🐓 Indio Gigante: Brazil’s Towering “Indian Giant”

One of the tallest chicken breeds in the world, the Indio Gigante (Portuguese for “Indian Giant”) is a Brazilian creation that has quickly gained attention for its remarkable height, versatility, and unique appearance. With roosters standing over 3 feet tall, these giants are both an ornamental showpiece and a functional dual-purpose breed.

📜 A Brief History

The Indio Gigante originated in Brazil in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás. Breeders developed the bird by crossing large Asian gamefowl, such as Shamo and Malay, with Brazil’s hardy caipira chickens (local mixed breeds).

To preserve and improve the breed, the Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Índio Gigante (ABRACIG) was founded. This group has established breed standards and is working toward official recognition of the Indio Gigante as Brazil’s first internationally recognized pure chicken breed.

📌 Breed Snapshot

• Status: Rare, in development (recognized by ABRACIG in Brazil)

• Use: Dual-purpose (meat and ornamental)

• Egg Production: Moderate

• Egg Size & Color: Medium to large; white, beige, red, blue, or green

• Weight: Roosters 10+ lbs (4.5+ kg); Hens 6.5+ lbs (3+ kg)

• Temperament: Active, gamefowl influence, but adaptable

• Characteristics: Extremely tall stature, pea or ball comb, yellow skin

🐓 Why Choose an Indio Gigante?

Record-Breaking Height
Indio Gigante roosters can exceed 3 feet tall, making them one of the tallest chicken breeds in existence.

Unique Egg Variety
Hens lay a mix of colors — from white and beige to red, blue, or green eggs — adding novelty to their utility.

Dual-Purpose Utility
They grow large enough to be excellent meat birds while still contributing a steady supply of eggs.

Brazilian Pride
As Brazil’s own heritage creation, the Indio Gigante represents a cultural achievement and is on track to become the country’s first officially recognized chicken breed.

🛠️ Care Considerations

• Space Needs – Due to their size and active nature, Indio Gigantes require plenty of room to roam.

• Gamefowl Influence – They can be more alert and athletic than standard breeds. Secure housing and tall fencing are recommended.

• Climate – Well-suited to warm climates, as they developed in Brazil, but may need protection in colder regions.

• Diet – Their large frame requires a balanced, protein-rich diet to support growth and egg laying.

🧬 Appearance at a Glance

Size

• Roosters: 4.5+ kg (10+ lbs), very tall

• Hens: 3+ kg (6.5+ lbs)

Comb

• Can be pea (high or low) or ball type

Plumage & Varieties

• Standard Indio Gigante: Tall, yellow-skinned, diverse feather colors

• Urubu (Vulture) – Black feathers, black comb, face, legs, and wattles

• Polaca Gigante (Giant Polish) – Bare-neck variety

• Raçudo Gigante – Short-beaked, giving a rounded head shape

Eggs

• Medium to large, in multiple colors: white, beige, red, blue, or green

🧡 Heritage and Conservation

Though relatively new, the Indio Gigante has quickly become a point of pride in Brazil. With standards defined by ABRACIG, breeders are working to secure recognition and ensure the breed’s long-term preservation.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Indio Gigante is more than just a chicken — it’s a giant among poultry. With its towering height, unique egg colors, and Brazilian heritage, it stands out as one of the most unusual breeds in the world.

For those who have the space and interest in raising something truly extraordinary, the Indio Gigante is a bold and remarkable choice.

Did You Know?

• The Indio Gigante is on track to be Brazil’s first officially recognized pure chicken breed.

• Some roosters can reach over 40 inches tall — taller than many toddlers!

• Its egg colors range from white to green to red, making every clutch a surprise.

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