Malay Chicken Breed: A Complete Breed Overview

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If you’ve ever wanted a chicken that looks more like a jungle warrior than a fluffy barnyard bird, the Malay chicken breed might just steal the show.

Towering over most other chickens with its long legs and upright stance, this breed has been turning heads for centuries.

Unlike the cuddly, friendly backyard chickens many people keep, the Malay chicken is bold, powerful, and a little intimidating.

It’s one of the tallest chicken breeds in the world, and when you see one strut across the yard, you’ll understand why it’s often called the “giant of the chicken world.”

But don’t let its tough looks fool you! This breed has a fascinating history and an important place in the poultry world.

Let’s dive in and learn what makes the Malay chicken breed such a standout!

Malay Chicken Breed: Quick Overview

Trait	Details
Height	Up to 36 inches
Weight	Roosters: 9–11 lbs, Hens: 7–9 lbs
Comb	Triple or pea comb
Varieties	Black, White, Spangled, Red Pyle, Wheaten
Eggs per year	70–120
Personality	Bold, independent, sometimes aggressive

History of the Malay Chicken Breed

The Malay chicken breed has a story that stretches back over 200 years.

They are believed to have originated in Asia, specifically in the region of India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

These birds were admired for their height, power, and striking looks.

It was brought to England in the early 1800s, where it gained popularity for its unusual height and stance.

Breeders kept them not just for farming but also for their impressive appearance.

Over time, they became a symbol of strength and history in the chicken world.

The breed was officially recognized in the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1883.

Unlike many chicken breeds developed for eggs or meat, the Malay chicken was mostly kept for show and as a curiosity due to its unusual size and appearance.

Appearance of the Malay Chicken Breed

If you want a chicken that stands out in your flock, this is it!

The Malay chicken breed is tall, slim, and muscular.

They don’t have the fluffy look of many backyard breeds.

Instead, they have long legs, tight feathers, and a proud stance that makes them look more like warriors than farm birds.

Height: Up to 36 inches tall, making it one of the tallest chickens in the world.
Body Shape: Upright, long-legged, and muscular.
Head: Strong beak with a fierce expression.
Comb: Small triple or pea comb.
Feathers: Hard and tight to the body, giving it a sleek look.

Varieties and Colors

The Malay chicken breed comes in several color varieties, including:

Black
White
Spangled
Red Pyle
Wheaten

Each color variety adds to the breed’s beauty, but the tall, upright stance remains its most defining feature.

Personality and Temperament

Malay chickens aren’t your typical cuddly backyard friends.

They can be bold, strong-willed, and sometimes a little aggressive, especially the roosters.

This doesn’t mean they can’t be raised, but they’re best suited for experienced chicken keepers who know how to handle more dominant breeds.

With that said, they are not the best choice for children or beginner chicken keepers.

They can be territorial and do best when raised in spacious areas.

Hens are usually calmer than roosters but still independent.

ALSO READ: Most Aggressive (And Dangerous) Chicken Breeds to Watch Out

Malay Chicken Breed: Egg Production

If you’re looking for chickens that give you tons of eggs, the Malay chicken breed isn’t the one.

These birds were not bred for high egg production.

Instead, they were valued for their size and appearance.

Still, they will lay eggs, but not nearly as many as other breeds.

Quick Facts:

Hens lay about 70–120 eggs per year.
Eggs are medium to large in size
Eggs are tinted or light brown in color.
Hens rarely go broody, meaning they don’t sit on eggs often.

This breed is raised more for show and history than for egg-laying ability.

ALSO READ: 16 Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds for Beginners

Malay Chicken Breed: Meat Production

At first glance, the Malay chicken may appear to be a promising meat bird due to its size. However, that’s not the case.

Their meat is tough, unlike the tender meat of broilers.

They grow slowly compared to modern meat breeds.

Historically, they were used in the development of other chicken breeds better suited for meat.

ALSO READ: Best Meat Chicken Breeds

Care and Housing Needs

Caring for Malay chickens requires some extra effort because of their size and bold personality.

They need more space than average breeds and do best in strong, tall coops that give them room to stretch their legs.

Good fencing is also a must, as these birds can be curious and like to roam.

Remember: the Malay chicken breed needs special care because of its size and temperament.

Housing Tips:

Provide tall, roomy coops to fit their height.
Strong fencing is needed because roosters can fight.
Allow for free-ranging space since they are active birds.

ALSO READ: 6 Beautiful Walk-in Chicken Coops

Feeding Tips:

A high-protein diet aids in muscle development.
Fresh greens and grains can be added for variety.

ALSO READ: 9 Healthy Treats Your Chickens Will Love

Health Considerations:

Because of their height, perches should not be too high to prevent leg injuries.
Keep an eye out for aggressive behavior in mixed flocks.

ALSO READ: Poultry Cannibalism: Signs, Solution, and Prevention

Common Challenges of the Malay Chicken Breed

While they are stunning birds, the Malay chicken breed does come with challenges.

Their size and personality make them unsuitable for everyone.

They can sometimes be too aggressive for mixed flocks, and their lower egg output makes them less useful for people wanting daily eggs.

Here are a few challenges when trying to raise Malay chickens:

Can be aggressive, especially roosters
Need more food compared to smaller breeds
Not cold-hardy due to their lean build
Rare to find, making them harder to start with

The Malay chicken breed is not for everyone. It’s best suited for:

Experienced chicken keepers.
People interested in rare and historical breeds.
Those who want a show bird rather than an egg or meat producer.

You may want to avoid this breed if you’re looking for:

A friendly backyard chicken.
A high egg-laying breed.
A quick-growing meat bird.

Malay Chicken Breed: Before You Go…

The Malay chicken breed is a fascinating bird with a rich history and eye-catching appearance.

Standing tall and proud, it is unlike most chickens you’ll see in a backyard flock.

While it may not be the best choice for eggs or meat, it remains a valuable breed for poultry history and shows.

If you’re an experienced chicken keeper looking for a challenge, adding the Malay chicken breed to your flock could be a rewarding experience.