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The Ayam Cemani eggs color, cockerel, and hen have got many folks talking over the past couple of years.
It is a complete blackbird- inside and out, so the Indonesian people associate the bird with mystical or Dark Arts wherever it is seen.
If you have a hobby of owning or collecting exotic-looking chickens, you might want to add this black chicken to your collection. Unfortunately, this black Indonesian chicken breed is a rare breed and cannot be mistaken for another.
It’s completely black, with feathers that have a metallic sheen. Its skin is black, has a black beak, black feathers, and the roosters have a black comb. What’s even stranger? All of its internal organs and bones are black, too.
Currently, they remain a hard bird to find and are pretty difficult to obtain (reputable US breeders are sold until 2019!)
In this article, we will look at these interesting and unusual bird temperament, pictures, price, etc., and help you figure out if you need them in your flock!
Ayam Cemani Eggs Color | Laying ability
The Ayam Cemani is a poor egg layer.
Averagely, they lay around 80 eggs each year, which is around one egg per week. However, they do seem to go “off lay” for a long period. They will lay 20-30 eggs and then quit laying. This can last for as long as six months, and then they will begin the process all over again!
Compared to the size of the hen, the black chicken eggs are quite large and cream-colored with a small pink tint (not black). I have seen lots of photos that show black eggs- rest assured, those are nothing but fakes!
Some chicken keepers argue that they’re broody, and others say they are not. This may be a result of the differences in bloodlines obtained.
They tend to make good mothers and care well for their black chicks hatched from eggs.
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Background and History
The origin of the Ayam Cemani is quite vague, at least. But, chances are, it has its origins in Sumatra, where the original breed is almost out of extinction.
This blackbird is most times associated with a group of breeds known as Kedu from the central plains of Java. It is believed to be an offshoot of the Ayam Bekisar chicken, which lives on a small island in Indonesia.
The Ayam Bekisar originated from matching the green jungle fowl with some domesticated jungle fowl. Now, this process was a tricky one as certain crosses will be infertile.
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This group of fowl has a very distinct crow and was used by seafarers as foghorns on boats- a practice still used today.
There is confusion in the name of the blackbird: In the Indonesian language, Ayam means chicken, but the name Cemani can either mean the “Village of Cemani” in local dialect or “solid black” in Sanskirt; you can pick whichever you want.
It is said by some folks to be a landrace bird, but there is evidence that it was a developed breed at some point. It is not a “common chicken breed” as wealthy people, and people of great affluence have these birds as status symbols and take great care of them.
They are sought after for the good luck charm they bring (as believed by some people), with the chicken blood and other parts of the bird being used in preparing traditional medicine.
The Ayam Cemani is said to have magical powers and can aid in the communication between the living and the dead world. As such, it is used as a sacrifice to please the gods to grant one access. Therefore, its flesh is rarely consumed in Indonesia.
A Dutchman named Jan Steverink imported them to Europe back in 1998.
Ayam Cemani Appearance and Breed Standard
Appearance
Ayam Cemanis are a striking sight. Covered in black feathers, it radiates a beetle-green plasmatic play of color in sunlight that is absolutely stunning.
They are not an overly large fowl; the boys weigh around 4.5-6.5lb, with the hen weighing around 3.5-4.5lb, respectively, so more of a medium-sized bird.
They are muscular and strong in appearance with close-fitting feathers, not unlike a game bird. They strike a confident pose and are always at alert.
- Breed Standard
The American Poultry Association has not recognized the Ayam Cemani. The US Ayam Cemani club is actively working on a standard of perfection for this breed.
The standard description below is from the Dutch standard of perfection.
- The bird should stand upright, alert – almost ‘game-like.
- The body is slim, muscular, medium size, and firm.
- It will have a medium back that slopes from the neck and a fairly broad breast. The wings are strong and long, arising from wide shoulders.
- The tail is held moderately high. Thighs are muscular and powerful. The bird should have four toes to each foot.
- All Feathers are black and are close-fitting to the body. Comb, Skin, eyes, and wattles should all be black. No other color should be seen.
- The feathers can display a beetle-green to purple iridescence in sunlight.
Ayam Cemani Temperament and Disposition
Generally, the Cemani has been reported to be a likable and friendly bird. They are gentle, docile, and intelligent- including the roosters.
They have been described as flighty, but many people who have them say this is not so. They are low maintenance and easy to handle fowl.
They are winter hardy- handling winter well when given the appropriate shelter and housing.
Since they originated in Indonesia, you can agree that they will handle heat pretty well.
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Common Health Issues
I couldn’t find any health problems with this particular chicken breed, but this is a great avenue to talk about fibromatosis of the Ayam Cemani.
The bird was a mutant fibromelanistic gene- a gene that deposits excessive black pigment.
This abnormal accumulation of melanin makes the tissues and skin appear black. This genetic trait is only carried by three other birds- the Kadaknath – a chicken of the Madhya Pradesh region of India, the Svart Hona from Sweden, and the Silkie.
The blood is red and is argued to be darker than normal, although the bone marrow is back.
In all other aspects, the Ayam Cemani is a robust and healthy bird. It does not appear to be prone to any particular chicken ailment.
Is the Ayam Cemani Right for You?
If you would love to add these beautiful black birds to your flock, you had better save your pennies.
An unsexed chick from them will cost you about $199.00, or a sexed juvenile is a whopping $400.00 – not for people who are “broke” or don’t like to spend much.
Of course, you can get cheaper birds, but they are most times of lower quality.
Described as friendly but really “cuddly”, so it is not a lap chicken. They will eat feed from your palms, so they are certainly not the stand-offish kind of people.
A lot of people will purchase them as pets or show off.
Summary on Ayam Cemani Eggs
The Ayam Cemani has been in existence for a hundred years or more but only came to the limelight recently in the 1990s.
Since that time, they have captured the imagination and the hearts of many admirers.
The ongoing threat of Avian influenza has contributed to the rareness of the bird. Although most of the breeding stock comes from Indonesia, the US importation restrictions are harsh and prevent more outbreaks of the disease.
We hope you can now identify Ayam Cemani eggs, breed, and can care for them.
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