Breed Facts
• Poultry Show Class: Single Comb Clean Legged
• Weights: Hen — 14 oz Rooster — 16 oz
Pullet — 12 oz Cockerel — 14 oz
• Purpose and Type: Exhibition; Pet
• Egg Shell Color: cream
• Egg Production: Fair
• Egg Size: Tiny
• Temperament: Docile
• Fertility Percentage: Eggs are difficult to hatch
• Broody: Setters
• Mating Ratio: 4 Females to 1 Male
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
• Country of Origin: Malaysia
• APA: Yes, recognized by American Standard of Perfection
• ABA: Yes, recognized by Bantam Standard
Description
Seramas are true bantams (meaning they have no larger counterpart), and are the smallest of all chicken breeds. They originated in Malaysia, where they were named after King Rama. Seramas are noted for their multi-color plumage — they can be any color normally found in chickens — and for their docile, friendly temperament. Distinctive features include a single comb, droopy wing feathers, and a full tail that sometimes reaches so far over the back that it touches the head.
Seramas were originally developed as household cage birds, therefore they require a warm environment and they do well in confinement. They may be housed with other small bantam breeds, but should not be kept with larger breeds that may bully them. In a controlled environment, a Serama hen may lay her tiny eggs at any time of year. The eggs hatch in as little as 19 days (compared to 21 days for most chicken eggs). Serama hens will brood and make excellent mothers.
The original Malaysian Seramas (also known as Ayam Seramas) are classified into three (or sometimes four) groups according to weight, ranging from a high of 600 grams (21.16 ounces) down to 170 grams (6 ounces). Malaysian Seramas do not breed true to color; a cock and hen of similar color won’t necessarily produce chicks of the same color.
American Seramas are being developed to satisfy the requirements of exhibition in the United States, where weights have been standardized as: cock 16 ounces, hen 14 ounces, cockerel 14 ounces, pullet 12 ounces. Plumage colors are also being standardized. White is the first variety to be recognized, in 2011, by both American Bantam Association and the American Poultry Association. Frizzled Seramas, booted Seramas, and silkied Seramas are also being bred.
These organizations promote Seramas in North America
Cackle Hatchery® does not offer Serama chicks for sale. They are so tiny and fragile, and dehydrate so rapidly, that they have difficulty surviving shipment.
Jenifer Wiggans –
Any plans to offer them in 2024?
Cackle Hatchery –
The serama bantams are too small and fragile to endure the shipping process. They are on our website for information purposes only.
saramiera –
These would be one of your best sellers if you offered these!!! So many people prize these tiny chickens nowadays!!
amos10dale –
I would love it if this breed became available. Please make it available cackle.