The Ayam Cemani has gotten a lot of buzz in the food community in the previous few years. Considering how black it is on the inside and out, it's no surprise that it's been linked to the Dark Arts, particularly in Indonesia.
They're still a somewhat uncommon bird, and getting one is nearly impossible (reputable US breeders are all sold out until 2019, for example!). The purpose of this content is to provide you with a better understanding of these fascinating and odd birds so that you can decide whether or not to include them in your flock.
Ayam Cemani – The Most Expensive Chicken In The World
The Ayam Cemani's Background and History
There isn't much clarity in Ayam Cemani's beginnings. It is said to have originated in Sumatra, but that particular breed is now extinct due to habitat destruction.
Photo Source: YouTube
The Ayam Cemani is frequently linked to the Javanese breeds collectively referred to as Kedu, which originate in the central plains of the island. Some believe that the ancestors of Ayam Cemani are the chickens from the Indonesian island of Ayam Bekisar.
Green jungle fowl and domesticated red jungle fowl were combined to create the Ayam Bekisar. This cross-breeding was a difficult task because some of the crosses would not produce offspring.
Interestingly, seamen employed this bird as a foghorn on their ships because of its distinctive crow. This technique is still present today.
Even the name itself is ambiguous in its connotations: In Indonesian, Ayam refers to chicken, while Cemani can refer to either the 'settlement of Cemani' or the Sanskrit concept of solid black.' You have a choice.
Some people believe it's a landrace bird, although there's evidence to suggest it was once a distinct breed. It's not a 'familiar people's chicken.
These birds are a prestigious symbol for wealthy people and community leaders, and they are well-cared-for as a result. The blood and other components of the bird are beneficial in traditional medical formulations, and they are considered good luck charms.
The Ayam Cemani has magical abilities. And they serve as a bridge between the worlds of the living and the spirits. As a result, it serves as a God-pleasing sacrificial bird. Indonesians rarely eat its flesh since it is considered poisonous. In 1998, a Dutchman named Jan Steverink brought them to Europe for the first time.
Ayam Cemani Breed And Appearance
Appearance
Seeing Ayam Cemanis is like witnessing a sight for sore eyes. In sunlight, their beetle-green iridescence on their all-black feathers is mesmerizing.
In terms of size, they're medium-sized birds with males weighing about 4.5-6.5lb. And females about 3.5-4.5lb.
They resemble a game bird in appearance, being large and robust with close-fitting feathers. They hold themselves in a self-assured manner and are constantly on the lookout for danger.
Breed Standard
The American Poultry Association has yet to designate the Ayam Cemani as a breed. The Ayam Cemani club in the United States is currently developing a perfection standard for their species.
The following is a description based on the Dutch definition of excellence.
- The bird should be attentive and upright, almost game-like in its posture and behavior.
- Muscles cover a medium-sized frame that's lean, firm, and athletic.
- It will have a large chest and a medium back that slopes down from the neck. Long, muscular wings sprout from broad shoulders.
- The tail is at a reasonable height. The muscles in the thighs give the thighs a robust appearance. On each foot of the bird, there should be four toes.
- Feathers are entirely black and form-fitting. Hair, nails, and wattles should all be black to match the fur. There shouldn't be any other hues visible.
- In sunlight, the feathers may have an iridescent beetle-green to a purple sheen.
Ayam Cemani Temperament And Disposition
This bird has a kind and likable personality. Even the roosters are friendly and caring. People who own or have experience with the Ayam Cemani breed disagree with the claim that they are flighty. These feathered friends are simple to care for and don't require a lot of attention.
When provided with adequate home and shelter, they are incredibly hardy, even in the harsh winters. Since they're from Indonesia, it should come as no surprise that they can handle heat well.
Ayam Cemani Egg Production
The Ayam Cemani isn't the best at laying eggs, as you might expect. They lay about 80 eggs a year on average, or about one egg a week.
They do go 'off-lay' for a long time. After laying around 20-30 eggs, they quit.
This quitting might take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, after which they'll start from scratch. The eggs are enormous for a hen's size, and they are cream in color with a bit of pink tint (not black). Black eggs have appeared in several images online. But, be assured, these are fakes.
Depending on who you ask, some people say they're not broody while others believe they are. It's maybe because the bloodlines used to create the animals were different.
Ayam Cemani Common Health Issues
Ayam Cemani has fibromatosis, but experts found no other health conditions. The bird's fibromelanistic gene is mutated, which causes it to deposit an excessive amount of black pigment in its feathers.
Photo Source: YouTube
This unnatural buildup of melanin darkens the skin and surrounding tissues. Other than the Silkie and the Svart Hona from Sweden, only the Kadaknath, an Indian chicken from the Madhya Pradesh region, carries this genetic characteristic.
Although the bone marrow is black, the blood is crimson and seems to be darker than usual. The Ayam Cemani, on the other hand, is a solid and healthy bird.
It's immune to any of the common chicken diseases. And a lot of the time, they are excellent mothers and take excellent care of their young.
You're interested in the Ayam Cemani, but is it the right fit for your homestead?
Adding a few of these black beauties to your flock will cost money, so start saving now. They charge $199.00 for an unsexed chick. And $400.00 for a sexed chick, so this is not for the faint of heart or those strapped for cash!
You can indeed find lower-priced birds, but they'll almost always be of lower quality. Not a lap chicken because it is friendly but not extremely cuddly.
The fact that they will eat from your palm proves that they are not aloof towards humans. They're uncommon and exciting enough that many people purchase them as pets or decorative items.
Final Take
At most, the Ayam Cemani has been around for a hundred years, but chicken fans have just lately discovered it in the 1990s. Since then, they've captivated many people's attention and affection.
The continuous threat of Avian Influenza contributes to the bird's rarity. There are stringent import restrictions in the United States since so much breeding stock originates from Indonesia.
How many of these mysterious black jewels do you own? Let us know in the comments area below what you like about them.
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