The Malay is an ancient breed with Asian background from the remote East. It is found in parts of Northern India, Indonesia and MalaysIa and is said to have ancestors in the Kulm fowl. The Malay was brought to Great Britain in the 1830’s where they became very popular. From there they spread across Europe. In the mid-1800’s the Malay made its way to the United States.

 

Characteristics

Malays are very tall, around 3 feet tall, and appear bold and perhaps cruel due to their projecting eyebrows. They are closely feathered with short feathers and carry their bodies inclined upward with tail low or drooping. They are rugged and have a reputation for vigor and long life. They were used for races with their long legs and upright posture. They require exercise to maintain muscle tone and hardness of feather. Most hens will go broody but are not a good choice because their long legs don't fit easily in a nest. The Malay has a small cushion or walnut comb with yellow shanks. They have no to barely there wattles. This fowl is known to be rough around each other. The hens tend to be good mother while the males are sometimes a risk to the chicks. The hens do, on occasion, go broody.

 

Standard Weights

Cock: 9 lbs

Hen: 7 lbs

Cockerel: 7 lbs

Pullet: 5 lbs

 

Varieties

Black Breasted Red.

 

Skin Color

Yellow.

 

Egg Shell Color

Tinted brown.

 

Use

The Malay has a meaty body, though some people sat the meat is too tough and firm. This fowl does not lay many eggs, 50 or less.

 

 

References

Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

Dr. Joe Berry, Extension Poultry Specialist, Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University

 

Ekarius, Carol. "Chickens: Malay." Pocketful of Poultry: Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2007. 102-03. Print.

 

Lewis, Celia. "Breed Profiles: Malay." The Illustrated Guide to Chickens: How to Choose Them, How to Keep Them. New York: Skyhorse Pub., 2011. 112. Print.

 

"Malay Chicken." The Livestock Conservancy. The Livestock Conservancy, n.d. Web. 30 June 2015.