Description
Saipan Chicken
Breed History and Origin
Saipan chickens are commonly called Jungle Fowl, although they are not true Jungle Fowl. This rare breed developed from feral chickens living on Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands, where a small number were brought to the United States in 1945. Over time the original Saipan population disappeared due to extensive crossbreeding, making the preserved lines in the United States especially important for conservation. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its strain of pure Wheaten Saipan chickens since 1996.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Saipan chickens have tight feathering and shorter tail feathers than many other chicken breeds. As they mature, particularly between two and three years of age, the males become extremely muscular and develop an upright posture. Fully mature roosters can stand two to three feet tall, giving them a very distinctive appearance compared to most domestic chickens. Mature hens generally weigh 8 to 9 pounds, while roosters range between 9 and 13 pounds. Pullets typically weigh about 6 pounds and cockerels about 8 pounds.
Egg Production and Performance
Saipan hens lay cream to pale brown eggs that are usually medium in size. Egg production is modest compared to production breeds, with hens typically producing 40 to 90 eggs per year depending on flock management and environmental conditions.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
Although Saipan chickens are slow to mature, they are extremely hardy birds. They are known for being alert to predators, excellent foragers, and highly tolerant of hot and humid climates. Because of their active and territorial nature, they may show aggression toward other chickens in some flock situations. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of six females to one male.
Brooding and Mothering Ability
Saipan hens are known for being good setters and attentive mothers. Their broody tendencies make them well suited for natural hatching and raising chicks within a flock. They commonly prefer roost heights between two and four feet.
Conservation Status
The Saipan chicken is considered a study status heritage breed, meaning continued breeding and preservation programs are important to maintain the genetic line. Conservation breeding programs such as those maintained by Cackle Hatchery® help ensure this unusual and historically significant breed continues to exist.
Saipan Chicken FAQs
Where do Saipan chickens originate from? Saipan chickens originated on Saipan Island in the Northern Mariana Islands and were brought to the United States in 1945.
How big do Saipan chickens get? Mature roosters can weigh up to 13 pounds and may stand two to three feet tall when fully mature.
Are Saipan chickens good egg layers? No. They produce about 40–90 eggs per year, so they are kept more for their unique appearance and heritage qualities than for egg production.
Are Saipan chickens good mothers? Yes. Hens are known to be strong broodies and attentive mothers when raising chicks.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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ugotit77 –
I ordered specifically Saipan and all died as soon as they arrived. Very disappointed.
Cackle Hatchery (store manager) –
I’m sorry you didn’t have a great experience. I do see that your order arrived in a timely fashion and when you reached out 2 days after arrival, you had only lost 2. I’m sorry you continued to have loss, shipping can be stressful for baby chicks and the apple cider vinegar the representative suggested seemed to help them recover, based on your communication with our rep. I wouldn’t foresee this happening again if you were to reorder.
mindflight15 –
Just picked these guys up from my post office. ALL of them were alive as well as the extras. Within a couple hours they were all very active and eating well and drinking in the brooder. I did grind up there chick feed into more of a powder for easy digestion. Have too say I was nervous about the 1000+ mile journey through the mail. I’m from Idaho and it is still cold here in the spring but they were well packed and shipped on time as was promised. I will be ordering through Cackle Hatchery again in the future.
ATripp –
Life long buyer!
I ordered Jungle fowl this spring, all chicks including the extra arrived healthy! We handled them daily and they are still hand friendly! Although they are slow growing, the jungle fowl still kept up with the Brahma chicks in growth. By six months they were all the same height, but a little lighter in weight. Very neat breed to add to anyone’s flock! Thank you!
Cody –
I Love These Birds!
These Saipans have proven to be very friendly and hearty birds. I live in South Central Texas, where the winter weather can vary wildly from day to day. As of this writing my Saipans are handling the temperature swings like champs.
B –
Cool birds
Although they are not hardy one of 3 died in transit crackle sent another out right away and were easy to work with. They look cool and stand out from the flock. We are getting ready to go though our first winter with them but so far so good.
Heath –
Excellent high quality in perfect health
Beautiful birds mine are 8months males are 2.5 ft, stunning birds lot of compliments.
Tvbauer –
They died
Such a cool breed of birds, not resilient to shipping. They all died- other breeds were okay. I wasn’t compensated
Michigan –
Not for the Cold
They came perfectly packaged and chirping. As previous comments stated, these are slow maturing birds. I bought them the same time as my Welsummers, and they still looked like little bantams while the Welsummers looked full grown after 6 months. Also, I live in Michigan and have a large “free range” style coop. They did good for Spring and Summer, but once Fall hit, none of them survived. Not the hatcheries fault, just be wary about cold weather protection if you get these birds. I might try another batch once I modify my coop for them.
HerbanFarmer –
Very slow to mature as expected
I ordered a few SJF and only one survived shipping. Very weak chicks. These birds are very slow growing. The one that survived is 6 months old and looks like 2 month old chick. I have her separated from the other chickens and she is very tame.
James –
Very Disappointed
I order a bunch of chicks, the Saipan arrived dead or dying (died a few hours after box opened). Replacements were sent and they also arrived dead and dying. If the chicks can’t handle shipping it is irresponsible to ship them. I have ordered many chicks from many hatchery and never had this problem.
Big D –
Great birds/great service
I ordered some Saipan Jungle Fowl 9 years ago from your Cackle Hatchery. The chicks were mishandled at the post office (no fault of Cackle’s) and 1/3 of the chicks were dead. I called and spoke to Jeff and he made it more than right. I still have a few of the birds ( a test to longevity in the genetics). In response to a previous review, KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE SLOW MATURING BIRDS. I’d say it was 3 or 4 years before they were what you’d call fully mature. Our rooster, Eyeball Chambers, is between 10-12 pounds. Thanks Cackle Hatchery. You all do a great job.
Elberton, GA –
Not the same
I order 9 in March 2018, cackle give me one extra. I got 10 total. The males are totally different from the one I saw it here. The males weight less than 6 lbs.
Carey Unknown May 2015 –
Chicks / Saipan Jungle Fowl
The chicks arrived safety. Very healthy and well packed. Thank You.