malay roosters for sale

malay roosters for sale

The Malay chicken was the first of the gigantic Asiatic fowl introduced to the West. The breed’s unique appearance attracted attention, but it was found wanting as a general breed. Historically, as a meat-producing fowl, the Malay had as many detractors as followers. Some criticized the meat as being coarse and dry, while others extolled the firm grain and large amount of meat the breed produced. The Malay tends to be lean – a benefit in tropical climates – and doesn’t lay fat on the breast.

The Malay chicken was first recognized in the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1883 in the Black Breast Red variety. The White, Spangled, Black, and Red Pyle Malays weren’t recognized until 1981.

Over the many years since the Malay was first discovered, its most useful role has been for crossing to create other breeds. Many breeders have used the breed to regenerate lines of other Asian fowl – from Games to Longtails – where it seems to impart strong vitality.

The Malay chicken has many unique attributes. The crow of the cock is hoarse, short, and monotonous – reminiscent of a roar. It has small wattles and is inclined to be bare on the throat and breast. The comb is low and thick and strawberry in shape. The yellow beak is short, broad, and hooked. The expression of the Malay is snaky and cruel – its pearl eye color and overhanging brows contributing greatly to this feature. They have a small red walnut comb, wattles and earlobes. Feathers of the Malay chicken tend to be very close to the body, lacking fluff, and are firm, narrow, and very glossy, with a lustrous sheen when viewed in daylight. The legs are yellow with remarkably large scales. Males weigh around 9 lbs. and hens 7 lbs.