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Raised as Pets, Serama Breed Gains Ground and Becomes a Source of Income for Small Breeders
The smallest chicken in the world has eggs sold for up to R$ 3,000, and it’s gaining popularity in Brazil. Known as Serama, this Asian-origin bird has become a pet and a lucrative business for breeders in São Paulo’s countryside.
With a height of only 15 centimeters and weighing 400 grams, the Serama is considered the smallest among the over 2,000 existing chicken breeds. In Brazil, its breeding started around 2014, but it has only recently gained popularity among breeders who see the birds as a commercial—and affectionate—opportunity.
Small in Size, Huge in Value
The Serama originated in Malaysia in the 1970s and arrived in Brazil through breeders specialized in ornamental breeds. The bird stands out not only for its gentle appearance and upright posture but also for its high market value. Fertile eggs can cost up to R$ 3,000 per dozen, depending on the lineage.
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According to a report from G1, breeder Marco Cosi from Pindamonhangaba (SP) sells birds between R$ 1,000 and R$ 3,500. In weeks of high demand, he claims to have sold up to 30 birds and 18 dozen eggs.
Luxury Pet or Investment?
The Serama has gained traction as a pet. “They are gentle, quiet, and very companionable birds. Children love them, ” Cosi states. The breeder also emphasizes that the high value prevents egg consumption: the focus is on breeding and keeping them as a hobby or source of income.
The lifespan of Seramas ranges from 5 to 10 years, and their care requires specific attention. They do not tolerate drafts, cold, or dew, and need to be raised in closed enclosures. Cosi’s birds sunbathe twice a day and are sheltered in a space originally adapted for horses.
From Farm to Main Income
Cosi began breeding Seramas in 2020, when he left São Paulo during the pandemic and moved to the family farm. What began as a hobby turned into a business. He invested about R$ 30,000 in purchasing breeding pairs and now has 153 birds, including chicks and adults. The flock includes Dutch, American, Belgian, and Spanish varieties — the latter being the most valued.
The production is controlled by incubators, and the hens can lay up to 10 eggs per month. One of the birds has become a symbol of the breeding: weighing only 136 grams, it was named Giuli and is the household favorite.
Would you have a Serama as a pet or raise them for profit? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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