In this Sumatra chicken guide, we will explore the history and characteristics of this breed, as well as provide tips on how to care for them. Whether you are a seasoned chicken owner or a beginner, this guide will provide all the information you need to raise and enjoy these beautiful birds.
Sumatra Chicken Profile
| Egg Production | 80 to 120 eggs annually |
| Egg Color | White or lightly tinted |
| Egg Size | Small to medium |
| Skin Color | Black |
| Standard Weight | 4 to 5 lbs. |
| Life Expectancy | 15 to 20 years |
| Minimum Coop Space | 11 square feet |
| Status | Critical |
Personality
Sumatra chickens are known for their unique personality and behavior. They are active and curious birds with a tendency to be independent and self-sufficient. They are often described as intelligent, alert, and aware of their surroundings.
While they can be friendly and affectionate with their human caretakers with proper socialization, they may also be slightly more aloof than other breeds. Sumatra chickens are known to be excellent foragers and enjoy being able to explore their environment.
Appearance
Sumatra chickens are known for their striking appearance. They have glossy black feathers that shine in the sunlight with green or purple radiance. They have long and slender bodies with tall and upright postures. They also have a distinctive bright red comb and wattles.
Breed Standard
The breed standard of Sumatra chickens varies slightly between countries, but some general characteristics are commonly recognized:
- They have a distinctive appearance: long, flowing tail feathers and lustrous black plumage that shimmers with iridescent green and purple hues in the sunlight.
- Their comb is a distinctive bright red pea comb, and their wattles are small and neat.
- Sumatra chickens have strong, powerful legs that are usually black, with sharp claws adapted for foraging and roosting.
Broodiness
Sumatra chickens are known to be a broody breed. Broodiness refers to the tendency of chickens to sit on and incubate a clutch of eggs to hatch them into chicks.
Sumatra chickens are known for their strong maternal instincts and are known to go broody frequently, making them a popular breed for those interested in hatching chicks naturally.
Temperament
Sumatra chickens are known for their active and alert temperament and independent nature. They are an ancient breed that has been selectively bred for centuries for their fighting abilities, and as a result, they tend to be a bit more aggressive than some other breeds.
Size and Weight
Sumatra chickens are medium-sized, with hens typically weighing around 5 pounds and roosters weighing about 6 pounds.
Where Did Sumatra Chicken Come From?
Sumatra chickens, also known as the Black Sumatra breed, are believed to have originated in Sumatra, an island in Indonesia. These chickens were initially bred for cockfighting, a popular pastime in Southeast Asia.
People later imported them to Europe and the United States, where they became popular as ornamental birds due to their striking appearance and graceful bearing. Today, Sumatra chickens are considered a rare breed and are prized by poultry enthusiasts for their beauty, hardiness, and unique characteristics.
Sumatra Chicken Varieties
Sumatra chickens are a breed of chicken that originated in Indonesia and are known for their glossy black feathers and upright posture. There are only two recognized varieties of Sumatra chickens; the Black Sumatra and Blue Sumatra.
The Black Sumatra variety is characterized by its striking glossy black feathers with a green sheen. They have a long, slender body type, with an upright posture and a small rose comb. Their legs and beak are black, and they have red faces and wattles.
While there are only two recognized varieties of Sumatra chickens, some breeders have developed other color varieties by crossbreeding with other breeds.
Some alternative color varieties may include Splash Sumatra and White Sumatra, but the American Poultry Association or other standard-setting organizations do not recognize these.
It is important to note that if you are interested in raising Sumatra chickens, it is recommended to stick with the recognized Black Sumatra variety as they are the most genetically pure and likely have the best qualities associated with the breed.
Are Sumatra Chickens Good for Meat Production?
Sumatra chickens are not typically bred for meat production, as they are primarily kept as ornamental or exhibition birds. They are a relatively small breed and do not have the same level of meat production as some of the more popular meat breeds, such as Cornish Cross or Broilers.
