Brahma Chicken Gallus gallus domesticus

The Brahma chicken is one of the largest breeds. It has feathers down to its feet. The breed was developed in the USA, it is said from birds imported from China with some Indian (Bengali) input.

The Brahma cockerel is massive and with only a small red comb. The "dark" Brahma (above) is mainly white with iridescent greeny black.

This Brahma hen has beautiful, cryptically-patterned, pheasant-like feathers in muted grey-brown. There are 3 originally-recognised colour varieties: light, dark and buff, and the hen above (surprisingly) is "dark".

Those above, with a plumage pattern similar to a "booted" Light Sussex, are the "light" variety, although it seems strange to label a chicken weighing 6-8kg "light".

They were the main chicken meat breed in the USA from the mid 1800s to early 1900s (introduced to the UK in Victorian times).

Above left and centre is the "buff" variety, a little like a large, booted Cream Sussex. Eggs are large and brown. Unlike some hens, they continue to lay all winter (but don't like hot weather).

There are some "unofficial" colours such as red, black and jubilee (speckled, tricoloured). Those above are hybrids with a red chicken (smaller size, larger comb).