Ayam Cemani is an uncommon and relatively modern breed of
chicken from Indonesia. Ayam means "chicken" in Bahasa Indonesia.
Cemani refers to the village on the island of Java this breed originates. They
have probably been used for centuries for religious and mystical purpose. They
were first described by Dutch colonial settlers and first imported to Europe in
1998 by the Dutch breeder Jan Steverink.
Their beak and tongue, black comb and wattles; even their
meat, bones, and organs appear black. However, their blood is normally colored.
The birds' black color occurs as a result of excess pigmentation of the
tissues, caused by a genetic condition known as fibromelanosis. This gene is
also found in some other black fowl breeds.
The roosters weigh 2–2.5 kg and the hens from 1.5–2 kg. The
hens lay cream-colored eggs with a slight pink tint, although they are poor
setters and rarely hatch their own brood. Eggs weigh an average of 45 g.
Currently, they are kept in the Netherlands, Germany,
Slovakia, Czech Republic, and the US. In the past individual birds in the US
have been priced at $2500.
About Ayam Cemani Chickens
