Originally known as Sumatra Game, due to their jungle fowl ancestry, Sumatras are known for being a flighty and excellent flying breed. Because of this, their free-ranging area needs to be particularly secure, ideally with a roof or netting to prevent escapes. They can become quite tame with regular handling and can be kept in a mixed flock, though they require a large, spacious free range, as they can be somewhat territorial. Sumatras do need more attention than other breeds, especially because of their long tail feathers. Perches should be set higher to accommodate their tails. The hens lay small, cream-colored eggs, though not in large quantities. They are fantastic mothers and make excellent brooders, sometimes even used to hatch out waterfowl.
