Top 10 Long-Legged Chicken Breeds: Trait, Origin & Care Tips
It is important to know that long-legged chicken breeds not only look different from typical poultry, but they also possess specific traits. This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 long-legged chicken breeds, detailing their overviews, origins, unique features, and practical insights to help you make informed choices.
Whether you’re a poultry farmer or an enthusiast, this resource provides everything you need, from breed characteristics to adaptability.
1. Malay Chicken
Overview
The Malay chicken is one of the tallest and oldest chicken breeds. Known for its robust build and unique brow ridge, it is primarily kept for ornamental purposes rather than meat or egg production.
Origin
The breed originated in Southeast Asia, particularly the Malay Peninsula. It was introduced to Europe in the 1830s and became popular among poultry enthusiasts.
Features
- Height: Can reach up to 30 inches.
- Weight: Adult males can have an average weight of around 9 pounds while females can weigh roughly around 7 pounds.
- Appearance: Characterized by a muscular body, powerful legs, and brow ridge making it seem ferocious.
- Temperament: Generally aggressive and territorial, making them less ideal for mixed flocks.
2. Shamo Chicken
Overview
Shamo chicken is another old breed recognized for its size and is used for cockfighting. This breed is popular in Japan and other part of Asia due to its muscle mass and tendency to fight.
Origin
The breed was imported from Thailand to Japan in the 16th century and refined for cockfighting.
Features
- Height: Is capable of growing up to 26 inches.
- Weight: The males can grow up to the size of 11 pounds and the females about 8 pounds.
- Appearance: Muscular with a vertical build, short tail, wide shoulder blades.
- Temperament: Spectacular and fearful, used in cock fighting.
3. Asil Chicken
Overview
The Asil chicken is among the first identified game fowls recognized for strength, stamina, and fighting spirit. This breed is valued in many cultures for its durability and stance.
Origin
The Asil chicken was developed in the Indian subcontinent especially India and Pakistan where breeding of this fowl has been practiced for many years. It has been in existence in the region for a long time and features prominently in art and literature of the early ages.
Features
- Height: It can reach up to a height of 28 inches.
- Weight: Males reach about 8 pounds in weight, while females are about 6 pounds.
- Appearance: These include a well-developed and muscular body, a robust bill, and a prominent forehead.
- Temperament: Very aggressive particularly when around other males.
4. Saipan Jungle Fowl
Overview
Saipan Jungle Fowl is an endangered breed of chickens and is easily recognizable by their large size and striking features. This breed is not popular, but those who use it are wise to do so.
Origin
This breed is believed to have originated from the Mariana Islands, especially the Saipan Island. This species is thought to have been introduced to the islands by early settlers and it has thrived in the conditions that are found here.
Features
- Height: Can grow up to 30 inches in size.
- Weight: Males have an average weight of 9 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, averaging 7 pounds.
- Appearance: A tall and slender body structure with an erect posture and long leg formation.
- Temperament: Tend to be nondescript but can become hostile when threatened.
5. Modern Game
Overview
Modern Game chicken is a breed that has been specifically bred for show purposes. This is known for its tall and graceful structure and it is commonly called the show bird since it is often used in poultry shows.
Origin
The Modern Game chicken breed can be traced back to the United Kingdom during the 19th century. It was established by breeding the old English game chickens with other breeds to come up with a bird that was not only large but also well-boned and neat.
Features
- Height: It can grow up to reach a length of 28 inches.
- Weight: Males are expected to be around six pounds while females would be approximately four pounds.
- Appearance: Tall, slender with little fluffy at the chest level, long legs, and good posture.
- Temperament: They are mostly friendly and manageable, thus suitable for display especially in public places.
6. Sumatra Chicken
Overview
The Sumatra chickens are excellent show birds with long and beautiful tail feathers covering their body. However, it is often used as an ornamental plant because of its appearance which is considered to be exotic.
Origin
The Sumatra chicken breed developed on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It originated in Asia and was introduced to the United States and Europe in mid 19th century and has become famous among poultry owners.
Features
- Height: Can grow up to a maximum length of 24 inches.
- Weight: Males measure around 5 pounds whereas females about 4 pounds.
- Appearance: Sleek, smooth shining black plumage with a greenish tinge, long tail, and long legs.
- Temperament: Generally calm and non-aggressive, suitable for ornamental keeping.
