Brahmas A Magestic Breed                                                             Brahmas have an interesting history, beginning with their name, and much historical controversy has surrounded them. We have seen and heard them referred to as "Brahma Pootra", "Grey Shanghais" the title the American breeder Burnham used, "American Chittagong or Shanghai". We have to remember, that these titles were also were confused with the Cochin China, which arrived on the scene at approximately the same time. It appears the two breeds rivaled each other not only in title but impressiveness. It is also documented that other American breeders such as Saul Dixon received a flock of "Chittagongs", which was also possibly misinterpreted as "Brahmas". The Huntress, one of several ships bringing Asiatic fowl into American ports, carrying all fowl coming in from the Mystic Orient , were referred to as "Shanghai of Shanghae". Very soon, though, the distinction would be evident and the name would be shortened to "Brahma". The public easily confused these two remarkable breeds. The Brahma would have a great impact on how they viewed fowl and how fowl would be received. The early history of the Brahma remains obscure, with even some of the leading authorities having mixed opinions. G.P. Burnham, an American breeder, claimed he was responsible for introducing both the light and dark Brahmas, though Lewis Wright disputed him. Wright claimed Burnham had produced his own representation and line by crossing other fowl. Regardless, the "Shanghai" fowl were going to make an impact upon the way Americans viewed poultry and a craze would begin that would "spread like a fever". Lewis Wright dedicated two volumes of his writings to the Brahma, even advising owners to allow a hen to at least brood once to maintain their natural instinct. He also saw the value of the fowl for economic purpose. All would agree that as a fowl for the table it had excellent meat qualities along with it’s being an exceptional layer, averaging 150 eggs per year. Unfortunately, the three leading authorities of the time, Lewis Wright, Harrison Weir, and Burnham, never did agree with the origins of the Brahma. Many lean towards Wright's theory of distant ancestry of a cross of Malay and Cochin. Supported by the physical characteristic of the Brahma " skull" and comb, with striking resemblance to the Malay skull. Darwin was drawn into the debate in his "Origins of the Species". Others speculate that there is evidence pointing to the Brahma's finding its way from Persia via the Turks. Wright came to believe that the Dark and Light Brahmas came from distant origins, and his book, "The Illustrated Book Of Poultry", gave insight and in-depth knowledge due to his dedication to breeding these fowl. Regardless, we must take into account the fact that Lewis Wright was responsible for setting the standards of judging and breeding requirements for the Brahma, and it was Lewis Wright's Dark Brahmas that took the winnings at the Great Crystal Palace in Birmingham. We need to remember that at the time of the introduction of many fowl it was not the exhibition qualities that were sought but the economic purpose. Every continental European country readily received a breed that could live up to the economic expectations and the Brahma was in that class, but it would ultimately change and the Brahma was to have a great influence on how poultry was "viewed". It was at the time of the "Hen Fever" and books like the first edition "The Brahma Fowl", written by Lewis Wright and released in 1870, that the Brahma would be seen by so many in a different light. The entries of Brahma fowl had doubled at exhibitions and a second volume from Wright was requested, thus it was evident that some type of standard, setting guidelines and criteria for these fowl were essential, or the awards given by judges would not produce long-lasting and permanent dedication from breeders in seeking excellence. Even Queen Victoria was taken by the "Hen Fever" when presented with a small flock of nine Brahmas from the American breeder Burnham in 1852. Quite taken with the Brahmas, the Queen commissioned Harrison Weir to draw them for the Illustrated London News. Burnham also fueled the fever with "The History of the Hen Fever" published in 1855, to which much attention was given to Brahmas. What the average person may not know is that many of the paintings done by Ludlow especially concerning the portrayal of the Brahma were not actual specimens of the time, but were based on the criteria that were set forth concerning judging and breeding. To support this, one may take notice of the changes of the plates that were done. Ludlow painted the "ideal" fowl. This portrayal of the "ideal" fowl would help in determining the goals for the Brahma, not only in judging but breeding. This would also set precedence for pictorial "standards" in the future. Some of the early drawings done by Weir depicting early Brahmas revealed less feathering and a leaner fowl. The early drawings done by Weir for the Illustrated News showed a vast difference in the Brahmas from those being exhibited in the Crystal Palace and this might have added to the controversy between Wright and G.P. Burnham. One may also note that in Burnham's later writings he does reveal that crosses were done during the "hen fever", though he does not reveal that this applied to his Brahmas. Yet it will be American breeders like Burnham that will bring a vigorous energy to breeding and exhibition of not only Brahmas, but also many other breeds across the country. Some will even credit the Brahma and the "fever" it induced as the initiator of certain exhibitions. Burnham documents crowds drawn to see these