The Serama is the smallest chicken in the world — a true bantam from Malaysia, refined only within the last several decades and named for the Thai royal title Rama. Roosters often weigh under a pound and carry themselves bolt upright, wings held vertical and chest thrust forward, a pose keepers call the "archangel." Despite their size they're confident, affectionate and highly people-oriented, even used as therapy birds. Heat-loving and ornamental, they lay tiny eggs and suit keepers wanting a charming show or pet bantam — but their tropical origin means they need protection from cold.
Quiet breed
Good with kids
Heat tolerant
Broody
Egg colorCream
Egg production150–200 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessOccasional
ClimateHeat tolerant
PurposeShow
Weight
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen0.7–1.1 lb
Rooster0.8–1.2 lb
How to spot it
CombSingle
Single comb, upright and relatively large for the head
Earlobes
Red
Legs & feet
Clean yellow legs, four toes, set well apart
Plumage
Unstandardized — every colour and pattern occurs
Look for
A sub-1 lb bird standing bolt upright with wings held vertical, chest thrust forward and tail nearly touching the head
Single
