Information on the Sumatran chicken breed

Magnificent plumage

General information about Sumatra

Sumatran chickens are an ancient ornamental breed unlike any other. According to old reports, they are descended from semi-wild Kampong chickens and a now extinct breed of wild chicken. As the name suggests, the large chickens come from Sumatra (Indonesia). They are also known as long-tailed fighting chickens.

Appearance of Sumatras

Sumatras have beautiful plumage that shimmers metallic green in the sunlight. The legs are green-grey, the soles of the feet yellow and the eyes dark brown to black. Ear discs, wattles and the three-part comb are a bright red. Sumatran cocks weigh up to 3 kg and have – typical for the breed – more than one spur on the legs.

Existing dwarf form

Yes, Dwarf Sumatra

Colors of Sumatras

black
black red
wild
(other colours exist, but are not recognized)

Keeping Sumatras

Sumatras are a very robust, vital and still natural breed and need a lot of space. If they are given the space they need and their run is designed “chicken-friendly”, they will prefer to sleep in a tree rather than a hutch. However, if you want them to sleep in the hutch, the perch must be very high – at least 1 m above the ground. There should always be enough space for offspring, as the growing roosters are quite literally squabblers.

Character of Sumatra

They are very lively and active but not aggressive. As they are still quite a natural breed, they will never become real cuddly chickens, but over time they lose their shyness towards their owners and may surprise you. The hens often get into a breeding mood and are known to be great mothers.

Eggs from Sumatran chickens

Sumatran hens lay approx. 130, 53g white eggs per year. However, they make up for this with their pretty appearance.