Small but actually really mighty, the Serama Chickens type of breed claims to be the smallest chicken in the world. Nevertheless, it is the most expensive breed that people could ever get for a chicken. According to facts, it is a relative newcomer to the Western world but has been known in Asian countries for many years. They actually have some distinctive features that make them a wanted breed for many people all over the world.
Despite having a small size of the body, seeing them pose with their head pulled back and chest sticking out would definitely make you think they were some sort of feathered bodybuilders. These are actually the true features of these Serama Chickens that have made many people wanted them. It actually comes naturally to them, as they are known as the athletes of the chicken world, because of their proud pose.
Serama Chickens originated in the Kelantan province of Malaysia. The beginnings of the breed can be traced back to the 1600s. However, the current strain of Seramas can be attributed to Wee Yean Een in the 1970s. It was he who gave the name ‘Serama’ as a tribute to one of the Thai kings named King Rama.
Serama Chicken comes in many colors and all of them are really beautiful. They will not breed true to one color, they also come as silkies and frizzled. The same is true for size. From one hatch you may have larger and smaller birds, but all should be no more than 10 inches tall.
Seramas are tiny. They range in height from just under six inches to slightly under ten inches tall. They have a very upright ‘V’ posture even their tail feathers are upright. They look permanently alert and on guard and so were given the nicknames of ‘toy soldier’ or ‘fearless warrior’. The head of the bird is on the small side and is thrown back in the upright posture.
The comb is single and red as are the wattles. The earlobes can be a mix of white and red. For the hen, the wattles and comb are much smaller than the male. Eyes are a bay red. They have a short back and in fact, there is little room between the body and tail feathers. They are very muscular birds. The shoulders are set high and the wings are held perpendicular and should almost touch the ground.
The breast is full and proud, extending well past the head of the bird. Legs are muscular and wide sets of medium to long length and yellow in color. They should be clean of feathers and four toes to each foot.
Sources: Oddity Central, YouTube Fancy Hens