The Lohmann Brown chicken is a productive and reliable breed and is considered one of the best hybrid breeds for egg-laying.
Its crossbreed origins have resulted in a resilient and adaptable bird that can thrive in a variety of housing systems.
And due to their hardiness, productivity, and temperament, the Lohmann Brown is also considered to be one of the best backyard chicken options for both small homesteads and chicken enthusiasts.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Lohmann Brown history and overview
- Physical characteristics of the breed
- Lohmann Brown care requirements
- Breeding these chickens
- Challenges and solutions of owning the breed
- And some frequently asked questions
Lohmann Brown Overview
| Lifespan | 6-8 years |
| Weight | Hen: 4-4.5 lbs, Rooster: 6-8.5 lbs |
| Appearance | Orange-brown feathers with some cream highlights |
| Egg Color | Light brown to brown |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Egg Production | 290-320 eggs per year (5-6 eggs per week) |
| Broodiness Level | Low |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Space Needed | 2 square feet per bird inside the coop, 3-4 square feet per bird outdoors |
| Price | $3-$6 per chick |
History of Lohmann Brown
Lohmann Brown is a breed of chicken that was developed by a German genetics firm called Lohmann Tierzucht in 1932.
The breed is a result of crossbreeding between New Hampshire chickens and select brown egg-laying hens.
The aim of the breeding program was to create a new breed of chicken that would be highly productive, efficient, and adaptable to different production systems and market demands.
The success of the breeding program led to the development of several varieties of the Lohmann Brown breed, including:
- Lohmann Brown-lite
- Lohmann Brown-classic
- Lohmann Brown-Plus
- Lohmann Brown-extra
Each variety has unique characteristics that make it ideal for specific production systems and market demands.
The Lohmann Brown breed quickly gained popularity among farmers and backyard poultry keepers due to its exceptional egg-laying ability.
The breed starts laying eggs at around 19 weeks of age and can produce up to 320 eggs within a year of production. The eggs are laid almost daily, mostly in the morning.
Today, Lohmann Brown is one of the most widely used breeds of chicken in the world, with millions of birds being raised for commercial egg production.
The breed’s popularity is due to its high productivity, adaptability, and ease of management.
These chickens have become a benchmark for egg-laying performance, and many other breeds are compared to it in terms of productivity and efficiency.
Physical Characteristics
Lohmann Brown chickens are medium-sized birds that have dense orange-brown feathers with cream highlights.
Most Lohmann Browns have a caramel/brown shade of feathers, with white feathers in a pattern around their necks, and white feathers at the tips of their tail feathers.
Their small heads have round earrings and bright red crests.
This breed has a long neck, a small head with a typical red comb, short tail feathers, and yellow legs.
They have horizontally oriented bodies with a straight and wide back and loin, as well as an undeveloped chest.
Their stomachs are round and large, and their tails almost form a 90-degree angle with the horizon.
These chickens have light bones with a slim frame and their legs are short, and their muscles are undeveloped.
Size & Weight
Adult egg-laying hens weigh 4-4.5 lbs, while roosters can weigh between 6-8.5 lbs at 20 weeks old.
Their physical characteristics and size make them great for both backyard and commercial egg production.
Lohmann Brown Temperament
Lohmann Brown chickens are smart, kind, and eager for human attention.
These chickens are known to be:
- Friendly
- Docile
- Peaceful
- Charming
- Smart
- Nonaggressive
The crossbreed was established with the goal of increasing egg production while maintaining a calm and balanced behavior.
Though active, Lohmann Browns are docile and easy to handle, making them a great option for families with kids and other pets.
Lohmann Brown Egg Production
Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their exceptional egg-laying capabilities.
This variety of chicken is selectively bred for high egg-laying productivity, with up to 320 eggs produced in their first year of laying.
This comes out to 5-7 eggs per week. These birds will even keep laying during the winter if given 14-16 hours of light per day.
They are also considered one of the best breeds for commercial egg production.
Hens start laying eggs between 18 to 20 weeks of age and reach peak production at 26 to 30 weeks.
To ensure optimal egg production, it is essential to provide the hens with a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
It is also important to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for the hens.
In addition, Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their excellent feed conversion ratio, which means they can convert feed into eggs efficiently.
These traits make these chickens a popular and cost-effective choice for commercial egg production and backyard chicken keeping alike.
Disease Resistance
Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their high level of disease resistance, which is one of the decisive factors for performance and profitability.
The company invests heavily in intensive research from veterinary experts to ensure the strictest conditions of hygiene and genetic means to increase resistance to diseases.
Common Diseases
Despite their high level of disease resistance, Lohmann Brown chickens are still susceptible to certain diseases, just like with any other chicken breed.
