ISA Brown Hens

Isa Brown Hen

The Isa Brown hen is a highly productive, hardy hybrid breed known for its excellent egg-laying abilities and friendly temperament. Bred primarily for commercial egg production, the Isa Brown hen is favored by both small-scale farmers and backyard enthusiasts for its reliable and consistent egg production.

Appearance:

• Size: Medium-sized with a compact, sturdy body.
• Feathering: Smooth and dense feathers in a rich reddish-brown color.
• Color Varieties: Typically a reddish-brown feather color, though some may have lighter or darker tones.
• Comb: Single comb, medium-sized, bright red.
• Legs/Feet: Yellow legs with clean, unfeathered feet.

Temperament:

• Friendly, calm, and docile – easy to handle, making them ideal for families or beginners.
• Known for being gentle and cooperative, Isa Browns get along well with other breeds in mixed flocks.
• Active and curious, they enjoy free-range environments but adapt well to confined spaces as long as they have enough room to move.

Egg Production:

• Excellent layers – Isa Browns are renowned for their ability to produce large, brown eggs consistently.
• They typically lay around 300–320 eggs per year, making them one of the most reliable layers.
• Excellent year-round production, even in colder months, and they tend to be early risers.
• They begin laying eggs earlier than many other breeds, often starting at around 18–20 weeks of age.

Purpose:

• Primary purpose: egg production – Isa Browns are bred specifically for commercial egg-laying operations, making them an excellent choice for those looking for reliable egg production.
• While they can be raised for meat, they are best known and kept for their egg-laying capabilities.

Care Notes:

• Hardy in various climates but thrive with proper shelter from extreme weather.
• Can be prone to becoming overweight if overfed, so portion control is important.
• Enjoys foraging and will thrive with access to a grassy area, though they are also adaptable to confined spaces.
• Regularly managed for cleanliness and health, Isa Browns will maintain high productivity.