The Sanjak Longcrower

The Sanjak Longcrower, or as locally known the ‘Rogaš’, is a rare Chicken breed that originated in Sanjak (a place located at the boundary between Serbia, Bosnia and Kosovo). It’s closely related to the Kosova Longcrower and till recent times it was considered to be its colored variety. This is a long lived dual purpose chicken that is seen in paintings from the Ottoman Empire! This is a landrace breed whos numbers have been dwindling due to the region changes in populations and needs. There are over 15 breeds of “Longcrower” types of chickens (most are NOT in the US).

This chicken is extremely fascinating to us! They are gigantic birds weighing from 3-9 lbs (hens can be on the lower side). They are massive and at the same time can be so submissive its funny. They are flock defenders and will defend against birds of prey. Our most favorite part is of course their awesome crow – they have a long melodic crow that can last anywhere from 10-30 seconds. It is not annoying, but soothing and so cool to hear. They are a strong well built birds, chicks are robust and lively. They are very hardy birds doing well in all climates. They are good mothers, roosters good protectors, and excel at free-ranging.

Sanjak Longcrower hens average 160-180 eggs a year and egg color is all shades of white. They are larger eggs since the birds are a larger breed. The most common color-varieties for the Sanjak are; black, blue, black with red-brownish shoulders, mottled and white. The Sanjak Longcrower has a feathered crest on its head that covers its v-shaped comb. It has also red earlobes, yellowish-green or slate legs The Sanjak Longcrower looks almost identical to the Kosovo Longcrower, and differs mainly in being considerably larger and having multiple-color varieties. In fact, the Sanjak Longcrower got developed with the participation of the Kosovo Longcrower, and big long-legged birds called Berats (an ultra rare bird).