Some of these diseases include:
- Infectious bronchitis: A highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause significant losses in egg production
- Ascariasis (roundworm): A worm illness that makes chickens drowsy and lethargic and causes them to lose their appetite
- Newcastle disease: Another highly contagious viral disease that can cause respiratory and nervous system problems in chickens
- Avian influenza: A viral disease that can cause respiratory problems, depression, and a decrease in egg production
- Coccidiosis: A parasitic disease that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased egg production
- Marek’s disease: A viral disease that can cause paralysis, tumors, and death in chickens
It’s important to do routine health checks with each of your chickens to ensure diseases are caught early on and treated before they become major health issues.
Prevention Strategies
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting Lohmann Brown chickens from diseases.
Some of the most effective prevention strategies include:
- Keeping their spaces clean and sanitized
- Providing enough space per bird to avoid the spread of diseases within the coop
- Vaccinating birds against common diseases, such as infectious bronchitis and Newcastle disease
- Providing a clean and dry living environment with proper ventilation
- Monitoring birds closely for signs of illness and isolating sick birds from the rest of the flock
- Providing a well-balanced diet and ensuring birds have access to clean water at all times
By implementing these prevention strategies, Lohmann Brown chicken keepers can help protect their flocks from common diseases and ensure optimal performance and profitability.
Feeding and Nutrition
Diet Requirements
Lohmann Brown chickens require a balanced diet to maintain their health and produce high-quality eggs.
Because they are egg-laying powerhouses, Lohmann Brown hens require more essential nutrients than some other breeds.
Their diet should consist of a combination of grains, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Lohmann Brown chickens require a diet that is high in protein to support their egg-laying production.
A good quality commercial feed formulated for laying hens with 16%-18% protein is essential.
However, it is important to supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide additional vitamins and minerals.
A few options for fruits and vegetables they can eat include:
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Berries
- Kiwi
- Cucumber
- Green Beans
- Leafy Greens
- Carrots
- Celery
- And more
They also require a good source of calcium and phosphorus to produce strong eggshells.
It is recommended to provide them with oyster shells or crushed eggshells as a source of calcium.
Feeding Strategies
Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their ravenous appetite, and it is important to ensure that they have access to a constant supply of feed and fresh water.
Ad libitum feeding is recommended, meaning that food should be available to them at all times.
This will ensure that they are able to consume the necessary amount of food to support their egg-laying production.
However, it is also important to monitor the feed intake of Lohmann Brown chickens to ensure that they are consuming the necessary amount of feed.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health problems, while underfeeding can lead to a decrease in egg production.
It is recommended to weigh the feed and adjust the amount fed based on the weight of the chickens.
Lohmann Brown Housing and Environment
Housing Requirements
Lohmann Brown chickens are adaptable to different housing systems, including cage and floor systems.
However, regardless of the housing system used, the following requirements must be met to ensure optimal production:
- Adequate space: Provide at least 2 square feet per bird inside the coop and 3-4 square feet per bird outdoors.
- Proper ventilation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent respiratory problems.
- Lighting: Provide 14-16 hours of light per day to stimulate egg production.
- Nesting boxes: Provide enough nesting boxes to accommodate all birds, with one box for every four to five birds.
- Feeders and waterers: Provide enough feeders and waterers to ensure all birds have access to food and water.
Environmental Factors
The environment also plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of Lohmann Brown chickens. The following factors should be considered:
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 64.5-77°F (18-25°C) for adult birds and 90-95°F (32-35°C) for chicks.
- Humidity: Keep humidity levels between 40-70% to prevent respiratory problems.
- Lighting: Provide adequate lighting to stimulate egg production, but avoid excessive light intensity, which can cause stress.
- Cleanliness: Ensure the housing environment is clean and free from debris, feces, and other contaminants that can harbor disease-causing organisms.
- Bedding: Use clean, dry, and absorbent bedding material to maintain good hygiene and prevent health problems.
By meeting the housing and environmental requirements, Lohmann Brown chickens can thrive and reach their full production potential.
Breeding Lohmann Brown Chickens
Breeding Lohmann Brown chickens is a popular activity for many farmers and backyard enthusiasts.
These chickens are known for their high egg production, making them a desirable breed to breed.
One of the benefits of breeding Lohmann Brown chickens is that they are a crossbreed, meaning that they are not subject to strict breed standards.
This allows breeders to experiment with different breeding techniques and create their own unique strains of Lohmann Brown chickens.
When breeding Lohmann Brown chickens, it is important to keep in mind their genetic traits.
These chickens are known for their high egg production, so breeders should select birds with this trait in mind.
Additionally, breeders should select birds with good health, temperament, and overall conformation.
It is also important to keep in mind the breeding environment.
