters and hens are related to secondary sexual characteristics, with no significant structural variations beyond this. The rooster typically exhibits a more upright posture, with a full, arched neck hackle and a broad, well-feathered saddle. Its tail is full and well-spread, with short sickles. The pea comb is small and firm.

The hen, in contrast, tends to have a slightly less upright posture and a longer, less steeply rising back-saddle line. Her tail is well-covered by the tail coverts. She will develop a good, deep laying abdomen.

Brahma Bantams are well-known for their excellent cold hardiness due to their dense, profuse feathering. They are well-suited to cooler climates and can withstand low temperatures better than many other breeds.

However, their feathered legs and feet require attention in wet or muddy conditions to prevent frostbite and keep the feathers clean and healthy. They prefer dry conditions and a coop with good ventilation to avoid respiratory issues, but their docile nature makes them adaptable to various housing setups, including smaller runs, as long as they have sufficient space to move around.

Brahma Bantams are recognized in several beautiful color varieties, which mirror those of their large fowl counterparts. The most common and widely recognized varieties include:

• Light: Silver-white plumage with a black tail and black in the wing primaries. The neck hackle feathers are striped with black.
• Dark: A striking contrast of silver-white and black, with a complex lacing pattern on the hen's body feathers. The rooster has a black breast, body, and tail, with silver-white hackles and saddle, often striped with black.
• Buff: A rich, even shade of golden buff over the entire body, with black in the main tail feathers and primary wing feathers. The hackles and saddle are a darker shade of buff.