ISA Brown

Isa cs layers brownJPG

ISA Brown

Country of origin	France
Use	Egg production
Traits
Weight	Male: 2.1–2.4 kg Female: 1.6–1.8 kg
Skin color	Yellow
Egg color	Brown
Comb type	Single
Classification

The ISA Brown is a hybrid breed of chicken known for its high egg production. Developed in France by the Institut de Sélection Animale (ISA), this breed is widely used in commercial egg production due to its prolific laying capabilities and adaptability to various environments.

History

The ISA Brown was developed in the 1970s by the Institut de Sélection Animale, which is now part of the multinational company Hendrix Genetics. The breed was created through selective breeding to produce a chicken that could lay a large number of eggs while maintaining good health and adaptability.

Characteristics

ISA Browns are medium-sized chickens with a friendly and docile temperament. They have a reddish-brown plumage with white underfeathers. The breed is known for its high egg production, with hens capable of laying around 300 to 350 large brown eggs per year. The hens typically start laying eggs at around 20 weeks of age.

Health and Care

ISA Browns are generally hardy birds but can be prone to certain health issues common in high-production layers, such as egg binding and osteoporosis. Proper nutrition, regular health checks, and a stress-free environment are essential for maintaining their health and productivity.

Uses

The primary use of ISA Browns is for egg production. They are not typically raised for meat due to their relatively small size compared to other meat breeds. However, their friendly nature makes them suitable for small-scale backyard flocks and as pets.

Related Breeds

• Leghorn
• Rhode Island Red
• Plymouth Rock
• Sussex

See Also

• Chicken
• Egg production
• Poultry farming
• Hybrid (biology)