The Malay is one of the oldest and tallest game breeds, a heavy long-legged bird with a three-curve outline — a downward curve through the neck, back and tail that leaves it permanently stooped and glowering. Feathering is hard and sparse over a very heavy frame. Hens lay poorly and seasonally, so the breed survives on appearance and history rather than production. Malays are aggressive toward other males and need generous space and high shelter, given their height.
Cold hardy
Broody
Flighty
Egg colorBrown
TemperamentFlighty
BroodinessOccasional
ClimateCold hardy
PurposeMeat
Weight
Large fowl (Standard size)
Hen7 lb
Rooster9 lb
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen2 lb
Rooster2.3 lb
How to spot it
CombStrawberry
Strawberry: small, thick and low, set well forward on the skull and bumpy like an upturned berry. Often described as a small walnut or cushion comb instead, which is why sources disagree
Earlobes
Very small, as are the wattles — both are reduced almost to nothing beneath the overhanging brow
Outline
Three distinct curves through the neck, back and drooping tail
Body
Very tall on long legs, heavy-boned
Look for
Great height with a stooped, forward-leaning posture
Ancestry
How this breed was developed. Historical records, not crosses to make today.
Strawberry
Rhode Island Red
