Day Old Brahma Chicken | 1 Carton (30 chicks) 

Description

A Brahma Chicken | 1 Carton (30 chicks)  refers to a batch of day-old Brahma chicks packaged for safe transport to poultry farms or backyard breeders. The Brahma Chicken is a heritage dual-purpose breed prized for its massive size, calm temperament, and adaptability to diverse climates. Originating in Asia and refined in the U.S. in the 1800s, Brahmas are ideal for meat production, egg-laying, and ornamental purposes.

This product is tailored for farmers seeking hardy, low-maintenance birds with high economic returns.

The Recommended Stocking Rate is 30 chicks per carton for easy handling and transport.

Product Specifications of Brahma Chicken | 1 Carton (30 chicks):

Physical Characteristics:

• Size:

  • Quantity: 30 live, day-old chicks per carton.

  • Breed: Purebred Brahma available in different colours (Light, Dark, or Buff color variants).

  • Roosters: 10–12 lbs (4.5–5.5 kg).

  • Hens: 8–10 lbs (3.5–4.5 kg).

  • Known as the “King of Poultry” due to their massive stature.

• Appearance:

  • Feathered Legs: They are most easily recognized for their heavily feathered legs and feet.

  • Distinctive fluffy plumage on shanks and toes.

  • Upright Posture: Broad chest, deep body, and tall stance.

  • Color Variants: Light (white with black markings), Dark (black-laced), Buff (golden-brown).

• Comb and Wattles: Small pea comb, minimal wattles (reduces frostbite risk in cold climates).

• Egg Production:

  • Weekly Yield: They a good production rate of 3-6 medium-large brown eggs per week.

  • Annual Yield: 150–200 eggs per hen.

  • Egg Size: Large to extra-large (60–70 grams).

  • Shell Color: Light to medium brown.

  • Maturity: They can be slow to mature and usually begin laying between 20-24 weeks old.

  • Laying Age: Starts at 6–7 months; slower to mature than commercial layers.

Temperament:

• Docile and Gentle:

  • Ideal for backyard flocks or mixed poultry systems.

  • Easily handled, making them suitable for families and novice farmers.

• Non-Aggressive: Rarely peck or bully other birds.

• Cold-Hardy: Thrives in cooler climates but adapts well to Nigeria’s heat with proper shade.

Productivity Traits:

Meat Production:

• Slaughter Weight: 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg) in 16–20 weeks.

• Meat Quality:

  • Lean, tender, and flavorful (less fatty than broilers).

  • Popular in gourmet markets for its texture and taste.

Growth Rate and Feed Efficiency:

• Growth Speed: Slower than commercial broilers (reaches maturity in 5–6 months).

• Feed Conversion:

  • Efficient foragers; consume insects, greens, and kitchen scraps.

  • Require 3–3.5 lbs of feed to gain 1 lb of body weight.

• Low Maintenance: Thrive on free-range systems with minimal supplemental feed.

 Hardiness and Adaptability:

• Climate Resilience:

  • Tolerates both cold (due to dense plumage) and heat (with shade/ventilation).

  • Well-suited to Nigeria’s tropical climate.

• Disease Resistance:

  • Strong genetic vigor; less prone to common poultry diseases.

  • Requires basic vaccinations (e.g., Newcastle, Gumboro).

• Foraging Ability:

  • Excellent scavengers; reduce feed costs by 20–30% in free-range systems.

Care Requirements for Brahma Chicken | 1 Carton (30 chicks):

1. Brooding Setup:

   • Temperature: 95°F (35°C) in week 1, reduced by 5°F weekly.

   • Space: 0.5 sq.ft per chick initially, expanding as they grow.

   • Feed: Starter crumbles (20% protein) for the first 6 weeks.

2. Health Management:

   • Vaccinate against fowl pox and avian influenza (region-specific).

   • Use probiotics and anticoccidials in water to prevent gut issues.

3. Free-Range Tips:

   • Provide shaded areas and dust baths to deter parasites.

   • Secure coops against predators (e.g., snakes, foxes).