If you are looking for the smallest, cutest, and most charming chicken in the world, come and get to know the serama chicken. This little bird, no bigger than a soda can, has captured the hearts of pet owners, backyard breeders, and hobby farmers worldwide. The erect posture, silky plumage, and friendly personality of this bird make the serama chicken more than a pet—it’s a feathery friend full of character. Wherever you reside, city or nation, this little poultry calls home, bringing smiles, simplicity, and lots of fun.
History & Origin
The serama chicken comes from the tropical land of Malaysia, where it first appeared over 50 years ago. Wee Yean Een is credited with creating this tiny wonder by crossing small Japanese bantams with local Malaysian bantams. His goal was to breed a chicken that was not just small but also confident, friendly, and full of charm—and he succeeded.
Seramas used to be called “ayam serama” in Malaysia, literally “serama chicken” in Malay. They were named “Serama” in honour of a Thai king, symbolizing poise and elegance. Seramas became the ultimate in beauty and symmetry, often competing in posture contests where their haughty, upright stride was critiqued above any other feature.
It wasn’t long before their popularity spread beyond Southeast Asia. In the early 2000s, seromas made their way to the United States and quickly captured the hearts of chicken enthusiasts. Today, you’ll find them in homes, farms, and poultry shows worldwide, loved for their unique size and sweet temperament.
Characteristics
One of the most fun facts about the Serama chicken is how little it is. The Serama chicken’s average size is below 500 grams—some can be as low as 250 grams! Because of this, they’re classified as the smallest chicken breed globally. Whether you’re a farmer or an enthusiast of pets, their diminutiveness is much of what earns them their endearing place.
But don’t be fooled by their small size. Seramas walk proudly and stand chest-high like kings and queens. Their vertical postures and arrogant attitude make them look like pint-sized soldiers parading in lockstep. Their brash nature is one of the most desirable traits breeders seek in exhibit birds.
When feathers are involved, there’s more than one to adore. Serama size may be mini, but their feather styles are three unique styles—smooth, in which the feathers flat out on the body; frizzled, in which the feathers curl outward; and silkied, in which they create a soft, fuzzy look, a bunny’s. No matter the style, every serama is special!
Personality & Temperament
The serama chicken may be small but has a huge heart. The birds are very friendly, kind, and very much with their own personality. They love humans, love being cuddled and held, and have a habit of following people around like a pet dog does. Most seromas love to sit on shoulders or laps, making them perfect for hugging and in-close bonding.
Because of their friendly disposition, seramas are an excellent choice for families with kids, elderly pet lovers, or anyone new to keeping chickens. They are also one of the only chicken breeds that can live indoors when correctly cared for, like a house bird.
Compared to other breeds, seromas are the complete opposite of shame. While dramas are docile and friendly to humans, shame chickens are more hostile and larger and were developed to be powerful and fight in certain regions. While a shame would take over the coop, a serama is happy to be your avian BFF.
These birds are not only adorable to behold—they also act like it. Always curious and never shy, seromas enjoy being part of the family.
What Do Serama Chickens Eat
It is simple to feed a serama chicken, but because they are so small, you must be more careful about how much and what you give them. These little birds eat just like other chickens—but in much smaller quantities.
These food items should make up their core diet, with examples including fine ground corn, oats, and wheat. Offer them greens like lettuce leaves, spinach, and shredded carrots. Please give them proteins like boiled eggs, mealworms, or plain cooked chicken to make them healthy and tough.
Since serama chickens are so small, overeating will make them obese. Feed only a few tablespoons per bird daily, and ensure any treats are balanced and not too frequent.
Don’t forget the basics! Always give them clean, fresh water—sera mas drink more water than you’d expect for their small build. Also, give them exposure to calcium, especially for egg-laying hens. Crushed oyster shells or a calcium supplement keep their eggs robust and their bones healthy.
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Why People Love Serama Chickens
There are just so many reasons why people love the Serama chicken—from their looks to their cute personalities. As a pet, they’re one of the best out there. They are quiet, friendly, and easy to handle, making them perfect for families with children or even small apartments. Most owners keep them indoors, like a bunny or parrot.
For those who like showing animals, seromas are stars in the spotlight. Their small size, confident demeanour, and strutting gait turn heads at poultry competitions. Judges are often impressed by how they own the stage with their strut, even when they are in the company of much larger birds.
If you’re thinking about breeding, seromas are a wise choice. They’re sought after because they’re rare, gorgeous, and friendly. That makes them typically well worth the price, whether you’re selling chicks, hatching eggs, or adult birds.
No matter what your reason is—pet, hobby, profit—seramas offer big fun in a small package.
Health Tips & Common Issues
Although the serama chicken is small, it must be cared for to remain healthy. Similar to all chickens, they can develop a few typical health issues. The most common problems are mites, cold susceptibility, and egg-binding in hens.
