Ayam Cemani Chicken

Breed Facts

• Poultry Show Class: Not applicable
• Weights: Hen ——-4.1/2 lbs
  Rooster—-7 lb
  Pullet——4  lbs
  Cockerel—5 lbs
• Purpose: Ornamental/ Meat and Egg
• Egg Shell Color: Cream, Light tan
• Egg Production: 80-120 per year (estimates only, see FAQ)
• Temperament: Docile
• Mating Ratio: 8 Females to 1 Male
• Roost Height: 4+ feet
• Broody: Yes sometimes
• Country of Origin:  Java, Indonesia
• APA:  No
• TLC: Not listed

Description

The breed originated from the island of Java, Indonesia and has probably been used for centuries in religious and mystical purposes. The breed was first described by Dutch colonial settlers and first imported to Europe in 1998 by Dutch breeder Jan Steverink. Their beak and tongue, comb and wattles, even their meat bones and organs appear black. The blood of the Ayam Cemani is normally colored. The bird’s black color occurs as a result of excess pigmentation of the tissues, caused by a genetic condition known as fibro melanosis. This gene is also found in some other black fowl breeds. Roosters can get some mulberry upon maturity due to testosterone and other influences. The hens lay cream-colored eggs, although they are poor setters and rarely hatch their own brood. Our Ayam Cemani’s bloodline includes Raven and some Greenfire.

We cannot guarantee the distribution of black pigment on chicks, some can have leakage in the tongue, mouth and toes. A small percentage will have some silver leakage in the feathers as they mature. We never breed to these and are culled out of our flock if it pops out.