Description
Ayam Cemani Chicken
Breed History and Origin
The Ayam Cemani originates from the island of Java, Indonesia, where it has been used for centuries in cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial practices. The breed was first documented by Dutch settlers and later introduced to Europe in 1998 by breeder Jan Steverink.
Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own Ayam Cemani bloodline since 2018, incorporating well-known lines such as Raven and Greenfire to improve overall quality and consistency. This breed remains rare and highly sought after in the United States.
Appearance and Unique Characteristics
The Ayam Cemani is famous for its all-black appearance, a result of a genetic condition called fibromelanosis, which causes hyperpigmentation throughout the body. Unlike most poultry breeds, this black coloration extends beyond feathers to include:
- Beak and tongue
- Comb and wattles
- Skin and bones
- Internal organs
Despite this, their blood is normal in color.
As the birds mature, especially roosters, slight mulberry tones may appear due to hormonal changes. Additionally, some birds may show minor “leakage” (lighter pigment) in areas such as the mouth, toes, or feathers. These traits are carefully managed in breeding programs, and birds showing undesirable leakage are typically removed from breeding stock.
Egg Production and Broodiness
Ayam Cemani hens lay approximately 80–120 cream to light tan eggs per year, making them a lower-production breed compared to commercial layers.
Broodiness is inconsistent—some hens may go broody, but they are generally not reliable setters, meaning artificial incubation or foster hens are often used for hatching.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
This breed is known for being docile and manageable, making it a good option for backyard flocks despite its exotic appearance. They adapt well to free-range environments and benefit from space to roam.
They prefer higher roosting areas, typically 4 feet or more, and do well in flocks when properly managed.
Production Positioning and Use
The Ayam Cemani is best positioned as a rare ornamental and specialty breed rather than a production bird. While they do provide meat and eggs, their primary value lies in their uniqueness, rarity, and visual appeal.
They are often sought after by collectors, breeders, and enthusiasts interested in exotic poultry genetics.
Breeding Considerations
Maintaining full, consistent black pigmentation is a key goal in Ayam Cemani breeding programs. However, some variability is natural:
- Minor pigment leakage can occur in chicks
- Occasional silver feathering may appear as birds mature
Selective breeding is essential to improve uniformity over time.
Availability and Ordering
Ayam Cemani chickens are typically available in limited supply, and demand is consistently high. Early ordering is recommended to secure availability. Fertile hatching eggs may also be offered at select times.
Related Resources
Check out our blog: Rare Breed Spotlight: The Ayam Cemani Chicken
FAQ
Are Ayam Cemani chickens completely black?
Yes, they are black inside and out due to fibromelanosis, though minor pigment variations can occur.
Do Ayam Cemani chickens lay black eggs?
No, they lay cream to light tan eggs.
Are they good egg producers?
No, they are considered low producers with 80–120 eggs per year.
Are Ayam Cemani chickens rare?
Yes, they are one of the rarest and most sought-after chicken breeds.
Are they good for beginners?
Yes, they are generally docile, but their rarity and cost make them better suited for more serious poultry keepers.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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sarahscitta –
I ordered three Ayam Cemani chicks from Cackle Hatchery almost a year ago, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! The pricing was fair, and the chicks arrived safely, thanks to their excellent packaging and careful shipping process. All three females were strong, healthy, and true to the breed standard—no leakage, great confirmation, and they’ve continued to thrive as they’ve grown.
I’ve ordered from other hatcheries and vendors before and none have matched the quality and care I received from here. Their birds are exceptional and their shipping process ensures the chicks arrive in top condition. I have no hesitation in placing another order and plan on purchasing more chicks from them this year. Highly recommend to anyone looking for quality poultry from a reliable source!
Joseph Staley –
So I ordered 4 chicks on two separate orders. The first came with two extra that unfortunately was DOA, but the other four came in healthy. On my second order of four I received 5 with one DOA, but yet again the other four were very healthy. Now that it’s been a few months I have lost one to mysterious reasons. I have 7 very black very healthy chickens. Unfortunately 5 are roosters and only 2 hens. Overall I’m very happy with it all. Ill definitely order more next year to try and increase my hens.
Carly Jarman –
I took a leap and purchased five Cemanis through Cackle and was actually given two more free. Whether this was to ensure I had 5 survive, there were leftovers that day or they were just really generous I couldn’t say.