Lohmann Brown chickens are adaptable to a variety of environments, but they do require proper nutrition and care.
Breeders should provide their chickens with a balanced diet and ensure that they have access to clean water and adequate space.
Commercial Use
Lohmann Brown chickens are a popular choice for commercial egg production due to their high egg output, good egg quality, and efficiency.
They are widely used in both free-range and caged conditions.
One of the reasons for their popularity is their flexibility.
Lohmann Browns can adapt to various environments and management systems, making them suitable for a wide range of commercial egg production settings.
They are also known for their docile and calm temperament, which makes them easy to handle and manage.
In addition, Lohmann Brown chickens have a high feed conversion rate, which means they can convert feed into eggs efficiently.
This makes them a cost-effective option for commercial egg production.
According to the Lohmann Breeders website, Lohmann Brown-Classic is an ideal breed for alternative housing systems.
They have exceptional laying persistence, high shell-breaking strength up to the end of the laying period, and excellent eggshell color quality.
These characteristics make them a top performer in alternative systems.
Challenges and Solutions
Lohmann Brown chickens are a popular breed for their high egg production.
However, like any other breed, they face some challenges that can affect their productivity.
Here are some of the common challenges and solutions for Lohmann Brown chicken breeders:
Challenge: Health Issues
Lohmann Brown chickens are generally healthy birds, but like any other breed, they can be affected by various health issues. Some of the common health problems that Lohmann Brown chickens face include respiratory infections, mites, lice, and internal parasites.
Solution: Proper Care and Management
The best way to deal with health issues in Lohmann Brown chickens is to provide proper care and management. This includes regular cleaning and disinfecting of the coop, providing clean water and feed, and monitoring the birds for any signs of illness. It is also important to provide adequate space and ventilation to prevent respiratory infections.
Challenge: Egg Quality Issues
While Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their high egg production, the quality of the eggs can sometimes be an issue. Some of the common egg quality issues include thin shells, soft shells, and misshapen eggs.
Solution: Proper Nutrition and Environment
To improve egg quality, Lohmann Brown chickens need to be provided with proper nutrition and environment. This includes a balanced diet that is rich in calcium to ensure strong eggshells. It is also important to provide a clean and stress-free environment to prevent egg abnormalities.
Challenge: Egg Production Decline
As Lohmann Brown chickens age, their egg production may decline. This can be a challenge for breeders who want to maintain high egg production.
Solution: Replacement and Rotation
To maintain high egg production, breeders can replace older birds with younger ones. It is also important to rotate the birds to prevent overuse of the same nesting boxes, which can lead to stress and a decline in egg production.
Final Thoughts
Lohmann Brown chickens are a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers and commercial egg producers alike.
They are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities, friendly temperament, and low maintenance requirements.
Additionally, they are known for their consistent egg size and quality, which makes them a reliable choice for commercial egg production.
Despite their high productivity, Lohmann Browns are also relatively low maintenance.
Lohmann Brown chickens are hardy birds that can adapt to a range of climates and environments, and they are generally resistant to common poultry diseases.
They are also docile and easy to handle, which makes them a good choice for beginner chicken keepers.
Overall, Lohmann Brown chickens are a versatile and reliable breed that can be a great addition to any backyard flock or commercial egg operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Lohmann Brown chickens lay eggs?
Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their prolific egg-laying performance.
They can lay up to 300 eggs per year, which is an impressive feat.
These chickens typically start laying eggs at around 18-20 weeks of age and can continue laying for up to two years.
After this time, their egg production may slow down, but they can still lay eggs for several more years.
What is the temperament of a Lohmann Brown?
Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their friendly and docile temperament.
They are easy to handle and make great pets for families with children.
These chickens are also very curious and love to explore their surroundings.
They are not aggressive towards other chickens or humans and generally get along well with other birds in the flock.
How big are Lohmann Brown eggs?
Lohmann Brown chickens lay large-sized eggs that are brown in color.
The average weight of a Lohmann Brown egg is around 55-65 grams.
These eggs are a popular choice for home cooks and are often used in baking and cooking.
What is the most eggs laid by chicken?
The most eggs laid by a chicken in one year is 371, achieved by a White Leghorn chicken named “Harriet” in 1979.
While Lohmann Brown chickens are known for their prolific egg-laying performance, they have not broken this record.
What chickens lay the largest brown eggs?
The Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock chickens are known for laying large brown eggs.
These chickens are also popular for their friendly temperament and hardiness.
Where can I find Lohmann Brown chickens for sale?
Lohmann Brown chickens are a popular breed and can be found for sale at many hatcheries and poultry farms.
It is important to purchase chickens from a reputable breeder to ensure that they are healthy and free from disease.
Online marketplaces such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace may also have listings for Lohmann Brown chickens for sale.