Ayam Cemani

Ayam Cemani are rare game birds carrying a fibromelanistic gene mutuation, resulting in a completely black bird, even the meat! They hail from Indonesia and are very new to the United States. Breeders of Ayam Cemani are still working diligently to perfect the breed, while it is yet to be recognized by the American Poultry Association.

Ayam Cemani can be flightly if not handled frequently. Hens are average layers, giving a creamy white egg. No, the egg is not black, no matter what the internet says!

Because of the nature of the gene mutation causing fibromelanism, Ayam Cemani is a heavily culled breed. To achieve a “perfect” bird, with no leakage (non-black attributes leaking into the appearance of the bird), is to chase a unicorn! Very, very few breeders in the U.S. have perfect birds, and those that do are not selling them as they work to consistently reproduce perfect birds. We are constantly learning and striving to improve our breeding stock. We would never claim to have perfect Ayam Cemani. Our goal is to make an accessible and affordable option for hobbyist chicken owners interested in this novelty breed.

If you are interested in understanding more about the fibromelantistic gene mutation that makes the Ayam Cemani so unique, and also why this breed is so difficult to perfect, visit this article from the Ayam Cemani Breeder’s Association.