Purebred Light Brahma Chicks

About Us:

Our family started with chicken over 4 years ago for personal use and have expanded our flocks over the years to include turkeys, geese and ducks. We registered our company Horsethief Homestead LLC. and became a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) NPIP/AI clean certified breeder/hatchery early 2023.

NPIP - Why its so Important

The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) was established in the early 1930's to provide a cooperative industry, state, and federal program through which new diagnostic technology can be effectively applied to the improvement of poultry and poultry products throughout the country. The development of the NPIP was initiated to eliminate Pullorum Disease caused by Salmonella Pullorum which was rampant in poultry and could cause upwards of 80% mortality in baby poultry. The program was later extended and refined to include testing and monitoring for Salmonella typhoid, Salmonella Enteritidis, Mycoplasma Gallisepticum, Mycoplasma Synoviae, Mycoplasma Meleagridis, and Avian Influenza. In addition, the NPIP currently includes commercial poultry, turkeys, waterfowl, exhibition poultry, backyard poultry, and game birds. The technical and management provisions of the NPIP have been developed jointly by Industry members and State and Federal officials. These criteria have established standards for the evaluation of poultry with respect to freedom from NPIP diseases.

The majority of States requires exports (sellers) to be NPIP certified to sell poultry and poultry products (hatching eggs) across state lines. Non-NPIP sellers shipping eggs from online sales are breaking the law and you the importer can also be held liable if importing poulty or poultry products from an out of state non-NPIP seller.

Find out more: https://www.poultryimprovement.org/ 
Map and list of participating breeders: https://www.poultryimprovement.org/statesContent.cfm

Description

Originated in Asia and brought to this country in mid-1800’s, the Light Brahma chickens are exceptionally quiet, gentle, and easy to handle. Their small pea comb, great size, and heavy plumage make them almost immune to cold weather. They have feathered legs, good layers of brown eggs and excellent brood mothers, and very children friendly for pets. The Light Brahma chickens have mostly white coloring but have black tail feathers and neck feathers with black in them. The Brahmas stand out in a flock due to their large size. The rooster can weigh up to 12 pounds and the hen close to 10. They are good for meat because of their size. Brahmas adapt to most climates. With their heavy body and thick feathering, they are very cold tolerant. In the summer, if they have shade and water, they get along fine. The feathered legs and feet can collect mud in the rainy weather, and snow in the winter. Keep an eye on their feet and clean them if needed.

Quick Stats

Temperament

Light Brahma are easy going chicken, calm and docile. Considered to be gentel giants. Friendly towards humanes and easily trainable to be comfortable around other people. They can be intimidating due to their giant size, but can be easily tamed with treats. With help, they will learn to love you in no time.

Climate

Light Brahma’s are adaptable to harsh environments and thrive in northern climates due to their feather covered feet and heavy feathering. They also do well in warmer climates provided plenty of shade and water. As with any chicken proper infrastructure must be provided, i.e., a well-insulated coop for safety and warmth, heating for extreme cold, shade and plenty of water in hot climates.

Hens

Light Brahma hens can become broody and make great chick mama's. They are great guardians of their chicks. Hens will grow to approximately 9.5 lbs and reach sexual maturity at around 6-7 months of age.

Egg Laying

They usually lay between October to May and average 180-240 medium-large size brown eggs per year.

Roosters

Who would want a rooster? They are noisy right? Roosters are great protectors of you flock and will escort your hens and constantly watch the sky. Rooster will sound and alarm the hens to take cover in the event of a threat from a predator. In addition to protection, roosters are not aggressive toward adults or children and can provide mating if you want to build your flock. Roosters will grow to approximately 12 lbs and reach sexual maturity at around 6-7 months of age.

Meat

Brahma's are plump enough to be processed at 13 weeks, but it is recommended to wait until they are about 8 months old. Their meat is delicious and juicy. Their large frames supply more meat the many other breeds too. In short, these are great birds for both meat and eggs (dual purpose).