Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On May 20, 2008, at 3:11 PM, <eureka AT hctc.net> <eureka AT hctc.net> wrote:

> Gene,
>
> I can't say enough good things about the Brahmas. The Dark
> Brahmas are prolific large brown egg layers (some of our
> largest eggs). Their faces look a little menacing, but
> personality-wise they are teddy bears and are easy to
> handle--very easy going chickens. I recently read they are
> the genetic foundation of many other breeds. Our Brahma
> rooster is almost as large as a turkey, but just as gentle
> to us and the girls. Of our mix, there's a couple of
> Brahma hens that go broody regularly, so if you want to
> increase your flock this would be a good trait. Even so,
> they don't seem to mind us searching for eggs beneath
> them.

Sounds like one to put on my list. I like to produce replacements with  
setting hens, the chicks are healthier and learn the program. The only  
negative might be they eat more to keep all that extra weight warm in  
the winter.
> The Fayoumis are the only breed that have not let us
> handle them, and frequently peck us. They are constantly
> getting into trouble...you know the type, insolent
> backtalk, flirting with the boys, smoking behind the hen
> house, etc.

Some modern girls are like that. You really have to keep your eye on  
them. I swear, sometimes I think the country is going to hell in a  
hand basket.