spectacular fowl. This is where we should note that during this time exhibitions of poultry were rising and the "call" for bigger, better and more spectacular was a driving force at times, yet the "call for Excellence" concerning the Brahma would be the loudest. One of the first orders of business in many of the breeds towards excellence was a point system by which a judge could use as a marker in weighing decisions and breeding guidance. Lewis Wright was instrumental in devising such a system pertaining to the Brahmas. He gave strict detail and guidance in the points allotted for deductions concerning a Brahma that did not show the finer points concerning the physical characteristics. He also wrote extensive breeding guidelines; eliminating many of the "faults" he saw being exhibited. The first order of business was choosing an appropriate cock with a "neat" head and comb to head a breeding pen. Many of the Brahmas being exhibited had flawed combs; " a bloated mass" in his words, meaning proper comb type was essential. We should always take notice of the language used in describing this massive fowl; expressions even from early days praised characteristics such as "noble and commanding", "intelligent looking", "neck well-proportioned and finely curved as in a spirited horse", and "strict absence of vulture hocks". On a whimsical note, Lewis Wright wrote and described the "ideal weight" of a Brahma to be in general 11 to 12 lbs with some ranging 14 to 15 pounds. He writes," We once knew a cock weighing 18 pounds, but he was a brute". This gives you an idea of the majestic massiveness of this fowl. To this day one main physical focus is a Brahma's head, especially in the male, which should be small but wide, giving a look of intelligence. Wright was concerned that the characteristic of a cruel expression derived from the ancestral blood of Malays may be evident in some fowl. Was there also concern that Malays, considered to be genetic blood for Brahmas and which were being imported at the same time as the Shanghai fowl, were being used in breeding pens? Lewis began to focus attention on such issues concerning some of the "defects" he was seeing from certain lines of Brahmas. Early combs would show a rising peak at the back of the comb, not the "ideal pea comb". Exhibitors of that era could not foil the judges and many fowl were exhibited showing evidence of a scar on the very end of the comb where the rising tip and been cut off. It should be mentioned here that due to Wright's insights into judging, he was adamant about those that were found with fault. Another great concern focused on those showing fowl with "vulture hocks". Wright was concerned that fowl exhibiting vulture hocks were obtaining wins; he was also concerned about the compromising tendency of judges and breeders towards this characteristic. Some would even go so far as to pluck the hocks and enter, claiming "We cannot afford to give them up, sir." thus it appears the need for as distinct line to be drawn between "defects" and "disqualifications" should be seriously considered. At that time it was only considered "questionable". Brahmas are often the most favored breeds in the Asiatic class at poultry exhibitions, with the most popular variety being the Buff Brahma. What history tells us, though, is that it was the Dark Brahma that set forth the standard and language concerning the perfect specimen. Both the Dark and Light Brahmas have distinctive differences and were so noted. We must give a great deal of credit to the early American breeders for the aggressively refined the Brahma, for they will end up clarifying a lot of points in considering characteristics. For the American breeder, vulture hocks will simply be a disqualification not to be promoted in the breeding pen, but it was the Dark Brahmas that were presented to the Queen and those bred by Lewis Wright that drew a lot of attention. The Buff Brahma is of more recent origin and was admitted into he Standard of Perfection in 1924. The Buff Brahma is one of the most popular varieties shown today by American exhibitors, both in the bantam and standard classes. Dark and light Brahmas were admitted to the American Standard in 1874. As soon as the Chinese began allowing exportation, the Brahma rose to the height of popularity in continental Europe and America. They are responsible for the great "hen fever" in the 1950s, drawing focus on the "ideal" fowl, and are the center of enormous controversy between leading poultry enthusiasts and historians, and remains one of the most impressive fowl to date. This article by no means expresses the true nature or majesty of the Brahma. Time has not changed the impression this breed makes upon the puplic or the reception it is given.  One could never say this breed had humble beginnings. It was always the center of controversy, sparking a "fever" not only in its keepers but those that came to view the majestic bird. It appears that a vocal and expressive man named Lewis Wright dedicated his whole life to presenting the "ideal" fowl to the world, and some of that dedication, often critical in its nature, was centered on the "Brahma". We may never fully know some of the finer points of its history, but we do now know the finer points of excellence for this breed. After reading all the historical references pertaining to the Brahma, one could say the Brahma had an influence on all breeds and things to come. Extracts From the Poultry Yard by Miss E. Watts The Brahma Reference Materials "Old Poultry Breeds" by Fred Hams "Lewis Wright & His Poultry" by Joseph Batty The Chicken Book by Page Smith & Charles Daniel The American Standard of Perfection Chicken Chronicles ©opyright 2003 Background