Sumatra or Ayam gallak
Origin
Sumatra fowl (Ayam Gallak) originally come from the island of Sumatra (part of the Indonesian Sunda Islands). The Sumatra is one of the oldest fighting gamefowl breeds and there genetic influence in other gamefowl breeds is noticeable. There are however speculations about the exact origin of the breed. The Sumatra’s at present day and the birds used in the past for cockfighting have nothing to do with each other (Prof. G. Kooy 1995).
Above: drawing from ± 1895. Artist unknown.
The bantam version of the black Sumatra was created in Holland. In England white Sumatra’s have been created by crossing them with white Yokohama’s. A lot of work is still needed to improve the quality of these whites.
The first birds were imported in 1847 into the United States. Due to their glossy green plumage and elegant appearance they became very popular. In 1883 the Sumatra was adopted into the Standard of Perfection. Around the same time they were imported into Germany and in 1900 into the United Kingdom. In Indonesia the Sumatra is still used under its local name Ayam Sumatra for cockfighting purposes. In Western countries the Sumatra is mainly used bred for exhibition purposes. From e-sources I know that in France Sumatra’s are again bred for cockfighting purposes.
Breed Features
Sumatra’s are medium-sized fowl with a pheasant-like appearance. They are of medium station. The back is of medium length, the saddle feathers are abundant. The tail is long and very rich feathered. The sickle feathers curve at two-thirds of their length and droop downwards. It is preferred that the sickles don’t drag on the soil. The females have relatively long tail feathers too. But only the ends of the upper sickles show some curve.
Left: A glossy green rich feathered saddle of a male Sumatra.
For gamefowl Sumatra’s have a very rich (not fluffy) but adjoining plumage. The shafts of the feathers are rigid and hard.
Up: The females also have relative long tails. The upper sickles curve slightly at the end.
They have a small head (so called snakehead) with a small triple pea comb. The colour of the comb is variable ranging from red to purple.
The eye colour should be as dark as possible. But the iris and the pupil should be visible.
The shanks are dark-coloured and the sole of the feet should be yellow. White soles are also seen but in Holland such birds are disqualified. In the United States yellow soles are not considered as a problem and accepted. Some bloodlines show multiple spurs but there are also bloodlines that only show a rudimentary growth of multiple spurs.
The weight of the male is 2 to 2.5 Kg (4.4 to 5.5 Lbs). The female is 1.8 to 2.3 Kg (3.9 to 5 Lbs). The size of the tag ring is 18 Mm (1.4 Inch). A Sumatra is fully developed at an age of two years. This is an important aspect to be considered if you want to exhibit Sumatra’s on a poultry show.
Left: Clear yellow soles. 
Right: Double spur.
Photo: Willem van Ballekom.
Colours
In the Netherlands only the black glossy green colour is standardized. A red or purple gloss is also seen but is considered a fault in the Dutch poultry standard. However more colours exist. In Scandinavia also blue-coloured Sumatra’s exist. In Holland a few breeders of blue Sumatra’s can be found. In Germany (including former East Germany) there are some red-blacks and partridge coloured ones. In the UK and United States some white coloured Sumatra’s exist but these are at present day not standardized yet. On a Belgian poultry exhibition some Sumatra’s with red hackles were shown but these are also not standardized.
Below: Old black male from East-german lines.
Photo: Willem van Ballekom.
Behaviour
Sumatra’s in their behaviour clearly show that they are still close to their original ancestors. They really like to roam freely and they also are very alert. If they feel themselves danger then in a flash they can take off vertically passing high fences easily. If they have to choose between indoor housing and a branch of tree the Sumatra most of the time will choose the last option. Due to there behaviour Sumatra’s need large spacious coops and high mounted roosts. They also need this to keep their plumage and overall condition (muscles) in good shape. Sumatra’s don’t need any special poultry feed. Sometimes an extra amount of protein is advised to stimulate feather growth.
Sumatra’s are strong birds with a high resistance against some poultry diseases (for example Marek). You should watch for CRD or Chronic Respiratory Disease which can be inherited. Do not breed from birds that transmit this disease. To keep them in optimal health it is advised to give them dry and windproof housing for the night.
Right: A splash stag.
Photo: Wanda Zwart.
Despite the fact that Sumatra’s are gamefowl they are fairly tolerant to each other. Young males can grow up together after the hierarchy within the group has been cleared. But they need space just in case they need to walk away from trouble. Birds kept in coops show less temperament then specimens who roam freely outdoors. A breeders taking daily care of his birds and especially young chicks can expect trust and even affection. The youngsters hand-fed will follow every step of the breeder. Birds growing up with cats and dogs will accept these but will warn for other animals intruding their territory.
Below: A mother with baby-chicks.
Due to their pheasant-like appearance Sumatra’s will look like true jewels in your garden or pasture. The ladies are prolific producers of white eggs laying a fair number of eggs each year. The broody hens are good sitters and they take great care of their chicks. If magpies or other “predator” birds try to catch a baby-chick the mother will perform the most athletic actions to re-claim their baby back from the predator. I have seen this with a successful outcome myself several times. You really will notice the happiness of the birds after a group of Sumatra’s kept indoors for a long time (due to bird flu regulations) are set free again. They rumble and stumble and even perform “show-fights”.
The crow of a Sumatra’s sounds a little bit different if you hear them for the first time. But like other chickens the males crow like any other chicken male. Sumatra’s are exotic, elegant and mysterious birds. They really earn some credit!
Appearance
In the Netherlands Sumatra’s are more or less rare, despite the fact that there are sufficient bloodlines and breeding material available. Measured on a worldwide level the status of the breed is “sensitive”. Due to this status (vaccinated) Sumatra’s are protected against mandatory disposal by agricultural taskforces. The reason for this is the conservation of the Sumatra as cultural heritage.