Read Also: How Cold Can Chickens Tolerate? Guide to Winter Care
7. Cubalaya Chicken
Overview
The Cubalaya chicken is yet another breed usually raised for both meat and egg production and is famous for its attractive appearance. It is cherished for its taste and its beauty.
Origin
The Cubalaya chicken breed was developed in Cuba using different breeds of Asian game fowls with Cuban local breeds. It was officially acknowledged in the early 20th century.
Features
- Height: Can go up to 24 inches.
- Weight: Males typically weigh around 6 pounds, while females weigh about 4 pounds.
- Appearance: Long tail, muscular body, and long limbs are characteristic of animals.
- Temperament: Overall friendly and gentle, these birds can be a part of mixed flocks of birds.
8. Kraienkopp Chicken
Overview
Kraienkopp chicken is another German breed said to be highly resistant and perfect for foraging. This is a dual-purpose breed with uses for both meat production and egg laying.
Origin
The Kraienkopp chicken has its roots in the German-Dutch border area. This breed was established in the late 1800s and was a result of crossing local breeds with Malay chickens.
Features
- Height: Reach a maximum length of 26 inches.
- Weight: Males are normally weighed about 7 pounds, whereas females weigh approximately 5 pounds.
- Appearance: These include having a strong build, long legs, and an unusual head shape which makes it easily recognizable.
- Temperament: Usually moderate and unaggressive, so they are better adapted to free-range.
9. Belgian Game
Overview
The Belgian Game chicken is a fighting and fancy-type chicken breed that originated from the country of Belgium. It is preserved mainly for display and aesthetic functions.
Origin
The Belgian game chicken breed was established in Belgium from the breeding of the native game fowls with other breeds to improve its physical features and fighting ability.
Features
- Height: It can reach up to 24 inches.
- Weight: Males normally weigh around 6 pounds and females about 4 pounds.
- Appearance: Toned, lean, and athletically built with long legs and arms and an impressive chest and shoulders.
- Temperament: Dominant and protective especially with other males of their kind.
10. Phoenix Chicken
Overview
Phoenix chicken is a breed that has long tail feathers that are said to trail on the ground giving it an exquisite look. It is mainly used for decorative purposes and is popular among birds’ fanciers.
Origin
The Phoenix chicken was bred in Germany and was derivative of mating long-tailed Japanese birds with imported European game birds. It was taken to the Western world during the early part of this twentieth century.
Features
- Height: It has the potential to grow up to 24 inches.
- Weight: It has been estimated that the average weight of the male is about 5 pounds while that of the female is approximately 4 pounds.
- Appearance: Long and flowing tail coverts, a smooth and shiny body contour, and long legs.
- Temperament: Over they are rather docile and peaceful fish that can be kept mainly for their ornamental value.
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Comparison Table
| Breed | Height (inches) | Weight (lbs) | Primary Use | Temperament | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malay | Up to 30 | Males: 9, Females: 7 | Ornamental | Aggressive | Muscular body and brow ridge |
| Shamo | Up to 26 | Males: 11, Females: 8 | Fighting | Fearful/aggressive | Wide shoulders, short tail |
| Asil | Up to 28 | Males: 8, Females: 6 | Fighting | Aggressive | Robust bill, muscular build |
| Saipan Jungle Fowl | Up to 30 | Males: 9, Females: 7 | Ornamental/Endangered | Hostile when threatened | Slender body, erect posture |
| Modern Game | Up to 28 | Males: 6, Females: 4 | Display | Friendly | Elegant posture |
| Sumatra | Up to 24 | Males: 5, Females: 4 | Ornamental | Calm | Sleek black plumage, long tail |
| Cubalaya | Up to 24 | Males: 6, Females: 4 | Dual-purpose | Gentle | Long tail, muscular frame |
| Kraienkopp | Up to 26 | Males: 7, Females: 5 | Dual-purpose | Moderate | Strong build, unusual head shape |
| Belgian Game | Up to 24 | Males: 6, Females: 4 | Fighting/Display | Protective | Athletic build, prominent chest |
| Phoenix | Up to 24 | Males: 5, Females: 4 | Ornamental | Docile | Long flowing tail feathers |
Final Words
Long-legged chicken breeds are diverse and fascinating. From the imposing Malay to the ornamental Phoenix, their unique attributes offer beauty, history, and functionality. Choosing a breed that aligns with your goals—whether aesthetic, historical, or practical—is essential.
Also, explore detailed care guides and additional resources to ensure success with your chosen breed.
Which one is the right chicken for you?
