ISA Brown

Hybrid breed of chicken

ISA Brown hens in a farm setting

The ISA Brown is a hybrid breed of chicken known for its high egg production and adaptability to various environments. Developed by the Institut de Sélection Animale (ISA), this breed is a popular choice for both commercial egg production and backyard poultry keepers.

History

The ISA Brown was developed in the 1970s by the Institut de Sélection Animale, a company based in France. The goal was to create a chicken that could produce a high number of eggs while maintaining good health and adaptability. The breed is a result of crossbreeding various strains of Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island White chickens, among others, to achieve the desired traits.

Characteristics

ISA Browns are medium-sized chickens with a friendly and docile temperament, making them suitable for both commercial and domestic settings. They have a distinctive reddish-brown plumage with white underfeathers. The hens are known for their prolific egg-laying capabilities, often producing over 300 brown eggs per year.

Physical Appearance

ISA Browns have a robust build with a broad back and a deep chest. Their combs are single and bright red, and they have red wattles and earlobes. The legs are yellow, and the eyes are a reddish-bay color.

Egg Production

One of the most notable features of the ISA Brown is its exceptional egg production. Hens typically start laying eggs at around 20 weeks of age and can continue to lay consistently for up to two years. The eggs are medium to large in size and have a strong shell quality.

Care and Management

ISA Browns are known for their hardiness and adaptability to different climates, making them easy to care for. They thrive in both free-range and confined environments, although they benefit from having space to roam and forage. Proper nutrition and regular health checks are essential to maintain their high egg production and overall well-being.

Feeding

A balanced diet is crucial for ISA Browns to sustain their egg-laying performance. They require a diet rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Commercial layer feeds are often formulated to meet these needs.

Health

ISA Browns are generally healthy birds, but like all chickens, they can be susceptible to common poultry diseases. Regular vaccinations and biosecurity measures can help prevent outbreaks of diseases such as Marek's disease and Newcastle disease.

Related pages

• Rhode Island Red
• Rhode Island White
• Egg production
• Poultry farming