Black Sumatra Chickens
An old and established breed from the island of Sumatra in West Indonesia, the Black Sumatra has been a popular long tailed exhibition breed since admitted to the Standard of Perfection in 1883. This graceful breed has a regal and upright carriage, and it is one of the most popular exhibition breeds for beginner breeders because it consistently breeds true to color and form.
The Sumatra Chicken Breed has broad shoulders and a long back that narrows towards the tail. The sickles, coverts, and tail feathers are long and flowing and will drag the ground but give the breed a beautiful distinction. Both male and female have glossy black plumage, that glistens brilliantly in the sun. Another unique trait of this breed is that they are one of very few breeds that lay white or tinted eggs but lack the white earlobes – typical of most white egg laying chicken breeds.
Sumatra Chickens are one of the most beautiful exhibition chicken breeds, and though they lack a diversely colored plumage, they make up for it with such a distinct shining coat of glossy black feathers.