Description
Red Jungle Fowl Chicken
Breed History and Origin
Jungle fowl are often referred to as the “original bird” from which many varieties and strains of domesticated chickens developed, based on early observations and comments made by Charles Darwin. The Red Jungle Fowl originated in Asia and is considered one of the ancestral lines of modern domestic chickens. Cackle Hatchery® acquired its breeding stock from descendants of Red Jungle Fowl maintained at the San Diego Zoo in California. Our breeding program has been developing this bloodline since 1984, helping preserve this historic poultry type.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Red Jungle Fowl are smaller than most common domestic chicken breeds but slightly larger than many modern bantam varieties. Mature hens generally weigh about 3 pounds, while roosters average around 4½ pounds. Pullets typically weigh about 2½ pounds, and cockerels about 4 pounds. Most birds in our strain have slate blue or gray colored legs and white ear lobes, although some birds may display moss green leg color and red ear lobes due to natural variation among the subspecies used in the original breeding stock.
Egg Production and Performance
Red Jungle Fowl hens lay light brown eggs and generally produce 120 to 150 eggs per year depending on flock management and environmental conditions. Egg size is typically medium. While egg production is modest compared to modern production breeds, the breed is valued primarily for its historic genetic lineage and natural survival traits.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
Red Jungle Fowl are extremely active and alert birds that perform very well in free-range environments. Their natural instincts and quick reactions help them avoid predators, making them one of the better choices for free-ranging poultry on farms or larger properties. They prefer higher roosting areas and commonly choose roost heights of four feet or higher when available.
Brooding and Breeding
Hens are known to be setters and may go broody when raising chicks. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of nine females to one male.
Shipping Restrictions
Due to regulations, Red Jungle Fowl cannot be shipped to Hawaii.
Red Jungle Fowl FAQs
Are Red Jungle Fowl the ancestors of modern chickens? Yes. Red Jungle Fowl are widely considered one of the primary ancestral birds from which modern domestic chickens developed.
What color eggs do Red Jungle Fowl lay? Hens lay light brown eggs that are typically medium in size.
Are Red Jungle Fowl good free-range chickens? Yes. They are very active birds with strong predator awareness, making them well suited for free-range environments.
How big do Red Jungle Fowl chickens get? Mature hens usually weigh about 3 pounds, while roosters average around 4½ pounds.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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gladys_otero –
I wanted to have similar to the hen I had. Weeks after ordering I realized these are a different breeds.
However, I was very excited with my small order of RED INDIAN JUNGLE FOWL chickens and their historic precedence. The cutest very small chicks arrived on time and perfectly safe. After their development they became 3 hens and 3 roosters. The roosters are beautiful to watch. The little hens are sweet. They are together with my existing hen that is a very similar chicken and three bigger red hens. I introduced them slowly separating the older hen. After 6 months there is some harmony in the coop and pen.
Philippe Hoang –
Bought total 9. Received all very healthy. As they’re growing, 3 are male and 6 are female. I’m so happy with them on my backyard. Highly recommended.
happyhorse7 –
All chicks arrived vigorous and alive. All are drinking and eating. I am very happy with my order.
JoeH –
Red Jungle Fowl, smart and funny
Ordered 4 Red Jungle Fowl along with my Wyndottes. Got 1 extra for 5 total. At week 5 it’s looking like I got one hen and 4 roosters, which is disappointing as I hoped for more hens but it appears from other reviews that the RJF from Cackle tend to be rooster heavy. Wish that they could be purchased already sexed, I’d really like some hens.
Joe –
Red jungle fowl
K so I ordered 10 red jungle fowl and wen they got here only 4 were alive. So I ordered 80 checks 29 were dead including six of the red jungle fowl 17 Wheaton dead out of 20 six Phoenix dead out of 20 I am not pleased with this shipment
Ron –
Good
I am pleased with the Red Jungle Fowl I received , the males are a very brilliant color and the female has the conformity and color that I expected.
Kat –
Beautiful chicken
I love my red jungle fowl. Ordered a one male and a few females. My roo does a great job with the females and my silkies also. He does like to fly out of the uncovered part of the coop, and can go a good 20 feet up and over, so make sure you clip their wings or keep them in a covered coop.
Ariel –
Pleased
Got a large shipment of birds in. Super excited about the Red Jungle fowl in the order. Everyone arrived alive and well.
Rach D –
Jungle fowl are a welcome suprise
We ordered jungle fowl because we loved the ones we saw in maylaysia and thought it would be a fun addition to our coop. To our suprise they are a lot smaller than the average chicken. They have interesting feather patterns. They are very smart. Anytime the dog goes near they know exackty where to jump to or hide… while our other chickens haven’t figured that out yet. They are healthy and have grown up very nicely.
J –
Nice Breed
Bought a couple all survived.
Pistol –
Cool different breed
A very cool breed somewhat on the wild side. I ordered 4 chicks, as they only come in a straight run, I ended up with 3 roosters, 1 of which was malformed and had to be put down, and one hen. The 2 roosters are magnificent, and are bantam size, and very nice to the hens. They dont really fight or challenge the other much bigger rooster. The roosters will fly off… yep they fly very good much like a pheasant, and live to free range. These are a great addition to my flock and I’d certainly order them again…. however I need hens!!!
peaceisgreen –
its okay
bought 15 of these a few months ago got 2 extra got 1 male i really like out of 12 only got 5 females pretty disappointing but i guess you get unlucky with straight runs sometimes
RJF LOVER –
HAPPY
HAPPY GOT MY RJF I HAPPY
Kurby –
Red jungle fowl
First time ordering from cackle hatchery. Just got my red jungle fowl baby chick today. I was satisfied of what i got. All the baby chick are in great condition.
Linda, Kansas May 2009 –
Chick Order
Just wanted to let you and Jeff know how pleased I am with the Red Jungle Fowl and the Silver Spangled Hamburg chicks you sent…They arrived right on time, in great shape and are continuing to thrive. Thanks, also for the two extras you sent…I’ll be ordering again when I find myself in a fowl mood.