Malay Chicken Breed: A Complete Breed Overview

In the event you’ve ever wished a hen that appears extra like a jungle warrior than a fluffy barnyard chicken, the Malay hen breed may simply steal the present.

Towering over most different chickens with its lengthy legs and upright stance, this breed has been turning heads for hundreds of years.

In contrast to the cuddly, friendly backyard chickens many individuals hold, the Malay hen is daring, highly effective, and somewhat intimidating.

It’s one of many tallest hen breeds on this planet, and if you see one strut throughout the yard, you’ll perceive why it’s typically referred to as the “big of the hen world.”

However don’t let its powerful appears to be like idiot you! This breed has an interesting historical past and an essential place within the poultry world.

Let’s dive in and study what makes the Malay hen breed such a standout!

Malay Hen Breed: Fast Overview

Historical past of the Malay Hen Breed

The Malay hen breed has a narrative that stretches again over 200 years.

They’re believed to have originated in Asia, particularly within the area of India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

These birds had been admired for his or her peak, energy, and placing appears to be like.

It was dropped at England within the early 1800s, the place it gained reputation for its uncommon peak and stance.

Breeders saved them not only for farming but in addition for his or her spectacular look.

Over time, they turned a logo of energy and historical past within the hen world.

The breed was formally acknowledged within the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1883.

In contrast to many hen breeds developed for eggs or meat, the Malay hen was principally saved for present and as a curiosity as a consequence of its uncommon dimension and look.

Look of the Malay Hen Breed

If you’d like a hen that stands out in your flock, that is it!

The Malay hen breed is tall, slim, and muscular.

They don’t have the fluffy look of many yard breeds.

As an alternative, they’ve lengthy legs, tight feathers, and a proud stance that makes them look extra like warriors than farm birds.

• Peak: As much as 36 inches tall, making it one of many tallest chickens on this planet.
• Physique Form: Upright, long-legged, and muscular.
• Head: Robust beak with a fierce expression.
• Comb: Small triple or pea comb.
• Feathers: Exhausting and tight to the physique, giving it a smooth look.

Varieties and Colours

The Malay hen breed is available in a number of coloration varieties, together with:

• Black
• White
• Spangled
• Crimson Pyle
• Wheaten

Every coloration selection provides to the breed’s magnificence, however the tall, upright stance stays its most defining characteristic.

Character and Temperament

Malay chickens aren’t your typical cuddly yard mates.

They are often daring, strong-willed, and typically somewhat aggressive, particularly the roosters.

This doesn’t imply they’ll’t be raised, however they’re finest fitted to skilled hen keepers who know tips on how to deal with extra dominant breeds.

With that mentioned, they don’t seem to be the only option for children or beginner chicken keepers.

They are often territorial and do finest when raised in spacious areas.

Hens are normally calmer than roosters however nonetheless unbiased.

ALSO READ: Most Aggressive (And Dangerous) Chicken Breeds to Watch Out

Malay Hen Breed: Egg Manufacturing

In the event you’re on the lookout for chickens that provide you with tons of eggs, the Malay hen breed isn’t the one.

These birds weren’t bred for prime egg manufacturing.

As an alternative, they had been valued for his or her dimension and look.

Nonetheless, they are going to lay eggs, however not almost as many as different breeds.

Fast Details:

• Hens lay about 70–120 eggs per yr.
• Eggs are medium to massive in dimension
• Eggs are tinted or gentle brown in coloration.
• Hens not often go broody, that means they don’t sit on eggs typically.

This breed is raised extra for present and historical past than for egg-laying capacity.

ALSO READ: 16 Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds for Beginners

Malay Hen Breed: Meat Manufacturing

At first look, the Malay hen could seem like a promising meat chicken as a consequence of its dimension. Nonetheless, that’s not the case.

Their meat is hard, not like the tender meat of broilers.

They develop slowly in comparison with trendy meat breeds.

Traditionally, they had been used within the growth of different hen breeds higher fitted to meat.

ALSO READ: Best Meat Chicken Breeds

Care and Housing Wants

Caring for Malay chickens requires some additional effort due to their dimension and daring character.

They want more room than common breeds and do finest in sturdy, tall coops that give them room to stretch their legs.

Good fencing can also be a should, as these birds will be curious and wish to roam.

Keep in mind: the Malay hen breed wants particular care due to its dimension and temperament.

Housing Suggestions:

• Present tall, roomy coops to suit their peak.
• Robust fencing is required as a result of roosters can struggle.
• Permit for free-ranging house since they’re energetic birds.

ALSO READ: 6 Beautiful Walk-in Chicken Coops

Feeding Suggestions:

• A high-protein food plan aids in muscle growth.
• Contemporary greens and grains will be added for selection.

ALSO READ: 9 Healthy Treats Your Chickens Will Love

Well being Concerns:

• Due to their peak, perches shouldn’t be too excessive to stop leg accidents.
• Preserve a watch out for aggressive conduct in blended flocks.

ALSO READ: Poultry Cannibalism: Signs, Solution, and Prevention

Widespread Challenges of the Malay Hen Breed

Whereas they’re gorgeous birds, the Malay hen breed does include challenges.

Their dimension and character make them unsuitable for everybody.

They will typically be too aggressive for blended flocks, and their decrease egg output makes them much less helpful for folks wanting every day eggs.

Listed below are a number of challenges when attempting to boost Malay chickens:

• Could be aggressive, particularly roosters
• Want extra meals in comparison with smaller breeds
• Not cold-hardy as a consequence of their lean construct
• Uncommon to seek out, making them tougher to begin with

The Malay hen breed isn’t for everybody. It’s finest fitted to:

• Skilled hen keepers.
• Folks concerned about uncommon and historic breeds.
• Those that desire a present chicken moderately than an egg or meat producer.

Chances are you’ll need to keep away from this breed if you happen to’re on the lookout for:

• A pleasant yard hen.
• A excessive egg-laying breed.
• A fast-growing meat chicken.

Malay Hen Breed: Earlier than You Go…

The Malay hen breed is an interesting chicken with a wealthy historical past and attention-grabbing look.

Standing tall and proud, it’s not like most chickens you’ll see in a yard flock.

Whereas it will not be the only option for eggs or meat, it stays a beneficial breed for poultry historical past and exhibits.

In the event you’re an skilled hen keeper on the lookout for a problem, including the Malay hen breed to your flock could possibly be a rewarding expertise.

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