While you can raise Sumatra chickens for meat, their meat is generally less tender and flavorful than meat breeds. Additionally, their smaller size means they will not yield as much meat as larger breeds.
That being said, Sumatra chickens are valued for their beautiful glossy black feathers, upright posture, and striking appearance. They are known for their hardiness and can adapt to various climates, making them popular with backyard chicken keepers and hobbyists.
Other breeds are better suited if you want to raise chickens for meat.
Are Sumatra Chickens Good Layers?
Sumatra chickens are not known for their high egg production, but they can lay around 80-120 small white or tinted eggs yearly. However, like all chickens, their egg production can be influenced by various factors, including diet, age, and environment.
They are not commonly kept for egg production purposes, so if you plan to raise a flock for egg production, Sumatra chickens might not be good.
Sumatra Chicken Care Guide
Knowing how to properly take care of your Sumatra chickens means that you can raise an excellent and healthy flock. Thus, here are some quick tips about the right way of treating Sumatra chickens.
- Coop Setup: Provide a secure and spacious coop for your Sumatra chickens, with enough room for them to roost and move around comfortably. Ensure the coop is well-ventilated, clean, dry, and protected from predators.
- Grooming: For grooming Sumatra chickens, several vital steps are involved in keeping them healthy and looking their best: Bathing, Feather care, Nail trimming, Beak trimming. With regular grooming, proper nutrition, and good living conditions, your Sumatra chickens will thrive and be a joy to care for.
- Feeding: Feed your Sumatra chickens a balanced diet of commercial poultry feed, fresh vegetables and fruits, and clean water. Ensure their feed and water containers are cleaned regularly, and they have access to open clean water so they won’t experience dehydration.
- Health Care: Monitor your Sumatra chickens’ health regularly and watch for any signs of illness or injury. Keeping their coop clean and dry prevents diseases like coccidiosis and respiratory infections. If you notice any health issues, consult a veterinarian specializing in poultry.
Sumatra Chicken’s Diet and Nutrition
Sumatra chickens, like all chickens, require a balanced diet to stay healthy and lay eggs consistently. Their diet should consist of commercial poultry feed, fresh vegetables and fruits, and access to clean water.
Commercial poultry feed is a good source of essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals that chickens need to stay healthy and lay eggs. You can find specially formulated feeds for laying hens to give them the necessary nutrients.
In addition to commercial feed, you can offer your Sumatra chickens fresh vegetables and fruits like leafy greens, carrots, pumpkins, and berries. These foods can be chopped up, provided as a treat, or mixed in with their feed.
It’s important to note that chickens are omnivores and may eat insects, worms, and small animals if they are free-ranging. If you allow your Sumatra chickens to forage, they may supplement their diet with these natural foods.
Lastly, ensuring your Sumatra chickens have access to clean water at all times is essential. Make sure their water container is cleaned regularly and replenished with fresh water. This will help keep your chickens healthy and hydrated.
Best Weather and Temperature for Sumatra Chickens
Sumatra chickens are a breed of chicken that originated in Indonesia and are known for their glossy black feathers and upright posture. They are generally hardy birds that can adapt to a range of climates, but some temperatures and weather conditions are more suitable for them than others.
Ideally, the best temperature range for Sumatra chickens is between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). They can tolerate colder temperatures, but extreme cold can be stressful for them and affect their egg-laying ability.
On the other hand, they can also tolerate hotter temperatures, but they should have access to shade and plenty of fresh water to prevent heat stress.
Sumatra chickens can adapt to various weather conditions but should be protected from strong winds and heavy rain. Their glossy black feathers can get damaged by harsh weather and are also susceptible to frostbite in icy and wet conditions.
In summary, the ideal weather and temperature for Sumatra chickens would be a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), with access to shade and plenty of fresh water to prevent heat stress. They should also be protected from harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sumatra chickens are a remarkable breed that is well worth considering for anyone interested in raising backyard chickens. We hope that this Sumatra chicken guide gave you all the details and tips you need for raising this fantastic breed.