All 7 made it. I have 3 beautiful roos and 4 hens. Surprisingly, they’re much more docile than the other breeds- the hens politely waiting their turn for snacks- and the boys actually bring food to all the ladies. I can’t recommend them enough. None of them have any noticeable color leaching at all.
I also purchased Cackle’s version of the zombie and the color dynamic in those boys is phenomenal.
Peter Grubb –
I ordered 6 Ayam Cemani chicks and 7 were shipped to me. One mysteriously died a few days later, so was happy I still have 6. This was in April and now it is September and the 6 are fully grown and healthy. I have 2 roosters and 4 hens. The hens have started to lay. One rooster is very handsome with a large comb. Their crow is not too loud. I’m building a second coop just for the 6 so I can breed them. They are a little more skittish than my other breeds, but once they are in their own coop I hope I can spend more time with them and get them to be more tame. This is my second order from Cackle and I’ve been very happy with their chicks and their service.
Donna Fichtl –
I purchased 3 Ayam chicks, and was given 4. Only 1 was female. One of the males developed leakage – white tipped feathers. No leakage on the others by 3 months of age. All were healthy and pretty. Two of the males fought everyone (including larger chicks) from early on. The Ayams seemed more affected by Oklahoma heat than my other breeds, so I sold them to simplify my flock. I was satisfied with Cackle. I just decided Ayams aren’t for me.
chasebrooks –
Our 6 Cemanis arrived healthy, and all of them are still alive after 4 months or so. I will say that they are significantly smaller than our other breeds, but it doesn’t appear that we have any color leakage issues. Pretty pleased!
Jolene Baughman –
I just got my chicks! Healthy and happy babies! From here, it’s up to me! Thank you so much!!!
Robert Cook –
I ordered 6 of the Cemani for delivery in mid April 2023 for my first cousin in central Texas. All six arrived healthy and in good shape.
Here recently, much to our disappointment, she recently discovered she had 5 males and one female. But we understand its impossible to sex chicks at this age.
Unfortunately, she lost two males earlier in the month, due to fighting. In fact, she recently lost two more males, due to fighting.
She has 1 male and 1 female left. Our fingers are crossed they breed, because both are solid black!
Fingers crossed! Everything that Cackle promised came true. I will order more birds next year to send to her!
Keep up the good work!
Segismundo Millan –
I ordered 7. They’re about 12 weeks. 5 cockerels 2 pullets. 3 of the cockerels with white feather leakage – one all black but with mulberry tones on earlobes and one all black a crinkled comb. One pullet looks All black at this point. The other pullet with a pink tongue. A lot of “leakage”. Lucky for me – my in laws are only interested in black meat for “medicine” soup. Unlucky for my wallet because I could have gone with silkies.
Shipping was fine – the all arrived alive. I ordered 3 black female australorps After I made this initial order and they all came together. Had to pay separate shipping. They did throw in 2 extra australorps. Which I’ve been reading is standard practice to add extra. I wish they threw in some extra Cemanis since almost all of them have leakage.
Other places will charge $100/$150 a chick. You might have to go with that option if you’re planning on getting into breeding or want a nice specimen of the breed. If you want pets or medicine meat. Order from here since you’ll be culling most of your purchase anyways.
Cackle Hatchery (store manager) –
Oh no so sorry to hear that. As stated on website possible white on wings, though rare, is normal and always go black by first molt and 30% will have white color leakages in tongue, mouth and toes.
We cannot guarantee the distribution of black pigment on chicks.
Krystyn Andrews –
Very disappointed with Cackle! I bought 8 Ayam Cemanis and 1 has White thru out the neck and wings, (I sent them photos its clear as day)
and getting more daily. They told me they couldn’t guarantee the all black bird sorry! Wow really I spend $49.99 for a bird I can’t use for reproducing (hes a Roo and will now ruin every egg he fertilizes) because the breed is all black and if a 4h or ffa student has white in an All Black bird they’ll be disqualified. $400.00 and all they had to say was Sorry!
Cackle Hatchery (store manager) –
Oh no so sorry to hear that. As stated on website possible white on wings, though rare, is normal and always go black by first molt and 30% will have white color leakages in tongue, mouth and toes. We cannot guarantee the distribution of black pigment on chicks.