Sultans are at the very height of ornamental oddity in the chicken world. Not only do they have a froofy cascade of feathers on top of their head but they have a v-shaped comb, muffs, a beard, five toes instead of the usual four--and they're even feather-footed! In fact, they look something like a cockatiel on steroids, and if you don't tell your friends that your bird is a type of chicken, they may never guess it on their own.
Sultans have been chic in the poultry world ever since the sultans of Ottoman Empire kept them in their gardens. They are wonderful for show, because their "attire" is so impressive and outlandish. They're also very calm birds--on the show floor this translates to "easier for poultry judges to handle."
* The minimum order of day-old chicks shipped to Rhode Island is 12 due to Rhode Island state law.
Baby Chicks: Behind the Scenes