Because they are small and have soft feathers, seromas are more cold-sensitive than larger birds. Always house them in a warm, draft-free structure, especially during winter. Mites and lice may also become problematic, so provide them with dust baths—this helps them stay clean and pest-free. It’s crucial to maintain their living environment clean. A clean coop will prevent bacteria, mould, and parasites from building up. Frequent bedding changes and proper ventilation without cold air drafts are also crucial.
Be aware of warning signs like drowsiness, ruffled feathers, refusal to eat, or odd droppings. If a hen is bloated or not laying, it might be egg-binding, which needs urgent attention. In either of those cases, it’s best to see a vet who knows poultry. A little attention each day does wonders. Healthy seromas are active, curious, and always up for a snack or snuggle!
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Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Serama Chickens
Raising a serama chicken can be a worthwhile venture, recreationally, as a hobby, or on a small farm. Below is a general step-by-step guide on how you can proceed properly:
Step 1: Start with healthy hatching eggs or chicks from a reputable breeder. Select active, alert, and silky-fleathered birds.
Step 2: Prepare a warm brooder box lined with soft litter, such as pine shavings. Keep it clean, draft-free, and pet-free.
Step 3: To make your chicks healthy, give them a high-protein starter feed (20–24%) and keep the food fresh and clean.
Step 4: Keep the brooder at 95°F for the first week, then decrease the temperature by 5°F each week until fully feathered.
Step 5: Move them to a small coop with secure fencing when they are about 6–8 weeks old to protect them from predators like cats, dogs, or snakes.
Step 6: Place a low roost and a nesting box in the coop. Seramas love roosting at night and laying eggs in quiet, cosy spaces.
Step 7: Handle them gently daily to break and tame them. They will bond with you and enjoy the company of humans.
Step 8: Once they’ve reached maturity, you can establish a breeding triad—ideally, one cock and two pullets. That keeps everyone content and busy.
Step 9: After they are completely feathered and confident, you can enter them in local poultry shows or sell them as pets. Their compact size and good looks attract lots of attention!
This simple routine makes your seramas strong, healthy, and wonderful pets or show birds.
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Special Features That Make Seramas Stand Out
The Serama chicken is a surprise in so many ways! Here are some unique aspects that set them apart from other breeds of chicken:
- Small Weight: Seramas weigh less than a can of soda! Their small size (less than 500 grams) makes them one of the lightest breeds of chickens on Earth, and that’s an added bonus for how cute they are!”
- Indoor Companions: These tiny chickens are so quiet and friendly that they can be housed indoors as pets, like rabbits or parrots. They adore the attention of their owners and acclimatize to the indoor environment, provided they have space to move about and a warm spot to roost.
- Colour Variety: Seramas boast over 2,500 colour varieties! You can get the smooth, frizzled, or silkied feather type that you prefer. The gorgeous array of colours makes them much more sought after by breeders and collectors.
- Diaper-Wearing Roosters: Believe it or not, some serama roosters wear diapers indoors! This adorable feature is perfect for owners who want to let their chickens roam freely inside without making a mess.
These unique traits are just a few reasons why the serama chicken has captured the hearts of pet owners, farmers, and show enthusiasts worldwide.
​”A clean coop and daily care are the secret to happy, healthy seramas.”
Differences Between Serama and Shamo Chickens
While shame and serama chickens are fascinating enough in their own right, they could not be more dissimilar in size, temper, and purpose.
- Size: The Serama chicken is tiny—one of the world’s most miniature chickens, weighing under 500 grams. In contrast, the same chicken is enormous, one of the largest breeds in the world, with roosters sometimes weighing over 4 kilograms! They stand out in any flock because they are so different in size.
- Nature: Regarding personality, seromas are the friendly, cuddly type. They love attention and tend to be gentle and calm, which makes them ideal for pet owners. Shamos, however, are bold, dominant, and independent. They are still affectionate but more assertive and are not as snuggle-happy.
- Purpose: Seramas were bred primarily as companions and are cherished by pet owners. Due to their size and disposition, they’re ideal for indoor dwellings. Shamos, however, have a different purpose—they were originally bred for fighting and as meat. Even though they can be domesticated, they’re often utilized in competition based on their size, strength, and purpose in cockfighting.
The serama and shame chickens may be loved by chicken enthusiasts, but they serve very different functions in the chicken world.
FAQ
What is the average lifespan of a Serama chicken?
Serama chickens typically live between 7 to 10 years with proper care. ​
How many eggs do Serama hens lay annually?
Serama hens usually lay between 180 to 250 small eggs each year.
Can Serama chickens be kept indoors?
Yes, their small size and friendly nature make them suitable for indoor living. ​
What is the ideal temperature for keeping Serama chickens indoors?
Maintain indoor temperatures between 75°F and 85°F to ensure their well-being.
Are Serama chickens good with children?
Yes, their gentle and docile temperament makes them excellent companions for children.
Conclusion
Serama Chicken, originating from Malaysia, are the world’s smallest chicken breed, weighing under 500 grams. Renowned for their friendly and docile nature, they thrive as indoor pets and are excellent companions for children. Despite their size, they are hardy and can adapt to various climates with proper care. Their unique appearance and charming demeanor make them a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts worldwide.
