Last Updated on January 14, 2025 by Pauline G. Carter

Why the name Ayam Cemani? In Indonesia, the word, Ayam means ‘chicken’. Cemani is the name of the village in Java from where the Ayam Cemani Chickens originate. This bird, unbelievable though it may seem, is completely black in color, from top to bottom.

It has been defined this way because it has a genetic ‘condition’ that makes them completely black. No wonder it’s a status symbol, presumably bringing luck to whoever can be lucky enough to have one. Indonesia is a country where chickens are seen around everywhere, pecking the ground, free-ranging or making it to the dinner table at some stage.

But amongst these chickens, one is not commonly found; you won’t find the Ayam Cemani pecking around the streets of Indonesia, because it is extremely rare and very expensive. The Javanese people love their chickens, and they particularly will give a chicken such as the Ayam Cemani special care and treatment.

Ayam Cemani Chicken | Breed Profile

Characteristics Of The Welsummer Chickens

The Ayam Cemani is truly a fascinating bird, simply just looking at it. Apart from the entire body being black, their combs, eyes, skin, beak, feathers, and feet are all black too. The meat is black as well. They are hardy birds, not flighty or nervous behavior is seen.

As far as Ayam Cemani chicken eggs are concerned, the hens are not huge egg layers either, producing around 60-80 eggs in a year compared to other chicken breeds, some of which can lay around 230 in a year. The eggs are creamy colored, sometimes having a slight pinkish tinge to them — the weight is around 2 to 3 kg.

Behavior / Temperament

The Ayam Cemani’s, apart from being beautiful, are friendly birds. The chicken lays creamy-colored eggs, and these aren’t black! The Ayam Cemani does not sit well on its egg, and therefore they don’t really roost either.

So really, the only way to hatch out Ayam Cemani chicks is to incubate them. Even though they possess such hypnotic beauty, they are hardy birds, low-maintenance, and easy to handle.

The pros and cons of the Ayam Cemani Chicken …

Positives

• Hardy
• Beautiful and unique

Negatives

• Rare
• Expensive
• Not a meat producer

Is the Ayam Cemani Chicken the right choice for you?

The ‘magical’ Ayam Cemani chickens are rare jewels in the poultry world. If you want to own one of these, prepare to fork up from $3000-4000 per chicken. The owner of Cemani Farms has explained that many people look to buy the Ayam Cemani bird simply because of its so-called spiritual properties which it possesses.

They want to use the ‘black blood’ of the birds. But actually, the blood is not black; it is a dark red colour. On construction sites in Indonesia, an Ayam Cemani bird might be offered as a token of good luck for the future of the building.

Some buyers almost want to change their mind when buying the bird if the bird does not exhibit the color of blood they want to see in the bird.

The meat of the bird is not eaten. Some farms in the USA that sell the birds reckon that a couple of chefs have approached them to show interest in what the bird has to offer in the culinary department.

If you can manage to get your hands on Ayam Cemani chickens for sale, they are simply stunning to look at; they are friendly and hardy – in fact, they are such a ‘good choice’, they have become rare and expensive, this magnificent ‘Lamborghini of Chickens’.

Ultimate Guide To Take Care For Ayam Cemani Chicken

There are a few key things to keep in mind as far as taking care of your Ayam Cemani chicken goes. First and foremost, these chickens are not like other chicken breeds and require a bit more attention.

Here is a quick guide on how to take care of your Ayam Cemani chicken:

1. Make sure they have plenty of space to roam around and exercise. Ayam Cemani chickens need room to move around and stretch their legs. If they are confined to a small area, they will become bored and stressed, leading to health problems.

2. Provide them with a balanced diet. Ayam Cemani chickens need a high protein diet and low in fat. You can either purchase a special chicken feed formulated for Ayam Cemani chickens or create your homemade mix.

3. Give them access to clean water at all times. Chickens need to stay hydrated and water is an essential part of their diet. So make sure that their water dish is always clean and filled with fresh water.

4. Keep their living area clean. Chickens are very messy creatures and their living area can quickly become cluttered with chicken droppings. Clean out their coop regularly and make sure that there is plenty of ventilation to prevent the build-up of ammonia fumes.

5. Handle them with care. Ayam Cemani chickens are delicate creatures and should be handled with care. Be gentle when picking them up and put them down carefully.

You can ensure that your Ayam Cemani chicken stays healthy and happy by following these simple tips. These chickens make a great addition to any flock, and with proper care, they will provide you with years of enjoyment.

FAQ: Ayam Cemani Chicken

Do Ayam Cemani chickens lay black eggs?

Yes, Ayam Cemani chickens do lay black eggs. This is because the color of the eggshell is determined by the pigmentation of the chicken’s body, and since Ayam Cemani chickens are entirely black, they lay black eggs. However, it should be noted that not all black chicken breeds lay black eggs – some, like the Black Australorp, lay brown eggs.

Do people eat Ayam Cemani chickens?

Yes, people do eat Ayam Cemani chickens. They are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world and can fetch a high price. While the meat is not significantly different from that of other chicken breeds, the bird’s black feathers, skin, and bones are said to have medicinal properties.

What are Ayam Cemani chickens good for?

Ayam Cemani chickens are good for both meat and eggs. In addition, the breed is known for being hardy and disease-resistant, making it a good choice for homesteaders or small farmers. The birds are also said to have calm dispositions, making them suitable for backyard chicken-keeping.

What do Ayam Cemani chickens look like?

Ayam Cemani chickens are entirely black, from their feathers to skin to bones. The breed is relatively small, with hens weighing around 4 pounds and roosters around 6 pounds. Ayam Cemani chickens have a single comb and wattles, and the hens tend to be less vocal than other chicken breeds.

Conclusion

Ayam Cemani Chicken is one of the most popular chicken breeds globally. This breed is known for its black plumage, resulting from a genetic condition called fibromelanosis. This breed is also known for its docile temperament and egg production.

Ayam Cemani Chicken is a great choice for those looking for a chicken that is both beautiful and productive.
If you are looking for a chicken that is sure to stand out, then the Ayam Cemani Chicken is your breed.