The Indio Gigante, a remarkable and towering chicken breed, known for its extraordinary size and unique characteristics, this breed offers an intriguing blend of historical significance, visual appeal, and practical utility. Understanding the Indian giant can provide valuable insights and perhaps even inspire you to consider adding this majestic bird to your flock.

Indio Gigante Origin & History

Name of City & Country of Origin

The Indio Gigante originated in Brazil, particularly in the southeastern regions, including the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo.

Is It a Hybrid or a Real Breed?

The Indio Gigante is a hybrid breed, resulting from the careful crossbreeding of various local Brazilian chickens, including the Shamo and Malay breeds. This hybridization process has resulted in a bird that combines the best traits of its ancestors, leading to its impressive size.

Contributors’ Names

Key contributors to the development of the Indian giant include Brazilian breeders who meticulously selected and bred chickens over several generations to achieve the desired traits. Notable figures in the breed’s development include breeders like Antônio Guerra, who played a significant role in enhancing the size and strength of these birds.

Why Was It Named as Indio Gigante?

The name “Indio Gigante” translates to “Giant Indian” in English, reflecting the breed’s impressive stature and its connection to the indigenous chickens of Brazil. The term “gigante” aptly describes the bird’s large size. This name emphasizes both the breed’s size and its Brazilian heritage.

Indio Gigante Appearance

Indio Gigante Rooster vs Hen

Indio Gigante Colors

Indian giant chickens come in a variety of colors, adding to their visual appeal. Common color variations include black, white, and a mix of hues. This diversity in coloration makes them a visually striking breed, allowing breeders to select birds that fit their aesthetic preferences.

Indio Gigante Shape

The shape of chickens is one of their most distinctive features. Both Indio Gigante roosters and hens have a tall, upright stance with an elongated neck and a broad chest. Their legs are notably long and strong, supporting their large frame and giving them a unique silhouette compared to other chicken breeds.

Indio Gigante Size and Weight

Indio Gigante roosters can reach heights of up to 3.5 feet (105 cm) and weigh between 11 and 13 pounds (5 to 6 kg). Hens are slightly smaller, standing about 2.5 to 3 feet (75 to 90 cm) tall and weighing between 8 and 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kg). These measurements make them one of the largest chicken breeds in existence.

Comb and Wattles

Gigante roosters have larger, colorful combs ranging from bright red to deep crimson, often single-lobed or elaborate. Their wattles are vibrant shades of red or pink. Hens, in contrast, have smaller, paler combs and shorter, subtler wattles, typically in lighter shades.

Indio Gigante’s Uniqueness in Appearance

What sets the Indian giant apart from other chicken breeds is its extraordinary height and leg length. Their tall, upright posture, combined with their muscular build, gives them a majestic and imposing appearance. The diverse coloration of their feathers adds to their unique and striking look. 

Indio Gigante Eggs

Indio Gigante Egg Production

Indian giant hens are moderate to good layers, typically producing between 200 to 250 eggs per year. This averages out to approximately 4 to 5 eggs per week during their peak laying periods.

Characteristics of Indio Gigante Eggs

• Indio Gigante egg Color: Light brown.
• Indio Gigante egg Size: Larger than average, typically weighing between 65 and 70 grams.
• Shell: Strong and durable, less prone to breakage.

7 blue egg-layer chickens as pets.

Where to Buy Indio Gigante Eggs for Sale?

Indian giant eggs can be purchased from specialty breeders, poultry farms specializing in rare breeds, and reputable online platforms such as:

• Greenfire Farms: Offers Indian giant chickens and hatching eggs.
• The Livestock Conservancy: Provides information on rare breeds and lists breeders.
• Local poultry shows and agricultural fairs: Opportunities to find breeders who focus on rare and unique chicken breeds.

Indio Gigante Hatching Eggs

When looking for hatching eggs, ensure to source from reputable breeders who maintain high fertility rates and healthy stock. Reliable sources for Indian giant hatching eggs include:

• eFowl: Offers a variety of hatching eggs, including rare breeds like Indian giant.
• My Pet Chicken: Known for quality hatching eggs and good customer service.
• Backyard Chickens Forum: Community of poultry enthusiasts offering recommendations and listings for Indio Gigante hatching eggs.

