PORTERFIELD EXOTICS

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The Shamo is a hard feathered Game breed developed in Japan from ancestors which came from Siam (now Thailand) between the 16 & 18 hundreds. They were developed for use as fighting fowl, and were exported around the world for this purpose; they also make fine slow growing meat birds, and crosses have been used to develop other types of table fowl. Currently, Shamos are catching on in popularity as exhibition fowl. Shamos are tall, with a rather upright stance; they have the typical Oriental 'bird of prey" expression, with heavy brow and short, sturdy beak. Eyes are usually pearl, the comb is pea, wattles are small or non-existent, and the feathering is exceedingly short and hard, often to the extent that the breastbone is left bare. Broad shouldered and heavily boned, they lack the exaggerated curves of the Malay, and are taller and less compact than the Asil. Their tails are small, and follow the line of the back sloping downward to the ground. Colors in the American standard include Black, Black Breasted Red (Wheaten), and Dark. The Shamo personality is very similar to that of an Asil; they are generally easy to handle and pleasant tempered, as well as being outstanding broodies & mothers.  Shamo hens are actually quite decent layers and far surpass the Asils in this respect. They are also very territorial and aggressive towards each other; fights among baby chicks may also a problem.