White Sultans are a stately bird that demand a second glance from onlookers, and sometimes a third, in order to take in all of their eccentric features. Truly one of the most exotic-looking chickens in the world, this beautiful breed has quickly become one of our absolute favorites, and for a number of reasons. Read on, and find out why!
Royal Heritage
The Serai Täook, translated as “The Sultan’s Fowl,” is an old breed that originated in Turkey, where royalty utilized them in Constantinople as live ornaments within the palace gardens. The first Sultans arrived in England in the mid 1800s, supposedly by being smuggled out of those gardens. The first Sultans were imported to America in 1867, and when they came into the hands poultry expert, George O. Brown, he called them the tamest, most contented birds he’d ever owned. The breed was included in the APA’s first Standard Of Perfection, then called the Standard Of Excellence, in 1874.
Sultans have always been a rare breed, facing extinction on several occasions, and actually going extinct during the Depression. It wasn’t until master poultry breeder, John Kriner, recreated them, allegedly by using White Booted Bantams, Polish, and Houdans, that they were reintroduced in the US. About the same time, one of the last known importations of Sultans was made by Basil Smith of Pennsylvania. Most all Sultans of today can trace their lineage back to these two lines.
Physical Characteristics
If it’s an odd trait to see on a chicken, you can bet that the Sultan probably has it! Sultans sport a V-comb, crests, beard, muffs, cavernous nostrils, vulture hocks, feathered shanks and toes, and five toes on each foot. Cocks weigh in at 6lbs and hens 4lbs. Only one color is APA recognized, and that’s white - although Blue, Black and other varieties are bred throughout the world. Sultans are not purported to be great layers, but the particular lines we are working with have proven that notion to be absolutely incorrect. Our hens lay 4-5 eggs per week, making them productive as well as beautiful.
Personality
We haven’t found a breed more social than our Sultans. These chickens adore people, and absolutely LIVE for cuddles. Ours frequently come up to us and wait for us to pick them up and hold them. Our roosters appreciate attention too, and are non-aggressive. Sultans are an excellent choice for anyone seeking family friendly breeds.
Health & Care
Despite being a rare breed; our Sultans have been easy to hatch and easy to raise. Our current hatch rates exceed 90% and chicks hatch with excellent vigor.
One thing to definitely keep in mind with this breed is that Sultans are not resistant to predation. We recommend free range time be supervised or under some kind of cover.
Making a Comeback
The Sultan breed was recently removed from the Livestock Conservancy’s Critically Endangered list and promoted to Threatened status - these remarkably beautiful birds are on their way to a comeback and we’re extremely excited to be a part of conservation efforts.
Sources:
"The Sultan" by Lynn G. Brenneman - Crested Fowl Bulletin April 1958
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