Indian giant Characteristics

Majestic Size and Stature

Indio Gigante chickens are renowned for their imposing size. Roosters can stand up to 3.5 feet tall, towering over other breeds, while hens reach a notable 2.5 to 3 feet in height. Their robust build, with long legs and a broad chest, contributes to their majestic appearance.

Diverse Color Variations

These pet birds come in a variety of colors, adding to their visual appeal. Whether sleek black, pristine white or a mix of vibrant hues, each feathered coat enhances its striking presence in any flock.

Temperament

Despite their large size, Indian giant chickens are calm and friendly. They exhibit docility towards humans, making them a favored choice for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.

Adaptability

Originating in Brazil, where they were bred for resilience, Indian giant chickens thrive in various climates and environments. Their adaptability makes them suitable for both free-range and confined settings.

Strong Eggshell Quality

Indio Gigante hens lay eggs with sturdy shells, making them highly durable and less susceptible to breakage. Their eggs, typically light brown in color, are larger than average, weighing between 65 and 70 grams each.

Moderate Egg Production

While not the most prolific layers, Indian giant hens still produce a respectable 200 to 250 eggs per year. This consistent output ensures a steady supply of quality eggs for consumption or hatching.

Indio Gigante Meat

Beyond their utility as egg layers, Indian giant chickens are prized for their tender and flavorful meat. Their sizeable frame yields generous portions, making them a desirable choice for meat production.

Indio Gigante Lifespan

These chickens have a lifespan of approximately 8 to 10 years with proper care and management. This longevity allows breeders and enthusiasts to enjoy their company and productivity over an extended period.

Cultural Significance

Deeply rooted in Brazilian poultry heritage, Indian giant chickens hold cultural significance. They symbolize resilience, strength, and the rich agricultural traditions of their homeland.

Indio Gigante Rooster

Temperament

Indio Gigante roosters are celebrated for their calm temperament, which sets them apart from more aggressive breeds. Their gentle nature makes them easy to handle, even considering their substantial size. They typically coexist peacefully with other chickens, making them an excellent choice for mixed flocks.

Care Requirements

Due to their large stature, Indio Gigante roosters require enough space to roam and exercise. They thrive in environments that allow them to move freely without restrictions. A well-balanced diet is crucial for their health, to support their muscular build and overall well-being.

Breeding Practices

Breeding Indio Gigante roosters involves meticulous selection to preserve and enhance the breed’s desirable traits. Breeders prioritize traits such as health, size, and temperament to maintain the breed standard and improve its characteristics over generations.

Importance of Roosters in the Flock

Roosters play a vital role in a chicken flock beyond just reproduction. They serve as protectors, alerting the flock to potential threats and ensuring the safety of hens. Their presence also promotes social order among the chickens, maintaining hierarchy and harmony within the group.

Indio Gigante Price

Indian giant Chicks’ Price

Indian giant chicks typically cost between $10 to $30 each, depending on their age, quality, and the reputation of the breeder.

Indian giant Chicken & Rooster Price

Adult Indian giant chickens and roosters range from $50 to $150 each. Prices vary based on factors like age, quality, lineage, and the reputation of the breeder.

Indio Gigante Chickens for Sale

Finding Indio Gigante chickens for sale involves these steps:

Research Reputable Breeders: Look for breeders known for breeding and selling healthy Indian giant chickens. Check reviews and recommendations from poultry enthusiasts.

Online Resources: Use websites like Greenfire Farms, eFowl, and My Pet Chicken, which specialize in rare breeds, including Indian giant.

Poultry Associations: Contact local or national poultry associations for lists of breeders who focus on Indian giant chickens.

Agricultural Fairs: Attend local agricultural fairs and poultry shows to meet breeders in person and see their birds.

Networking: Engage with online forums and social media groups where poultry enthusiasts share information about Indian giant chickens.

Things to consider before buying:

Reputation: Choose reputable breeders with positive reviews.

Health: Inspect for signs of good health and avoid sick-looking birds.

Genetics: Ensure they come from healthy, diverse stock.

Temperament: Select chickens known for their calm demeanor.

Purpose: Decide if you want them for eggs, meat, or breeding.

Age: Consider the age of the chickens for adaptability and longevity.

Housing: Ensure you have suitable space and housing for their size.

Complete house setup for hens.

Support: Prefer breeders who offer post-purchase guidance.

Price: Compare prices based on age, quality, and breeder reputation.

Transport: Arrange safe transport and consider quarantine if necessary.