Sultan Chicken

Looks how to spot one

Feathers

Sultans have profuse, pure white feathers all over, including a large crest on the head, a beard and muffs around the face, and heavy feathering down the legs and feet. They also have vulture hocks (long feathers on the thighs) and five toes on each foot instead of the usual four. The comb is V-shaped and often hidden by the crest in hens.13

Personality what they are like

Sultan chickens are docile, friendly and enjoy human company. They are easy to tame and handle, making them ideal pets. Roosters are not usually aggressive. They are chatty but not loud, and have a gentle, contented nature. They can be bullied by more assertive breeds, so are best kept with similar-tempered birds.354

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Sultans are not good foragers and are happy in enclosures and runs. They are good fliers and can easily clear a two-metre fence, so high fencing is recommended. They enjoy scattered food and will soon become satisfied. They are active but not destructive to grass.564

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Due to their profuse white feathering and large crest, Sultans need extra care. They are susceptible to cold and wet weather, especially frostbite on their crests. They should be kept in clean, sheltered runs and only let out on sunny days. Their feathers may need occasional cleaning if soiled. They are not suited to a backyard flock without protection from the elements.536

Home where they are happiest

Sultans need a large, clean run with shelter from rain and cold. They do not tolerate extreme cold or wet conditions. They are good fliers, so high fencing (over two metres) is essential. They can be kept in confinement and do well in urban settings as they cause little damage to grass. Provide cool water and shade in warm climates.534

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Sultans are small eaters. They prefer grain and insects to vegetation. A standard poultry feed with scattered grain and access to insects is suitable. They are not good foragers, so food should be provided in their run.36

Company who they like around

Sultans are gentle and enjoy human company. They are easily tamed and like to be held. They should be kept with breeds of similar temperament, as they are often bullied by more assertive breeds. They are not aggressive and roosters are usually calm. They are chatty but not loud.34

The story where it all began

The Sultan chicken originated in Turkey, where it was known as Serai-Tavuk, meaning 'fowls of the sultan'. Legend says they were kept as living ornaments in the gardens of the Ottoman sultans in Constantinople (now Istanbul). They arrived in England in 1854, sent by a friend in Constantinople to Elizabeth Watts, editor of The Poultry Chronicle. All Sultans in the West descend from this single importation. They reached America in 1867 and were included in the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874. The breed has always been rare and is now endangered, with a world population estimated at only 86 birds in 2026. They have been bred purely for ornament and showing, not for meat or egg production.1235

Recognised by the official bits

American Poultry Association (APA)

Recognised in 1874 in the Standard of Perfection (then called the Standard of Excellence); bantam added in 1960. Classified as 'All Other Standard Breeds'.1

Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB)

Classified as 'Rare Soft Feather: Light'.1

Entente Européenne d’Aviculture et de Cuniculture (EE)

Recognised as a breed.1

Popularity Rare17

How many 861