Brahma chickens typically start laying eggs around 5 to 6 months of age, depending on their environment and care conditions.
Brahma chickens typically start laying eggs at 6-7 months old, though some may take up to 8 months. These gentle giants mature slower than smaller breeds but reward patience with consistent winter laying. Their large brown eggs make the wait worthwhile.
Brahma Chicken Egg Laying Timeline
Most Brahma hens begin laying between 24-28 weeks (6-7 months). This is later than production breeds like Red Stars that start at 19 weeks. The delay occurs because Brahmas focus energy on growing their substantial bodies first.
Signs Your Brahma Is Ready to Lay
- Bright red comb and wattles (paler in pea-combed varieties)
- Squatting behavior when approached
- Exploring nest boxes frequently
- Increased vocalization
Unlike Rhode Island Reds that lay early, Brahmas follow the pattern of other large breeds like Orpingtons with delayed sexual maturity.
What to Expect From Brahma Eggs
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Light brown to tinted pink |
| Size | Large to extra large (2-2.5 oz) |
| Frequency | 3-4 eggs per week (150-200 annually) |
| Seasonality | Good winter layers compared to other breeds |
Egg Production Factors
Several elements influence when your Brahmas start laying:
- Genetics: Show-line Brahmas lay less than utility strains
- Diet: Requires 16-18% protein before laying
- Daylight: 14+ hours of light stimulates production
- Stress: Moving coops or predator threats can delay laying
Comparing Brahma Laying to Other Breeds
While Brahmas mature later than production hybrids, they outperform many heritage breeds in winter. According to Sunny Simple Living, Brahmas continue laying when other chickens take winter breaks.
Broodiness in Brahmas
About 50% of Brahma hens go broody annually. Their large size makes them excellent mothers, though some may accidentally break eggs. If you want to train chickens to use nest boxes, Brahmas generally learn quickly.
Caring for Laying Brahmas
Nutrition Needs
Switch to layer feed at 18 weeks. Supplement with:
- Oyster shell for calcium
- Grit for digestion
- Limited treats (no more than 10% of diet)
Ideal Nesting Setup
Provide 12″x12″ nest boxes with:
- 6-8″ of clean bedding
- Privacy curtains
- Gentle ramp access (Brahmas aren’t strong flyers)
Their calm nature makes Brahmas excellent candidates for introducing to new coops if you need to expand their space.
Troubleshooting Late Layers
If your Brahma hasn’t laid by 32 weeks:
- Check for parasites with a fecal test
- Ensure proper nutrition (no chick starter feed)
- Evaluate lighting conditions
- Monitor for bullying from flockmates
- Consult a vet if no progress
Remember that Brahmas were historically bred as dual-purpose birds. As noted by Backyard Chicken forums, their meat qualities sometimes outweigh egg production in genetic priorities.