Malay Chicken Breed – Origin, Traits & Facts

Malay

The Malay Game is a breed of game chicken. It is among the tallest breeds of chicken, and may stand over 90 cm high.

Habitat

Originally from Southeast Asia, the Malay chicken is now found in various parts of the world, particularly in regions where poultry exhibitions are popular. It thrives in environments where it can roam freely due to its active nature, and it requires a spacious area to accommodate its large size. Its resilience allows it to adapt to different climates, although it prefers warmer conditions.

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Characteristics

Size90 cm

Wing Spanunknown

Male Weight4.5 kg

Female Weight3.5 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The Malay chicken is known for its impressive height and muscular build, making it one of the tallest chicken breeds. It was originally bred for cockfighting, which is reflected in its assertive and aggressive temperament. Despite its size, it is not a prolific layer and is primarily kept for exhibition purposes.

Gallery

Malays, illustration from Jean Bungartz, Geflügel-Album, 1885

Behaviour

Temperamentaggressive

Flightinesshigh

Foraging Abilitygood

Confinement Tolerance

The Malay chicken does not tolerate confinement well due to its large size and aggressive nature. It requires plenty of space to roam and express natural behaviors. Confinement can lead to stress and increased aggression, making it unsuitable for small backyard environments.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Egg Characteristics

Egg Color

Egg Size

Laying Frequency

Egg Production / Year

Start Laying Age (weeks)

Barnevelders

The Barnevelder is a Dutch breed of domestic chicken. It resulted from cross-breeding between local Dutch chickens and various "Shanghai" birds imported from Asia to Europe in the later part of the nineteenth century; these may have been of Brahma, Cochin or Croad Langshan type. It is named for the town and gemeente (municipality) of Barneveld, in Gelderland in the central Netherlands. The hens are good layers of large brown eggs and, unlike some other breeds, continue to lay well during winter.

Booted Bantam

The Booted Bantam or Dutch Booted Bantam is a European breed of true bantam chicken. It is characterised by abundant feathering on the feet and shanks, which gives it a "booted" appearance; and by vulture hocks, long stiff downward-pointing feathers on backs of the thighs, from which the Dutch name Sabelpoot ("sabre-legged") derives.

North Holland Blue

The North Holland Blue, Dutch: Noord-Hollandse Blauwe or Noord-Hollandse Hoen, is a Dutch breed of domestic chicken originating in the province of North Holland. It is a heavy meat breed, and was created to supply the high demand for white chicken meat from the city of Amsterdam, particularly from the Jewish community in that city.