Looking to build a flock of beautiful, excellent laying hens but worried about having aggressive birds?
There are plenty of good layers out there who are friendly in a family setting and with other chickens.
The Brahma chicken is a friendly, docile bird and makes a great addition to any flock. Not only are these birdies content to rest low on the pecking order and keep the peace in the coop, but they are also gentle around children and other humans. Their friendliness is one of their defining traits!
There’s a lot to love about the Brahma chicken.
But they aren’t the only friendly poultry breed out there.
Keep reading to learn what sets this breed apart from other chickens and what to do if you have a Brahma bird who is acting out.
Do Brahmas Fight Other Chickens or People?
For a giant chicken breed, Brahmas have such friendly natures!
They are not aggressive birds, and it would be awfully strange to see a Brahma hen fighting another bird.
If yours are caught fighting or pecking at your other chickens, it’s likely for protection.
Brahmas are gentle giants, and their size usually keeps other birds from picking fights with them.
However, roosters or extremely aggressive breeds of hens might decide to compete with a Brahma bird.
While they would never pick a fight, many birds will make some effort to defend themselves if they’re being bullied.
This may vary by each bird, but don’t be surprised if the gentle giant of your coop doesn’t stand and take it when they’re being picked on.
Brahmas are not bullies by nature!
They are one of the gentlest poultry varieties and make fantastic family pets.
Many chicken owners who have raised Brahmas say they have a high tolerance for being chased around and grabbed at by children.
So, if your Brahma hens are behaving aggressively, there’s something wrong!
Make sure there is no competition for chicken feed and fresh water in your coop.
Give your birds space to graze and explore, and don’t make them fight for resources.
If they have everything they need, your Brahmas will be loving and showcase their docile nature.
Are Brahma Roosters Aggressive?
The roosters of any chicken breed are generally more assertive and aggressive than their female counterparts.
However, compared with many male birds, Brahma roosters are usually not as interested in bullying or picking fights with other birds.
Brahmas are one of the favorite rooster breeds among chicken owners everywhere.
Brahmas are sweethearts and make good pets instead of aggressive roosters like a Malay.
They’re magnificent roosters compared to many other breeds.
This doesn’t mean they will never get into fights or even act out toward humans.
Just like with hens, we recommend you always take proper care of all your birds by providing them plenty of clean water and food.
The less competition in your coop, the better.
It’s also best practice to keep roosters, especially fully grown ones, separate from baby chicks and other vulnerable members of your chicken coop.
Brahma roosters, if they were to become aggressive for any reason, would be dangerous due to their sheer size.
Fortunately or unfortunately, you’ll know when they get angry due to the sound.
Read more: Brahma chicken noises and what they mean
Do everything possible to avoid this problem, especially if you have small children to think about!
Aggressive Brahma Chicks
Some chicken keepers have had issues with purchasing Brahma chicks, who turned out to be very aggressive.
You must buy your chickens from a reputable breeder!
You may purchase a Buff Brahma from a catalog or website and end up with an entirely different breed of chicken.
While this isn’t an especially common problem, it is possible if you aren’t careful where you purchase your flock.
Brahma birds have a heavy body type and pea combs.
Some have feathered feet too!
If your birds look completely different from what you expected, you may not have a Brahma.
Numerous breeders and hatcheries out there sell Brahma birds.
But as with any purchase, you must be careful about where your money goes.
Learn as much as possible about Brahmas before buying, and order from a reputable hatchery or another seller!
While chickens have their personalities, just as people do, it is highly unusual for a Brahma to display signs of aggression.
If you are doing this, especially as chicks, something fishy is going on.
It may be a good idea to contact the seller.
Are Brahmas the Friendliest Chicken?
Their personalities are certainly a selling point for Brahmas.
However, it is hard to designate any chicken as the gentlest.
There are plenty of birds with calm personalities, such as Orpingtons and Silkies.
Not to mention, birds have individual personalities as well.
There is certainly the occasional Brahma with a bad attitude appearing occasionally.
Brahmas are certainly one of the gentler birds compared to some other popular chicken breeds, such as the Rhode Island Red.
They also have a distinct charm because of their heavy body type and sweet temperament.
The persona of the gentle giant is just so appealing!
More About Brahmas
Brahmas are known for their gigantic size and calm personalities!
These birds come in a few varieties: Buff, Dark, and Light Brahmas.
All of them are beautiful, of course.
The sheer size of these sweeties is intimidating to many first-time owners.
However, they are incredibly gentle!
All you need to raise Brahmas is quality chicken feed, an adequate-sized coop, and the patience to do lice checks.
Their dense feathering makes Brahmas an easy target for lice, mites, and others.
It takes extra time to check their plumage, but it’s well worth the effort!
Brahmas are good layers and hardy birds, especially in the Winter when many other chicken breeds take a break from laying.
Aside from this, caring for Brahmas is as easy as caring for any other chicken, maybe even easier!
They don’t start fights and are great foragers.
Give them access to open space, freshwater, and adequate food, and they will thrive!
Their gigantic size does imply a need for a little extra food.
But they repay you with their great egg production!
Further Reading: Brahma chicken eggs questions and answers
Not to mention, they are such lovely additions to your feathered family.
Read next: When do Brahma chickens mature?
