Rewilding the Malay Chicken With My Son: Six Years into the MIGHT Project
In our last post, we mentioned that much of our summer work has focused on outcrossing our Malay Chickens with Asils as part of our MIGHT Project. We began this project in September 2020, and after six years of work we are starting to see some very encouraging results.
Our Malay and Asil crosses vary in size and age, but what stands out most is their health, athleticism, and vigor. They are active foragers, remarkably robust, and some even choose to sleep high in the trees at night. In a sense, we are trying to rewild the Malay by bringing back some of the natural hardiness and functionality we believe these magnificent birds once possessed.
Health has been one of our greatest challenges with the Malay. Several years ago, we sent one of our beautiful birds to a veterinary hospital for a necropsy, which identified Marek’s disease. Marek’s is a viral disease that can affect the nervous system and other organs, producing a wide range of serious problems. Over the years, we have seen Malays suddenly decline, develop mobility problems, or die far too young. From conversations with other breeders, we have heard similar concerns in both the United States and Europe, particularly with roosters dying within their first few years.
Our Asils, by comparison, have proven exceptionally hardy, athletic, and resilient. By carefully outcrossing selected Malays with healthy Asils, we hope to introduce greater genetic vigor and then breed future generations back toward strong Malay type. The goal is to retain the extraordinary size, presence, and traditional characteristics of the Malay while developing a healthier and more vigorous bird.
Six years into this project, there is still much to learn. It has been difficult to watch some of these beautiful, enormous chickens struggle with health problems, but seeing this new generation running, foraging, sleeping in the trees, and thriving around the farm gives us hope.
Most of all, this has been an incredible learning project for me and my son, Viggo. We hope, generation by generation, to help these magnificent birds become healthier, more athletic, and more vigorous while preserving the remarkable size and character that make the Malay such an awe inspiring breed. In a complex world, I am thankful to work with my son and have this opportunity to make a difference here at Cascade Heritage Farm. ❤️