Malay Chicken: Origin, Characteristics, Price, and More!

Perhaps you have seen photos of the tallest chicken out there and were entranced by their almost regal appearance. You may be considering bringing one of these beautiful birds home. But, before doing so, it is important to understand the unique characteristics of Malay chickens. That way, you can determine if they are right for you and your family. Here are some basics about Malay chickens to kick off your research.

Where Did Malay Chickens Come From?

Malay chickens originated in Asia. These stunning birds likely came from Kulm fowl and were common in Indonesia, North India, and Malaysia. Historians believe they have been around for roughly 3,500 years. 

After Europeans discovered this unique breed, they started to bring some home. These birds worked their way into Great Britain in the 1830s and the United States in the mid-1800s.

Despite their fascinating appearance and long-standing history, these chickens are now critically endangered. 

What Is the Malay Chicken Best Known For?

These chickens are most well-known for their tall, sturdy bodies. They grow up to three feet tall and have broad skulls, strong legs, and shorter beaks. Most owners keep Malays around as hobby pets rather than for utilitarian purposes.

Malay Chicken Characteristics

These medium to large chickens weigh between seven and nine pounds at maturity. But that is not their most notable characteristic. Malay chickens are very tall, standing roughly three feet tall. They have a distinctive and statuesque appearance, and their strong legs made them ideal racing birds throughout history.

Malay chickens are technically dual-purpose birds. However, not everyone is a fan of their meat. And the hens don’t lay a large amount of eggs. They make great show birds and pets, with one caveat. This breed is not suitable for families with small children. 

They have short-cropped feathers and an upright posture. Malay chickens need plenty of space to run and get exercise to maintain their strong muscle tone. The American Poultry Association officially recognized the Black Breasted Red in 1883. The other colors were finally recognized by the APA in 1981. 

What Colors Are Malay Chickens?

There are seven recognized colors between the American Bantam Association (ABA) and the American Poultry Association (APA). You can find Spangled, White, Black, Wheaten, Black-breasted Red, Red Pyle, and Mottled.

Depending on the breeder, you may also find other (non-recognized) colors of Malay chickens. So, keep an eye out for coloring that catches your eye!

Malay Chicken Temperament

While bringing home the regal Malay chickens right away is tempting, we do not recommend them for first-time chicken owners. They need lots of extra space for exercise. This added room will also help because they don’t get along well with other breeds. Malays like to squabble, so keeping them farther away from the rest of your chickens is important. You can prevent some fights by offering your birds plenty of space.

These birds are exceptionally heat tolerant due to their shorter feathers. They can only handle some shorter periods of cold, though. So, those in colder climates may want to opt for a different breed. Malays are also moderately chatty.

Hens are fairly broody, even though they do not lay many eggs. Their egg production only occurs a few months a year. However, these are a good choice if you want to breed a flock rather than purchase new chicks annually. One important note is that because these birds don’t have long or fluffy feathers, the hens cannot protect many eggs at once.

What Color Eggs Do Malay Chickens Lay?

Malay hens only produce light-brown to dark-brown eggs. They are medium-sized.

How Many Eggs Do Malay Chickens Lay?

Don’t expect a large egg haul from Malay chickens. The hens are not good egg layers. They will only produce between 20 and 100 eggs annually, depending on their overall health. Pay close attention to your flock’s nutrition to reach that larger number. Hens also lay the majority of their eggs in a short time rather than spaced out all year. You can expect the first round of eggs around six months, though some hens may take longer to reach maturity.

Do Malay Chickens Have Health Issues?

Generally speaking, this breed does not have any significant health issues. Even the hens are mostly immune to the reproductive problems most breeds experience. The life expectancy of your new birds is between five and eight years.

How Much Space Do Malay Chickens Need?

The short answer is that Malays need a lot of space. They don’t do well in confinement. And when they feel too cooped up, their naturally argumentative nature shines. You will need to provide them with a larger coop, a taller pop-door, and bigger boxes for nesting. 

Most chickens need four square feet of space per bird. You will want to increase that for this breed. Additionally, consider raising their food bowls and water to make eating and drinking more comfortable for them. 

How Much Do Malay Chickens Cost?

Since Malay chickens are rare, they will not be among the cheapest to purchase. They are also relatively challenging to source. Contact a breeder specializing in rare chicken breeds to inquire about their current availability and pricing. 

The cheapest way to acquire these birds will be via chicks. You may also be able to find a juvenile if you prefer that route. 

Summary of Malay Chicken Characteristics

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ajiputra081/Shutterstock.com