Some chicken breeds are known for having particularly long legs compared to other breeds. The increased leg length gives these chickens a taller, more upright stature. While most chicken legs are several inches long, some breeds have legs that can be 8 inches or more in length from the top of the leg to the bottom of the foot.
Top Long-Legged Chicken Breeds
Here are some of the chicken breeds known for having the longest legs:
Malay
The Malay is a very tall, upright chicken breed. Its legs can reach 8 inches or more in length. The Malay originated from Malaysia and was brought to Europe in the late 1800s. This breed was used for cockfighting due to its aggression and strong legs. While no longer used for fighting, the Malay still has a reputation for being flighty and avoiding human contact.
Silkie
The Silkie has legs that are 5-6 inches long, giving it a high stance compared to the size of its body. Silkies are known for their fluffy plumage that covers their entire body, making their long legs especially visible. Their legs are typically blue-grey in color. The Silkie originated in China and is believed to be one of the oldest chicken breeds.
Sultans
Sultans have bright white feathers covering very long legs that can reach 8 inches in length. Sultans were brought from Turkey to Europe during the Ottoman Empire. Their large size and elaborate feathering made them a show bird. They are calm chickens that make good pets.
Cochins
The Cochin breed originated in China and has feathered legs that extend 5-6 inches in length from the top of the leg to the foot. The abundant feathering continues down over their feet. Cochins come in many color varieties, but all have the same long-legged appearance. The feathering makes their legs appear even longer than they are. They have a calm personality.
Faverolles
Faverolles are a French breed with feathers covering their legs down to their five-toed feet. Their legs are 4-6 inches long. Their beards, muffs, and feathered legs give them a distinctive look. They come in several color varieties. Faverolles are calm, cold-hardy chickens that lay well.
Brahma
The Brahma chicken has legs that are 4-6 inches long. It is one of the largest chicken breeds, which makes its long legs necessary to keep its body elevated off the ground. The Brahma’s feathering is so abundant that it makes its legs look even longer than they are. The breed originated in India and was popularized in the U.S. in the late 1800s.
Modern Game
Modern Game chickens have long, strong legs that can be up to 5 inches in length. This breed evolved from Old English Game fowl used for cockfighting. The Modern Game retains the lean, muscular build of its ancestors but is now used for showing and exhibitions rather than blood sports.
Cubalaya
The Cubalaya breed originated in Cuba and has long, yellow legs that slope at an angle up to its body, which can stand over 2 feet tall. Its legs allow it to be agile and energetic. The Cubalaya’s wings are carried close to the ground. It excels in hot climates.
Why Long Legs?
There are a few advantages to chicken breeds with long legs:
- Elevates the body off the ground, allowing them to stay cleaner
- Enables them to walk through muddy or wet conditions more easily
- Gives them greater agility and speed
- Increases height for a more stately appearance
The long-legged breeds often have upright, narrow body types built for enhanced movement and access. Their long legs suit them for flightiness and evasion from predators. They tend to be active foragers. The elevated height allows them to survey their surroundings and run fast when needed.
While dwarf breeds have become popular for hobbyists wanting cute chickens in small spaces, traditional long-legged fowl are still favored by many backyard chicken enthusiasts. Their active, wary natures make them hardy, low-maintenance chickens in free-range environments. Their appearance hints at their active, flighty personalities.
Conclusion
Chicken breeds like Malays, Silkies, Sultans, Cochins, Faverolles, Brahmas, Modern Games, and Cubalayas are distinct for their extra long legs spanning 5 inches or more in length. The long legs suit these breeds for agile movement, ability to keep clean, and an upright stance. While they require more space than compact chickens, their athleticism, hardiness, and stately bearing make long-legged chickens appealing for free-range flocks.