AYAM CEMANI

Description

The Ayam Cemani is an all-black chicken that originates in Indonesia. In fact, Ayam is the Indonesian word for chicken. Some believe that this breed has healing or magical properties. This chicken has a black tongue, legs, comb, internal organs, and meat. Its black feathers have a beautiful metallic sheen that may look green or purple. This bird’s all-black coloring is due to a genetic mutation known as either hyperpigmentation or fibromelanosis—which peaks between 1 and 3 years of age. Please be aware that the distribution of black pigmentation is not guaranteed in any offspring because the breed, not yet recognized by the APA, can revert to the genetics of one of its relatives, such as the Ayam Kedu, which has red combs and wattles. TGIA Hatchery cannot guarantee that chicks will remain solid black or without leakage. TGIA Hatchery’s Ayam Cemani breeder flock consists of 2 fibro-gene chickens.

 

Would you expect black eggs from an all-black chicken? Surprisingly, the eggs will NOT be black. You can expect cream or tinted eggs from these black hens, which will start to lay at around 5 to 6 months of age. The average rate of lay is two eggs per week.

 

The birds are muscular and moderate in size. Most males weigh about 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds, with females weighing about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds. While some people eat the dark meat of the Ayam Cemani, it typically is kept to be an ornamental breed. Broodiness and mothering skills will vary.

 

More Details

Leg Band Color: Green

Hybrid: No

Clean or Feathered Legs: Clean

Leg Color: Black

Top Knot: No

Muffs: No

Beard: No

Number of Toes: 4

Skin Color: Black

Comb Type: Single

Lobes: Black

Purpose: Ornamental

Broody: Varies

Weekly Production: 1-2 eggs

Egg Color: Cream

Egg Size: S/M

Laying Maturity: 20-24 weeks

Processing Age: 20-24 weeks

Hardiness: Hardy in all climates

Forager: Yes

Personality: Friendly, Calm

Good Pet?: Yes

Livestock Conservancy Status: n/a

APA Class: Not Recognized

Origin: Indonesia

Bird Size: Hens 4.5 lbs; Roosters 5.5 lbs

Chick Color: Black

Adult Color: Black

Feather Pattern: Solid