The Saipan Jungle Fowl chicken was originally bred as a cockfighting breed in East Asia. However, they are now extinct in that region due to overbreeding. They now only live in America.
They are an extremely slow-maturing breed, taking up to 3 years to mature. They are not generally used for eggs or meat, as hens will only lay around 70 cream-colored eggs each year. They are highly likely to become broody, which further limits their laying productivity.
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Saipan Jungle Fowl Chicken Breed Quick Info
Saipan Jungle Fowl Chicken Description
Saipan Jungle Fowl Type/Size: | Standard |
Feather Color: | Black-Breasted Red, Wheaten |
Leg Type: | Clean |
Leg Color: | Yellow |
Skin Color: | Yellow |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Ease of Raising/Keeping: | Medium |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Special Care Needs: | Yes |
Is the Saipan Jungle Fowl breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken? | Rare |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Use
Meat | No |
Eggs | No |
Dual Purpose | No |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Temperament: | Active |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Ability/Likelihood to Free Range: | Yes |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Egg Production
Egg Color | Light Brown, Cream |
Egg Size | Medium |
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year | 70 |
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise Chicks | High |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Meat Production
Dressed Weight Male | N/A |
Dressed Weight Female | N/A |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Climate Tolerance
Heat | Excellent |
Cold | Moderate |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Age to Maturity
Number of Months to Reach Full Size | 36 Months |
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying | 36 Months |
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size | N/A |
Saipan Jungle Fowl Size at Maturity
Male | 12 lbs |
Female | 9 lbs |
Origins of Saipan Jungle Fowl Chicken
This breed originated in Far East Asia on the Northern Mariana Islands and was brought to the United States after the Vietnam War.
Their origin is unclear, but they are thought to have come from local game fowl on the island or closeby islands of Saipan. They could have been crossed along the way with Japanese birds.
Some Things to Know About Saipan Jungle Fowl Chicken
Saipan Jungle Fowl chickens have a long straw-colored neck and a tail that often needs to be trimmed. Their long necks and upright stance are theorized to have originated from their living on plains, having to look out for predators over the tall grass.
They are muscular and powerful, standing up to three feet tall. This breed can be either flat combed or pea combed and have no wattles, making them somewhat cold-hardy. Saipan rooster plumage is often black-breasted red, and the hens are wheaten. The long tail is often metallic or beetle-green in males.
How Easy is it to Keep Saipan Jungle Fowl Chickens?
Saipan Jungle Fowl chickens are active and like to roam, so they require a lot of space. They excel as free-range chickens. Roosters of this breed tend to be aggressive, so it is best to keep one only if you plan to breed them.
They are social, so it is best to have multiple birds (at least six). They do not always mix well with other breeds of chicken. Because they are tall but not flighty, they need a tall fence but no net.
They are naturally tame, making them ideal as pets and show chickens. They are intelligent, and if they recognize you, they can form a strong bond.
They much prefer the heat to cold weather due to the area they originated in. These are ideal chickens if you live in a hot, humid area.
Special Care and Considerations for Saipan Jungle Fowl Chickens
This breed should not be fed a normal chicken diet. Instead, they require fats and a fish-based diet with fruits and vegetables. They will forage as well, especially if they are in a free-range situation.