ISA brown chicken

The ISA Brown is a medium sized chicken breed which is also docile and affectionate. It is pretty much popular because of the beautiful eggs that it lays. In this article, we will discuss all the important things that you need to know about ISA Browns including their history and origin, egg laying capabilities, appearance, size and color, temperament, and how you could properly take care of them.

Origin of ISA Brown Chicken

The ISA brown is a fairly recent breed. In fact, it got its name from the institution that developed it. ISA stands for Institut de Selection Animale, which is located in France. The breed was developed in 1978. The goal was to make chickens that excel in laying eggs for the peoples’ consumption.

Being company made, the origin of the ISA Brown in terms of its ancestors and exact genetic makeup remains a trade secret. However, there are speculations saying that the ISA Brown came from Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns. This, is however, not sure.

Appearance

The ISA Brown is generally a medium sized bird. It has a rectangular body with a slight dip in its back. It holds its tail upright. They also have white colored tail feathers occasionally. The ISA Brown’s wattles and comb are both color red. It has a single comb that stands upright. It usually has color red bay or yellow eyes.

Size and Color

ISA Browns are considered small to medium sized. They generally weigh around five pounds. When you take your first look at them, they appear so similar to Rhode Island Reds that you might mistake them for one. However, when you closely look at them, you will see that their red or brown color is lighter than Rhode Island Reds. They are more of a light chestnut brown in color.

Egg Laying

There is no doubt that the ISA Brown is one of the best egg layers of all chicken breeds. It can lay more than 300 large brown eggs every year. To function well and properly, they need to be fed a slightly higher protein content than other chicken breeds. They also need to have oyster shells available for them. These compounds are essential for their body to produce calcium and protein needed to produce eggs. Also, make sure to get one of these best chicken coop beddings to foster egg production in ISA Brown Chickens.

ISA Brown hens were developed to not be broody. There are a few hens who may brood but not all the time. Still, they make good moms to their chicks.

Temperament

The ISA Brown is very sweet and friendly. It is a docile disposition. They tend to be quiet most of the time – sitting in their nest or even in the backyard.

ISA Browns are also known for being affectionate with their owners. They enjoy being held, sitting on their owner’s laps, and cuddling with them. They will tend to follow you around when you have treats in your pocket. They can sometimes jump onto your lap to just sit there.

ISA Browns can also tolerate confinement very well. But they do like to forage and free range at times. They can look for bugs or worms for their consumption.

Should I Get an ISA Brown?

The ISA Brown is a breed mainly made for the people’s benefit. They are very low maintenance hence they are the perfect breed for beginner chicken breeders. If you are a person who just like the idea of getting a chicken coop in your backyard, ISA Brown will definitely be a breed that suits you the best. Aside from being productive in terms of laying eggs, they can become lovable pets to your families. Certainly, adding them into your chicken flock will not be a problem because ISA Browns are non-aggressive. They even bond well with kids.

Expect a lot of eggs from your ISA Browns. Just don’t forget to give them all the protein feeds they need. They are both heat and cold hardy. But still, you should ensure to provide them with the needed shade and water. They are so popular in different countries all over the world because they can well tolerate a wide range of climate.

The ISA Brown was made to last for about two years. However, if they are well taken care of, they can last between five to eight years. The hardest part of owning this chicken is when their time of death comes – it will be hard to forget all the sweetness they give to you plus all those eggs that fed you your breakfast every day.

If you want to own one, just try your best to spend as much time with your ISA Browns. It wouldn’t be bad to play with them once in a while in return to all the favors they do for you. They can leave in peace when their time comes.

Conclusion

Overall, the ISA Brown is an outstanding chicken breed, which is why it is considered to be one of the top 20 chicken breeds. You have been given the most important things that you need to know about ISA Browns – including how the breed originated, its appearance, temperament, size and color, and egg laying capabilities. The choice is up to you now to decide whether to get one for you coop or backyard. Whatever your decision may be, we wish you good luck in your chicken breeding journey!

Aamir Iqbal

Aamir is crazy for pets, but not the traditional ones… In fact, he enjoys chilling with cold-blooded reptiles. He loves adding reptiles and amphibians, whom he terms as his family. His local community calls him, Amir the Beast Boy!