KANGAR: The rearing of Serama chicken is now not only a hobby but can generate an additional income of up to five figures.
Perlis Serama Chicken Association president, Datuk Zainie Abdullah, said the breeding of Serama chickens has a big potential and one bird can fetch anything from RM300 to RM1,500 based on its breed, grade, size, colour and age.
"I have met many successful Serama chicken breeders. They began breeding these chickens as a hobby, and later this has become a source of additional income," Zainie told Bernama recently.
He said Serama chicken producers need to get quality broodstock if they want to sell chicks at a high price.
"Quality broodstock are chickens that have won Serama chicken competitions," he said.
He said to produce quality chickens, breeders can use cross-breeding methods for diverse varieties, adding that the Serama chicken breed which is currently popular in Malaysia is the 'H4' (fourth generation Hanuman) breed that originates from Kelantan.
"The Serama chicken in Malaysia is very well-known and sought by poultry enthusiasts from European countries," he said.
Zainie said one does not need big capital to begin rearing Serama chickens. All someone needs is a keen interest and knowledge about breeding this chicken.
"Caring for Serama chickens is not complicated, but you just need a keen interest because when rearing any animal, we must have a love for them," he said.
He added that apart from providing an additional income, Serama chickens can also give breeders peace of mind because these birds are both beautiful and stylish. –Bernama