Allow me to introduce you to a truly captivating and unique bird—the American Long Crower Chicken. This rare breed, known for its remarkably long crow, is a delightful blend of charm, utility, and a touch of showbiz. Whether you’re drawn to ornamental breeds or simply want a chicken with a distinct personality, this one’s for you. From its active nature to the striking appearance of its black and blue body speckles, this breed never fails to command attention. Whether you’re a backyard hobbyist or a seasoned poultry farmer, this guide covers everything you need to know about these beautiful black birds. Let’s dive in!
History & Origin of American Long Crower Chicken
The American Long Crower Chicken is a relatively recent breed with ancient inspiration. It was developed in the United States in the 2000s by combining several rare and exotic breeds, including the Kosovo Longcrower, Malay, Sumatra, and Yokohama. The goal? To create a breed with an impressively long crow and strong ornamental features for backyard and exhibition use.
Unlike most breeds that date back centuries, the American Long Crower was purposefully designed. It took inspiration from ancient landrace breeds known for vocal prowess, like the Denizli Long Crower of Turkey. Through careful selection and breeding, it inherited not only the majestic crow but also a sleek, elegant body with rich feather patterns.
Though still rare, it’s gaining popularity in the U.S. and abroad among enthusiasts who appreciate unique sounds and bold appearance. The breed is listed among ornamental and crowing-type chickens, often showcased at poultry exhibitions and heritage breed events.
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Characteristics of American Long Crower Chicken
The American Long Crower Chicken stands out in the crowd—literally and vocally. These birds weigh between 10-12 pounds for roosters and 8-10 pounds for hens, classifying them as a heavy breed. Despite their size, they have an athletic, upright posture and carry themselves with grace.
They often feature dark plumage, particularly black and blue speckled feathers. Some birds may have subtle color variations depending on their parent lines, such as hints of green sheen or blue tones. A single comb or pea comb is typical, adding a touch of classic charm to their look.
The defining feature, of course, is their crow. A healthy male can belt out a crow lasting 10 seconds or more—a drawn-out, melodious call that’s both surprising and delightful. This unique vocal ability is a result of careful breeding and selection, making them stand out among other breeds. It’s not just the sound but the endurance of the crow that earns them their reputation.
Their chicks are mostly black chicks, which makes them easier to identify and track in mixed flocks. Auto-sexing traits also make them more convenient for breeders.
Nature & Temperament of American Long Crower Chicken
Now, you might think a chicken famous for its crow would be a little hard to handle—but the truth is, American Long Crower Chickens are surprisingly mellow. They’re an active breed, always curious and full of energy, but not overly aggressive or flighty. That makes them ideal for families and hobby farmers alike. Roosters are more vocal than average, of course, but they’re not mean or overly dominant compared to some ancient game fowl breeds. Hens are calm and sociable, especially when raised from chicks with regular human interaction.
They do well in mixed flocks, although their big personalities and loud calls may earn them a leadership role among your birds. I recommend giving them plenty of space to roam since they love scratching, exploring, and even perching on fences or coop roofs. And don’t worry—despite their powerful voice, these birds can coexist peacefully with quieter breeds as long as everyone’s got enough elbow room.
Food & Diet of American Long Crower Chicken
Feeding your American Long Crowers right is key to keeping them healthy, strong, and ready to crow to their full potential. These birds are heavy-bodied and active, so they need a balanced diet packed with protein, calcium, and vitamins. Start with a high-quality starter feed (20–22% protein) for chicks, followed by a grower feed until about 16 weeks. Once mature, they do well on a layer feed (16–18% protein) for hens and a maintenance blend for roosters.
Since they’re a dual-purpose breed, you want their meat development and egg production to stay in top form. Add grit for digestion, calcium supplements like oyster shells for layers, and toss in greens, grains, or kitchen scraps to keep things interesting. Avoid overfeeding corn or high-fat scraps, especially in warmer climates. And always ensure access to fresh, clean water—hydration supports healthy vocal cords, too!
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Usage & Purpose of American Long Crower Chicken
Yes, the American Long Crower Chicken is famous for its crow, but it’s much more than just a songbird. It’s a dual-purpose bird, perfect for both egg production and meat. Hens lay around 150–200 medium-sized blue or blue-green eggs per year, which are not only beautiful but also delicious. Their body weight makes them suitable for meat as well-especially the roosters, which have dense, flavorful muscle and good fat content.
Think of them like a beautiful backup to your main egg layer or meat bird, with some vocal entertainment thrown in. This dual-purpose nature makes them a versatile and valuable addition to any flock. Their body weight makes them suitable for meat as well—especially the roosters, which have dense, flavorful muscle and good fat content. Think of them like a beautiful backup to your main egg layer or meat bird, with some vocal entertainment thrown in.
The American Long Crower Chicken is not just a practical addition to your flock, it’s also a showstopper. Their unique call and striking appearance make them a crowd favorite at shows and exhibitions, especially in ornamental breed circles. Backyard enthusiasts love them for their novelty and charm, while breeders admire the challenge of maintaining crowing quality. If you’re looking to add diversity to your flock, these birds are both functional and fabulous. Owning an American Long Crower Chicken is not just about eggs and meat, it’s about being part of a community that appreciates the beauty and utility of these unique birds.
