by Angie Pollock

Created on: June 18, 2009

Seramas are a unique chicken breed developed in Malaysia that are also referred to as Ayam Serama and the Malaysian Serama. They are believed to be created from crossbreeding Japanese Bantams, Silkies, and jungle fowl. Due to their limited size, it is not uncommon for Seramas to be indoor pets in Malaysia and they are more common as a house pet than either cats or dogs in their native land. This is a rare breed outside of Malaysia and can be costly to those wanting to acquire this miniature-sized chicken.

The Serama is considered the smallest breed of bantam chicken in the world. An adult male can weigh as little as twelve ounces and averages only six to ten inches in height and hens can be as small as six ounces but typically average eleven ounces in weight. Breeders divide Seramas into three classes: Class A, B, and C. The bird will be placed into a certain class depending upon its weight.

Class A: Cocks 12 ounces, Hens 11 ounces

Class B: Cocks 17 ounces, Hens 15 ounces

Class C: Cocks 20 ounces, Hens 17 ounces

The posture of this bird is erect with a broad-built chest area. Even for such a small body mass, the Serama has a proud stance and a dignified appearance. A noticeable characteristic of this small bird is its "strut" factor. The wing span is fairly long while the tail is similarly long and full. The tail feathers hold at a 90 degree angle to the back.

The single, red comb has five distinct points that stand upright. The comb is of small to medium size while wattles and earlobes are both small. The Serama literally can be found in a rainbow of colors. Malaysian breeders currently report that this breed has been produced in thousands of shades and colors. Even the eggs produced by hens can range from white to dark brown. There are no standard colors set by any groups or organizations at this time and there are still current debates as to which traits should be considered ideal.

Due to their tiny stature, the Serama should be protected from extremely cold temperatures and predators. While these birds do extremely well with human interaction, cocks should not be housed together to prevent fighting. Breeders have had good results when their Seramas are fed a diet of mash, grit, and oyster shell rather than whole pellets.

A fairly new breed to North America, the Serama was not introduced into the United States until the year 2000. This breed is not currently recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) or the American Bantam Association (ABA). Those acquiring hatching eggs have better results when the eggs are hatched naturally by other breeds including Silkies. Serama hens do not produce plentiful eggs and generally won't go broody. Individuals who have taken to breeding Seramas conclude that this breed is quite docile and are an enjoyable bird to raise.

References:

STOREY'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO POULTRY BREEDS, by Carol Ekarius, copyright 2007.

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