Sumatra (chicken)

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The Sumatra is a breed of chicken native of the island of Sumatra. Chickens were originally imported from Sumatra in 1847 to the U.S. and Europe for the purpose of cockfighting, but today the breed is primarily kept for exhibition. 1883 is the year the Black Sumatra was first inducted into the American Standard of Perfection.

Characteristics

Black Sumatras are pitch black with a green sheen throughout the body and tail. Black is the most common variety, but it additionally comes in blue and white varieties. Males usually weigh between 4 and 5 pounds, and females weigh between 3 1/2 and 4 pounds. Hens lay about 100 white eggs a year.

Both males and females have no wattles, and males often have multiple spurs. The breed is considered a primitive one; the Sumatra retains a strong flying ability, unlike most modern chicken breeds. The males will fight for dominance, but unlike most breeds, these do not fight to the death, but some are just stubborn and they actually will fight to the death.

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