Sultans are a beautiful breed that never fails to bring a smile to those who gaze upon them. We have enjoyed these birds for many years! This breed was admitted to the APA Standard in 1854, so this is indeed a heritage breed in America. It is believed that they were developed in Turkey. Distinguishing characteristics include a full crest, a small V-shaped comb, muff and beard, 5 toes on each foot, vulture hocks, and loads of shank and toe feathering. The only APA recognized color is white (although other countries have created a rainbow of color varieties) The hens lay a medium-sized white egg, most prolifically during the spring/early summer months, but our ladies have been known to continue to give the occasional egg through the winter months as well. Weights are generally 6 pounds for the males and 4 pounds for the females. It is often stated that the Sultan is not cold-hardy, but we absolutely disagree with this. We have raised Sultans for many years without any issues during the winter months. Here our temps at 5000 feet will plunge well below zero, and although this is a desert area, we still can get our share of surprise deep snow - during these times the Sultans are found out frolicking in the snow and facing the frigid winds with no ill effects. We do not heat their shelters, either.

Sultans, along with many other of our Heritage Breeds, were very nearly lost with the development of the "production breeds". Finding good quality birds to work with is not an easy task, but one that we continue to pursue ardently while working hard to bring the ones we have into line with the accepted standard. Unfortunately many believed this bird to be included in the Polish breed, so many crosses have been made that have diluted the available gene pool of true Sultans. If you are interested in a gorgeous bird for your back yard, why not join us in helping to bring this breed back from the brink!

What We Breed For in the Sultan

We breed to the APA Standard for large fowl Sultans - so we are always counting the toes on the fresh hatchlings! Full leg/toe feathering, correct comb, correct crest, muff, beard, and vulture hocks. A note here: we have learned over the years that the males especially will come into their full adult crest after their first adult molt. The juvenile molt often does not show what the adult male is going to possess. So after we have culled for all of the obvious characteristics, the most promising males are set aside to grow and mature before the final decision is made on who gets to be a breeder.

a fresh chick

---

<

adult Sultan breeders

---

groups of juvenile large fowl Sultans play in the winter sun