What is an Ayam Cemani Hen? – The Mysterious All-Black Chicken Explained
Introduction: Why Is the Ayam Cemani Hen? So amous?
Now imagine a chicken so black that its
feathers, skin, beak, tongue, bones, and even its internal organs are dipped in
black. It’s not myth and legend — it’s the Ayam Cemani hen, one of the most
elusive and spellbinding chickens on the planet.
Originating from Indonesia, this exotic
fowl has gained international fame amongst poultry enthusiasts, breeders, and
admiring animal lovers. Some love it for the myths, some for the beauty, and
others for the rarity.
But what sets the Ayam Cemani hen apart
– and is it really worth the hype?
Let us know.
.jpg "Ayam Cemani HenFacts and Details, Price of Ayam Cemani chickens, Eggs, Care and Myths.")
What Is An Ayam Cemani Hen?
The Ayam Cemani is a rare and unusual
chicken breed originating from Java Island of Indonesia. Ayam = Chicken, in Indonesia language. Cemani
is Javanese and means wholly black.
What’s Different?
The Ayam Cemani hen has a genetic trait
called fibromelanosis, which makes her produce black eggs and also causes the
body to be covered by black pigmentation.
Black features include:
• Feathers
• Skin
• Comb
and wattles
• Beak
and tongue
• Legs
and toenails
• Bones
and internal organs
There is no other chicken breed that has
such intense pigmentation. Origin and Cultural Significance.
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Indonesian Culture and the Sacred Bird
The Ayam Cemani chicken has been tied in
Indonesia for a long time with:
• Spiritual
rituals
• Good
luck
• Prosperity
• Mysticism
In the past, they were owned by royalty
and used in traditional rituals, not as food or for the eggs.
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Physical Features of Ayam Cemani Hens
Appearance
• Colour:
Jet black from head to toe
• Eyes:
Dark brown or black
• Comb:
Single comb, black or dark purple
Weight:
Hens weigh about 3.5 to 4 pounds (1.6 to 1.8 kg).
Roosters are heavier at 4.5 to 5.5 pounds (2 to 2.5 kilograms).
And in case you were wondering, their
blood is red, not black – although some people seem to think otherwise.
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Temperament of an Ayam Cemani Hen
The Ayam Cemani that I have are:
• Alert
and intelligent
• Calm
but shy
• Not
aggressive
• Active
foragers
They’re not perfect lap chickens, but
they do fine in peaceful, well-managed flocks.
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Do Black Eggs Come from Ayam Cemani Hens?
The Truth about the Black Egg Myth
No, Ayam Cemani hens do not lay
black eggs.
They lay:
• Cream
or light beige eggs
• Medium-sized
• About
60–100 eggs per year
The black egg myth likely comes from
confusion with the hen’s appearance and cultural legends.
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Egg Production and Quality
Feature Details
Egg colour: Cream to light tan
Eggs per year 60–100
Egg size Medium
Broodiness: Little to moderate
These hens are worth more for the
novelty and looks rather than the number of eggs they lay.
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Harga Ayam Cemani Betina
Mengapa Mereka Begitu Mahal?
Ayam Cemani hens are scarce outside of
Indonesia, and pure bloodlines are difficult to sustain.
Prices:
• Chicks: $100 to $250
• Young hens: $500 to $1,500
• Breeding pairs: $2,000+
Pricing is subject to variation with
pedigree, health, and breeder reputation.
.jpg "Ayam Cemani HenFacts and Details, Price of Ayam Cemani chickens, Eggs, Care and Myths.")
How to raise an Ayam Cemani hen?
Housing
• Secure
coop (they’re alert but not aggressive)
• Protection
from predators
• Dry
and with good ventilation
Diet
• High-quality
layer feed
• Fresh
greens and insects
• Calcium
supplements for egg health
• Clean
water at all times
Climate requirements
Ayam Cemani hens:
• Prefer
warm climates
• Need
extra protection in cold regions
• Take advantage
of insulated coops in winter.
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Wealth, Health, and Life Expectancy
Common Health Traits
• Generally
hardy
• No
breed-specific diseases
• Vulnerable
in very cold weather
Lifespan
An Ayam Cemani hen will live 8 to 10
years if well cared for.
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Ayam Cemani Hen Breeding.
Breeding requires:
• Verified
purebred stock
• Careful
selection (to maintain full black pigmentation)
• Controlled
mating
The distinctive black traits were
diluted by crossbreeding.
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Ayam cemani and other black breeds: are they alike?
Breed Fully
Black? Egg Colour Rarity
Ayam Cemani Yes (inside & out) Cream Extremely rare
Kadaknath Mostly Brown Rare
Black Australorp No (feathers only) Brown Common
There has never been anything quite like
the pigmentation of Ayam Cemani.
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Are Ayam Cemani Hens Beginner-friendly?
Pros
• Unique
appearance
• Hardy
with proper care
• Calm
temperament
Cons
• Very
expensive
• Low
egg production
• Rare
and hard to replace
Ultimate value to experienced chicken
keepers or poultry aficionados, not the first time in the coop.
________________________________________
Resources for Deepening Your Knowledge
• Food and
Agriculture Organisation (FAO) - Genetics of poultry
• Indonesian
livestock research publications
• Backyard
poultry associations
(Always turn to the authority
figures when it comes to trust and SEO.)
Conclusion: Is the Ayam Cemani Hen a Good Buy?
An Ayam Cemani hen is more than just a
chicken - it’s a living legend. Between its jet black colour, cultural
history, and rare genes, it is the only one of its kind among the poultry breeds
around the globe.
Although it’s not the best hen for meat
and eggs, it has no equal when it comes to visual impact, rarity and
mystery. Ayam Cemani hens are an unbelievable breed if you are truly passionate
about poultry.
FAQs Ayam Cemani Hen
1. Is the Ayam Cemani hen really completely black?
Because of fibromelanosis, a genetic
mutation that results in excess melanin.
2. Do Ayam Cemani hens lay black eggs?
(They lay cream or light brown eggs.)
They do not lay chocolate eggs, but the shell colour is nothing like the yolk.
3. Are Ayam Cemani chickens heat-intolerant?
No. They make me calm but a bit shy.
4. Why are Ayam Cemani chickens so expensive?
The prices are high because of their
rarity, pure bloodline,s and cultural significance.
5. Can Ayam Cemani hens live in the cold?
Yes, though they will require greater warmth and care in cold weather.