Malay

The Malay is a tall, hard-feathered game breed with roots in South and Southeast Asian fighting fowl and later development in British poultry circles. It stands high on long legs, with an upright body, tight feathering, broad skull, and intense expression. The breed is valued for type, history, and presence rather than heavy egg production, and it has influenced several other game and oriental chicken breeds.

Malay chickens need experienced handling because mature males can be forceful and birds are large, athletic, and sometimes quarrelsome. Pens should be roomy, secure, and arranged to prevent fence fighting or crowding injuries. Breeders select for strong legs, correct station, fertility, and manageable temperament, not just height. Hens may lay modestly and can be protective mothers, but flock plans should account for slower maturity and the need to separate breeding males.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White