Description
- Originated from Sumatra
- Mature weight for standard type 2.2-2.7kg
- Slow maturing – First eggs around 9 month
- Small to medium white eggs, although we have seen lightly tinted eggs. Expect to lay between 150-200 eggs per year.
- Broodiness – High
- Maintenance – Moderate, males require space.
Sumatra is a rare and striking breed originating from Sumatra, Indonesia. Originally discovered in the wild, these birds were once used for cockfighting, but today, they are primarily kept for ornamental purposes due to their unique appearance and spirited nature. They are elegant, long-tailed birds with a graceful carriage and a gamebird-like build. They have a small pea comb, dark walnut-colored skin, black shanks, and multiple spurs on each leg. Their glossy, beetle-green plumage is their most distinctive feature. While black is the most common variety, blue and dun varieties also exist.
Sumatras are active, intelligent, and independent birds. They are excellent foragers and thrive best in free-range environments. While they can be kept in large pens with ample space, it is recommended to house only one male per pen to avoid conflicts. These birds are flighty and naturally wary, making them less suited for small confined spaces or as cuddly backyard pets. However, with consistent handling, they can develop a level of trust, and hens, in particular, can become quite friendly.
Sumatras are hardy and adaptable, tolerating various climates well, though they prefer warmer conditions. Their long tail feathers require extra care, especially in muddy or wet environments, to maintain their sleek, elegant appearance.
In Australia, there are only limited number of breeders working on the Sumatra breed. Avgen Poultry imported a UK line of Sumatra, with the first group released in 2015. They selected the best birds available from sources that met Australian import accreditation requirements. However, this does not necessarily mean that the original imported birds were ideal in every aspect. Instead, they provided Australian breeders with a valuable foundation to further refine the breed. Some breeders have crossed the imported line with other black-feathered birds to enhance traits more in line with the original Sumatra’s characteristics. Whether from imported bloodlines or Australian-bred stock, Sumatras in Australia are still considered a work in progress by many breeders including ourselves, with ongoing efforts to improve type, conformation, and overall quality.
Please see Sumatra – Open Poultry Standard Australia for more info and breed standards.
More info found on Breeds – Sumatra page