“Every Morning Deserves A Rooster That Crows Like A Legend—Let The American Long Crower Sing Your Sunrise.”
Special Features of American Long Crower Chicken
Here’s what truly makes the American Long Crower Chicken special:
- Record-Breaking Crow: Males can crow up to 10+ seconds—longer than most breeds on Earth.
- Auto-Sexing Chicks: Makes sex identification easier at hatch.
- Ornamental Beauty: Glossy black and blue feathers with elegant posture.
- Rare Breed Status: A conversation piece and a proud addition to rare poultry collections.
- Hardy & Adaptable: Can handle both warm and cool climates with proper care.
- Active Foragers: Great for free-range setups.
Farming Tip: “Don’t judge a rooster by its crow alone—watch how he treats his hens. The best crowers often make the gentlest leaders.”
Health Issues & Prevention of American Long Crower Chicken
Like any poultry breed, the American Long Crower Chicken needs regular health maintenance. Thankfully, they’re generally hardy, but there are a few common concerns to watch for:
Common Health Issues:
- Respiratory Infections: Especially in damp or cold conditions. Look out for sneezing, nasal discharge, or wheezing.
- Mites and Lice: Regular dust bathing and coop cleaning prevent infestations.
- Leg Issues: Due to their size, make sure roosts are not too high or hard to access.
- Bumblefoot: Keep perches smooth and bedding clean.
Prevention Tips:
- Clean Coop Weekly with dry bedding and good ventilation.
- Regular Health Checks for swelling, weight loss, or behavior changes.
- Dusting Powder or Diatomaceous Earth in bedding helps reduce parasites.
- Vaccinations & Deworming as recommended by local poultry vets.
A healthy Long Crower sings longer and lives stronger—simple as that.
Step-by-Step Guide: Raising American Long Crower Chickens
Raising these stunning birds takes a bit of planning but is incredibly rewarding. Here’s my go-to guide from brooding to full-grown crowers:
Step 1: Prepare The Right Setup of American Long Crower Chicken
Your American Long Crowers need a spacious and secure coop from day one. Aim for at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird outdoors. Good ventilation is key, especially for a bird that relies on clear airways to belt out long crows. Install sturdy perches about 18–24 inches off the ground, and use soft, dry bedding like pine shavings.
Make sure the fencing is predator-proof, especially since their crow can attract attention—not all of it welcome. Add plenty of light and a quiet area for hens to lay eggs comfortably. Don’t forget feed trays and nipple waterers to keep things tidy.
Step 2: Brood Your Chicks Right of American Long Crower Chicken
Start chicks under a heat lamp at 95°F, lowering the temp by 5°F each week. Use chick starter with 20% protein and provide shallow water dishes to prevent drowning. Keep their brooder clean and dry to avoid pasty butt or early illness. American Long Crower chicks are often black with subtle hints of blue, and thanks to auto-sexing, it’s easier to tell males from females early. Socialize them gently so they grow into calm, friendly adults.
Step 3: Transition To Coop And Forage Time
Once they’re feathered (around 6 weeks), start short outdoor trips during the day. Supervise closely until they understand their boundaries. By 8–10 weeks, they can fully transition to the coop and run. Feed grower pellets and slowly introduce table scraps, bugs, greens, and grains. Keep roosters separate if they show early aggression, but most Long Crowers remain fairly even-tempered.
Step 4: Long-Term Care & Breeding
By 5–6 months, roosters begin testing their crow—and what a treat that is! Monitor for health issues and trim nails or spurs if needed. Provide fresh calcium for hens starting to lay. If breeding, pick birds with strong crowing genes and healthy temperaments. Maintain their coop year-round, adjusting insulation or ventilation for seasonal shifts. These birds handle cold fairly well but need windbreaks and dry feet in winter.
Expert Tips & Best Practices
- Crow Management: Don’t keep too many roosters close together unless you like morning concerts!
- Routine Cleaning: A clean coop is the best health insurance you can give.
- Forage Friendly: Let them roam—they thrive when they can dig, scratch, and explore.
- Sound Matters: Check local ordinances to see if you have neighbors who are sensitive to noise.
- Egg Quality Boost: Add kelp or flaxseed to feed for tastier, more nutritious eggs.
FAQs
How long can the American Long Crower Chicken crow?
They can crow up to 10 or even 12 seconds, depending on the bird’s health and genetics.
Are American Long Crowers good for egg production?
Yes! Hens lay around 150–200 medium-sized blue or blue-green eggs per year.
Can I keep them in a backyard with neighbors nearby?
They’re best suited for rural or hobby farms due to their loud, extended crowing.
Are they hard to raise for beginners?
Not at all! They’re hardy, friendly, and manageable if you have enough space and time.
Are American Long Crowers endangered?
They’re considered a rare breed, so keeping and breeding them helps preserve their line.
Conclusion
The American Long Crower Chicken isn’t just another pretty bird—it’s a living alarm clock, a showpiece, and a surprisingly practical poultry partner. From their ancient-inspired vocal talents to their modern utility as dual-purpose birds, they offer something truly special for farmers, breeders, and hobbyists alike. If you’re looking to add personality, beauty, and a bit of theater to your flock, you can’t go wrong with this unique breed. Whether you’re raising them for eggs, exhibition, or simply to hear that famous crow, these birds never disappoint.
