Sanjak Longcrowers

Feb 12

What are Longcrowers and where do they come from?

sanjak longcrower hen — *Photo of a Sugar Feather Farm Sanjak Longcrower Hen*

The Sanjak Longcrower, also called Rogaš, is known in Albanian as "Pulat Boshnjake," which translates to "Bosnian chicken." This breed shares similarities in crest and comb shapes with the Kosovo Longcrower but is significantly larger in body size.

Roosters weigh approximately 8.8-9.9 lbs (4-4.5 kg), with some reaching up to 11-13.2 lbs (5-6 kg).

Hens weigh around 5.5-6.6 lbs (2.5-3 kg).

Appearance

The Sanjak Longcrower is a tall bird with long legs, a medium-sized vertical tail with a wide base, and a strong, well-feathered neck. These birds are exceptionally massive, with roosters having a deep and powerful crow that can last between 10 and 20 seconds.

Sanjak Longcrowers come in a variety of colors, including:

Black
Blue
Black with reddish-brown shoulders
Mottled
White

Origin

The breed was likely developed in the Sanjak region of southern Serbia during the first half of the 20th century. It is also found in eastern Kosovo (Metohiya). The breed likely originated from a mix of Kosovo Longcrowers and large, long-legged birds resembling Berat chickens. This theory is supported by the breed’s geographical origin, situated at the crossroads of Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Its head traits are similar to the Kosovo Longcrower, while its body features resemble the Berat.

Since 2015, the breed has also been reared in Austria.

Unique Characteristics

The breed is named for its ability to produce a prolonged crow, distinguishing it from all other domestic and wild chicken breeds. Roosters of this breed typically crow for 10 to 20 seconds, although some birds in related breeds, like the Denizli or Kosovo Longcrowers, have crows lasting over 60 seconds.

Longcrowing Chicken Breeds

Longcrowing chicken breeds include 14 standard breeds and one miniature breed, distributed as follows:

Asia: 7 breeds
Europe: 6 breeds
Medium position (Turkey): Denizli and Yurlov Longcrower

Balkan Longcrowing Breeds

On the Balkan Peninsula, several longcrowing breeds were developed during the Ottoman period:

Kosovo Longcrower
Bosnian Crower
Berat
Sanjak Crower

Evidence of birds resembling the Kosovo Longcrower dates back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These breeds differ in exterior traits and selection purposes across their breeding locations, resulting in variations in timbre, crow duration, and crow power.

Crested breeds: Kosovo Longcrower and Sanjak Crower
Denizli-like breeds: Berat and Bosnian Crower

Western vs. Balkan Standards

Breed standards differ between Western Europe and the Balkans. In the Balkans, standards allow for broader trait variation, reflecting regional selection practices and purposes.

Landrace Fowl has many unique advantages, as well as a beautiful array of genetic diversity not always found in the more established true breeds. If nothing else, keeping a few unusual landrace fowl to your flock will very likely make you the envy of all your poultry-keeping friends!

Looking for some Landrace Fowl? Come and shop with us!

Explore at our shop

Sugar Feather Farm owns the article, pictures, and information. They are copyrighted and cannot be used without permission from Sugar Feather Farm.

Nicolle Ferrier

Meet Nicolle, also known as The Fowl Guru, with 20 years of experience in animal care. She’s a recognized expert in poultry, sharing her knowledge through webinars, articles, podcasts, and university studies. Nicolle has learned from top professionals in the field and co-founded Sugar Feather Farm LLC. Besides her work, she’s a mother of five, former civil engineering consultant, and a certified Vermont Master Composter. Nicolle volunteers for charitable organizations, teaches kids about raising food and animals, mentors farms, and supports heritage breed preservation.