Sumatra

Black
***** More images will be updated in coming month once they finish their moult ***

• Originated from Sumatra
• Mature weight for standard type 2.2-2.7kg
• Fast maturing – First eggs around 7 month
• Small to medium white eggs, although we have seen lightly tinted eggs. Expect to lay between 150-200 eggs per year.
• Broodiness – Low to moderate
• Maintenance – Low, 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 pens with ample space, it is recommended to house only one male per pen to avoid conflicts. These birds are flighty and naturally wary 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. We found they are fast maturing birds, we have seen their first eggs as early as 7 month old. 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.

Sumatra Breeding Notes 

   

Chick Colour Development

Some chicks may hatch with lighter colouring or increased white markings. This is normal in our line, and these birds typically darken significantly as they mature. As they go through their juvenile moult—often completed by around 20 weeks of age—the white markings usually disappear, and the birds develop into fully black adults.

Autosomal Red Carriers

We have observed some red leakage in a portion of the male offspring, indicating the presence of autosomal red carriers within the line. This is not considered ideal and should not be carried forward in breeding programs. For those intending to breed further, we recommend retaining only female birds from our line and sourcing a male from a different, preferably well-established cockerel breeding line, rather than breeding within our current line.

Please note that some faults may still appear in this season’s Sumatras. This line remains very much a work in progress, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we continue working to improve type, colour, and overall quality in future generations.

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Sumatra Chicks

Sumatra black day-old chicks typically hatch mostly black, with some white and grey around the belly and face. During their juvenile molts, they may retain a bit of white, but this gradually disappears as they develop their adult plumage, resulting in a deep black coloration with a rich green sheen.

Some Sumatra chicks may hatch with partially black feet or lighter combs. In most cases, these features will darken naturally as they grow, including their toenails.

Related post Sumatra Sexing Tips

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