Sumatra Chicken
Breed Origin: Sumatra, Indonesia
Uses: Ornamental, Exhibition, and Cockfighting
Large Fowl: Yes
Weight: Cockeral: 2-2.7 kg, Hen: 1.4-1.8 kg
Hen colour: Black
Egg Colour: Cream to tinted
Average Egg Weight: 50-55 grams
Egg Quantity: Approximately 120-160 eggs per year.
Sumatra Chicken: A Regal Breed of Poultry
Sumatra chickens, also known as the Sumatran or black Sumatra, are a breed of poultry that originated on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. They are a small and elegant breed with glossy black feathers, bright red wattles, and white earlobes. Sumatras are known for their regal appearance and their use in exhibition, ornamental purposes, and cockfighting.
Origin and History of Sumatra Chickens
The Sumatra chicken breed was first imported to the United States in the mid-1800s, and it is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of poultry in the world. Sumatras were bred in Indonesia for cockfighting, a blood sport that was popular in the region. The breed was developed for its gameness, stamina, and fighting ability, but it was also admired for its striking appearance.
In the early 1900s, Sumatra chickens were recognized by the American Poultry Association as a distinct breed. They were classified as a large breed of poultry, with cocks weighing between 6-7 pounds and hens weighing between 4-5 pounds. Today, Sumatras are still recognized as a distinct breed by the APA, but they are classified as a bantam breed with cocks weighing between 2-2.7 kg and hens weighing between 1.4-1.8 kg.
Appearance and Characteristics of Sumatra Chickens
Sumatra chickens are known for their striking appearance and regal bearing. They have black feathers that shine with an iridescent green or purple sheen in the sunlight. Their feathers are soft and silky to the touch, and they have a long, flowing tail that curves upwards. Sumatras have a small, compact body with a broad breast and a long neck. They have bright red wattles and combs, and white earlobes.
Sumatras are an active breed that loves to forage and explore. They are good fliers and can roost in trees, so they require a secure coop or pen to keep them safe. They are also known for being good mothers and foragers, making them a great choice for small-scale chicken keepers.
Uses of Sumatra Chickens
Sumatra chickens are primarily used for exhibition and ornamental purposes. Their striking appearance and regal bearing make them a popular breed for show purposes. They are also used as ornamental birds, as they add a touch of elegance and beauty to any backyard flock.
Sumatra chickens were originally bred for cockfighting, a blood sport that is now illegal in many parts of the world. While cockfighting is no longer a legal use for Sumatras, the breed is still admired for its fighting ability and gameness.
Eggs and Meat of Sumatra Chickens
Sumatra chickens are not known for their egg-laying ability, but they can produce approximately 120-160 eggs per year. Their eggs are cream to tinted in color, and they weigh between 50-55 grams on average.
Sumatra chickens are not typically raised for meat production. They are a small breed, and their meat yield is relatively low compared to other breeds of poultry. However, their meat is known for its flavor and tenderness, and some small-scale chicken keepers raise Sumatras for meat as well as for their ornamental value.
Sumatra chickens are a unique and elegant breed of poultry that are known for their striking appearance and regal bearing. While they are not the most practical breed for egg or meat production, they are a great choice for exhibition, ornamental purposes, and small-scale chicken keeping. If you are looking for
