Ayam Cemani Chicken Breed: The Complete Guide
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The Ayam Cemani chicken breed, often dubbed the "Lamborghini of poultry," is an intriguing and mystical breed that hails from Indonesia. Esteemed for its striking all black appearance and unique characteristics, the Ayam Cemani is not just a chicken but a cultural icon with a history as captivating as its appearance.
History of the Ayam Cemani chicken breed
The Ayam Cemani originates in Indonesian, specifically on the island of Java. The name "Ayam Cemani" translates to "completely black chicken," which aptly describes this breed's most notable feature. Historically, these chickens have been surrounded by a rich folklore, believed to possess mystical powers, making them integral to various spiritual practices and ceremonies in Javanese culture. It is said that the breed was once reserved for the royal families of Java, which adds to its aura of exclusivity and mysticism.
Related Article: Chicken Breed List: Ayam Cemani
The personality of an Ayam Cemani chicken
Ayam Cemanis are known for their calm and docile temperament, which makes them excellent pets. They are surprisingly friendly and can be quite sociable with both humans and other chicken breeds. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they are gentle at heart and adapt well to handling, which endears them to poultry enthusiasts and pet owners alike.
The appearance of Ayam Cemani chickens
The most remarkable feature of the Ayam Cemani is its black coloration. This breed exhibits a genetic trait known as fibromelanosis, which causes hyperpigmentation, resulting in the chicken being entirely black; from its feathers, beak, and claws to even its internal organs and bones. The feathers of the Ayam Cemani have a mesmerizing sheen, reflecting iridescent colors in sunlight, which contrasts beautifully with their matte black appearance.
- Ayam Cemani hens typically weigh between 4-5 pounds.
- Ayam Cemani roosters typically weight between 5-7 pounds.
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Egg Color and production of the Ayam Cemani chicken
Contrary to what one might expect from such a unique breed, Ayam Cemani chickens lay eggs that are cream-colored, with a slight tint of pink. They are moderate layers, typically producing about 80 to 120 eggs per year.
Ayam Cemani hens usually start laying around 5-7 months of age.
Ayam Cemani hens tend to show a low to moderate tendency to go broody. This means they are less likely to sit on their eggs to hatch them compared to other breeds.
Care and health for Ayam Cemani chickens
Ayam Cemani chickens do well in both warm and cooler climates. With proper care and attention, they can live healthy and productive lives, laying eggs for years to come. The average life span of this chicken breed is 5-8 years.
Do you have any Ayam Cemani chickens in your flock? Share with us in the comments below.
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9 comments
I received an Ayam Cemani last November with two other pullets. My daughter ordered them for me, and they were a “surprise mix” that was being offered at the time. Her name is Lucy. She is small, a bit flighty, and has already gone broody. She is apparently not the norm for the breed, but we enjoy her and her personality. She does tend to be bossy with the younger chickens. She has laid nice cream colored small eggs but is not laying currently.
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My Pet Chicken replied:
Thank you for sharing about Lucy! She sounds like such a character, and it is always fun to hear the unique personalities that come out in a mixed flock. While Ayam Cemani are usually known for their striking all-black appearance and less for broodiness, every bird can surprise us. Her cream-colored eggs and bossy streak make her rather unique and it is wonderful that you enjoy her even if she does not fit the “typical” profile of the breed. Sometimes those differences are exactly what make certain hens extra special!
I have 3 still learning about raising chicken.my hoppy
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My Pet Chicken:
Welcome to the chicken-keeping journey! Ayam Cemanis are such a unique and stunning breed to start with, and it’s exciting to hear you’re already raising three. Every day brings something new to learn, and you’re not alone — we’re here to help guide you as your flock grows. If you ever have questions or need tips, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy chicken-keeping, and enjoy every moment of your new hobby!
What special care would I need to take for raising these beautiful birds in the winter cold state of Kansas?
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My Pet Chicken:
Raising chickens in a very cold climate takes a little extra planning, but it’s absolutely doable; some breeds even thrive in colder regions with the right setup! To be prepared you must first have a well insulated and draft free coop. Selecting cold hardy breeds, such as the Ayam Cemani, and other breeds with heavy bodies and small combs is crucial for our colder climates.
Applying some protection to combs and wattles (like our awesome Saveacomb) can help to protect against frostbite. Water must always be available for our chicken friends, so having a heated waterer is a must. Feeding a few extra calories before bedtime can help to generate some body heat and of course, hens will use their higher body temperatures to keep each other warm by roosting together!
Following these suggestions should be a great start to keeping the stunningly gorgeous Ayam Cemanis!
Hello! Could someone tell me when a cemani stops growing? I have 8 months old rooster and I’m worried since he’s 1kg300 and so small! As the text said, he’s VERY sweet and friendly. He loves taking naps on my arms.
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My Pet Chicken:
At 8 months, your Ayam Cemani rooster is likely close to his full size, though he may fill out a bit more by 10-12 months. This breed is generally petite, with roosters averaging 1.5 to 2 kg, so it sounds like he’s on the smaller side but healthy and happy—which is what matters most!
And he sounds so sweet with those cozy naps on your arm. Enjoy your little guy! 😊🐓
I would like more information about this chicken. Getting ahold of you is frustrating since I get bots who can’t answer my questions. I live in Arizona, so I don’t know the time zone you are in.