Black Sumatra Chicken The Chicken Coop Company proudly offers the Black Sumatra, a striking and unique chicken breed known for its elegant appearance and historical significance. This breed is easily recognizable by its dark to black skin, particularly on the face, and its long, flowing tail adorned with glossy black plumage.The Sumatra is a stunning bird with long flowing curves, plenty of tail feathering and a beautiful green sheen. From the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo in Indonesia, the birds were wild and possibly the basis for many breeds.In the past, the islanders would catch the males at the start of breeding season and use them for fighting and then release them after the season was over. So the Sumatra was first promoted as a fighting bird – which the breed was not suited for. But Sumatra’s were good for producing fighting offspring – crossing with Hyderabad, Rampur Boalia Black, or Sinhalese Game. Sumatra’s are known for their pheasant-like behavior, moving stately and preferring to roam around bushes and other areas that offer cover. It’s also rumored that Sumatra would fly between the islands of Sumatra and Java.The Sumatra was recognized by the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection and although small the black was admitted as a standard breed in 1883. Today the breed comes in Blue and Dun.Sumatra’s reproduce very seasonally, the males fighting for territory and breeding rights a few months of the year and living together in harmony outside of breeding season. The seasonal nature of the Sumatra is still very much a part of the breed today and you can expect fertility and broodiness to arrive late spring.In the wild Sumatra’s were found in a few color varieties including black-breasted red but black was the most common. It’s the Black Sumatra that was adopted by the poultry fancy with its long flowing low tail, beetle green sheen, gypsy colored face (purple to black), black shanks with yellow soles, and multiple spurs (often 3 on each leg). Sumatras have small to nonexistent wattles and small earlobes. They have a small red pea comb and black skin and bones. Males average 5 lbs and hens 4 lbs but their feathering makes them look bigger.The breed looks “royal” in nature despite its feral background. In type, size and feathering the Sumatra is similar to the Yokohama and Cubalaya breeds. Sumatra hens lay about 100 small white or lightly tinted eggs per year. (Ornamental birds are not known for their egg or meat production.) They can get broody but are generally non-setters and can be good mothers. They are good winter layers. Both adults and chicks are very hardy and easy to raise.Sumatra’s are active and alert and are great at jumping vertically to get away from danger. Roosters are jumpy and flighty. They are an ornamental breed but not for a backyard flock as they are hard to raise, don’t like to be handled and will fly. For more details about the Black Sumatra and to place your order, contact The Chicken Coop Company today. We ensure prompt delivery of healthy chicks ready to thrive in your flock. Frequently Asked Questions: What color eggs do Black Sumatra hens lay?Black Sumatra hens produce around 100 small eggs per year, which are typically white or have a light tint.Are Black Sumatra chickens a rare breed?Yes, Black Sumatra chickens are a rare breed originating from the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. They bear a resemblance to Jungle Fowl, with their distinctive long tail feathers and a pea comb, and are primarily kept for exhibition purposes.What are Black Sumatra chickens known for?Black Sumatra chickens are often kept as ornamental birds or for show. The hens are reliable layers, producing approximately 130 white or cream-colored eggs annually. They are also excellent brooders, often used to hatch eggs of other poultry, including waterfowl.What is the temperament of Black Sumatra chickens?Black Sumatra chickens tend to have a somewhat nervous disposition, a trait inherited from their jungle fowl ancestors. They are seasonal in their behavior, adhering to specific periods for laying eggs and mating.Do Black Sumatra hens go broody?Yes, Black Sumatra hens are known to go broody and make attentive mothers. While generally not aggressive, the roosters can become more agitated during the breeding season. These birds are active, alert, and typically breed in early spring, with the season lasting for a few months. Black Sumatra Facts Poultry Show Class: All Other Standard Breeds, Orientals Class Weights: Hen ——-4 lbs Rooster—-5 lb Pullet——-3 1/2 lbs Cockerel—4 lbs Purpose: Ornamental, Egg Laying; Exhibition Egg Shell Color: White Egg Production: Fair Egg Size: Small Temperament: Active Fertility Percentage: 40-55% Broody: Setter Mating Ratio: 9 Females to 1 Male Roost Height: 4+ feet Country of Origin: Asia, Island of Sumatra APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1883 TLC: Yes, Threatened Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed. Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of pure Black Sumatra since 1979.
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