Ayam Cemani
Indigenous to Java, Indonesia, the Ayam Cemani is a seriously threatened species of chicken. There, they are honored and given as offerings of sacrifice. Their high melanin levels—which cover them from head to toe and even inside—are much sought after. These lively, intelligent, fast, athletic birds are Discover all there is to know about the Ayam Cemani, including their social organization, habitat, and food.
Amazing Ayam Cemani Facts
There are over 3,500 Ayam Cemani existing worldwide.
The American Poultry Association does not list these chickens as a breed.
Often offered as sacrifices, they are also a symbol of wealth in Indonesia.
Apart from when they have to go inside their coops for the night, Ayam Cemani makes not much noise. They are lively and like spending their days pecking at the ground.
The birds dislike to perch on their eggs, so breeders must artificially incubate them.
Ayam Cemani photos
Where to Find the Ayam Cemani
These birds call Java, an Indonesian volcanic island sandwiched between Sumatra and Bali, home. The Ayam Cemani is regarded as a prestige emblem for the rich and is used for sacrifices in their native nation. Still, starting in 1998, they were sent to Europe and the US. Although they are still somewhat rare, you can sometimes find them from breeders overseas. During the day, they search the ground for food, wandering meadows and fields.
Scientific Name
Unique within the genus and family Gallus is the breed known as Ayam Cemani. Ayam is the Indonesian term for “chicken, and cemani is the Javanese word for “totally black.”. The American Poultry Association (APA) formally does not classify them as a breed. Regarding their origins, there is dispute. While some believe they were developed, others believe the Ayam Bakisar breed—a mix between red and green jungle fowl—is their source.
Size, Appearance, & Behavior
For hens, Ayam Cemanis weigh between 3.3 and 4.4 pounds; for roosters, they weigh 4.4 to 5.5 pounds. These creatures are especially faster, stronger, and more muscular than ordinary chickens. Black or dark gray are their meat, organs, wattles, beaks, tongue, combs, bones, and wattles. Hyperpigmentation has left them entirely black from head to toe. Their black feathers have tints of green and purple with an iridescent, silky, glossy shine. These hens also have single combs, big wings, broad shoulders, and strong legs. Every day, the alert Ayam Cemani scrapes the ground and cries when it comes time for evening retirement. Usually energetic, intelligent, and flexible, their surroundings have little effect on them. Still, they could prefer to be secretive and take their time associating with other birds. They are rather quiet birds, dependable flyers, and just once-daily crowers.
Diet
What Does the Ayam Cemani Eat?
Like other chickens, this one searches for food by pecking about its region. Its diet mostly consists of grains, seeds, plants, insects, grubs, fruit, and vegetables. When urged to return to their coops, they often loudly object since they would rather spend the whole day prowling free on pasture.
Predators, Threats, and Conservation Status
This does not appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Thus, we do not know exactly the conservation status of this species. But given its limited habitat and small population, many consider this chicken to be quite unique. Avian influenza is the major threat to this species since it causes coughing, weariness, fluid retention, and appetite loss.
What Eats the Ayam Cemani?
Like other chickens, Ayam Cemani is vulnerable to hunters, including coyotes, foxes, birds of prey, raccoons, possums, skunks, and snakes. Their eggs are especially prey-friendly, and the young they create. Fortunately, though, their dark hue helps them blend in at night.
Reproduction, Young, and Molting
Early on in life, female Ayam Cemani begins egg production. Annually, they lay one or two eggs per week, ranging from 60 to 100 eggs. They will stop producing for weeks at a time, though, and they are not particularly known for having perfect egg layers. They also hardly hatch their own eggs; hence, hatching takes place using artificial means. Unlike common opinion, their eggs are really big; they are not black. Their complexion is cream-pink. This chicken usually has a six- to eight-year life span.
Population
The worldwide adult Ayam Cemani population is unknown. Estimates place less than 3,500 of them alive today among us. Their population is mostly found in breeding centers and farms.
FAQs
True! Here are a few often asked questions on Ayam Cemani chickens:
What is an Ayam Cemani chicken?
Originating in Indonesia, the uncommon and unusual Ayam Cemani breed of chicken Its totally black look is well-known; feathers, skin, comb, and even internal organs are included.
Why are Ayam Cemani chickens black?
Fibromelanosis is a hereditary disorder causing hyperpigmentation in Ayam Cemani hens. Their unusual black hue throughout their bodies follows from this.
Are Ayam Cemani chickens good layers?
Usually only modest layers, hens produce a fair number of cream-colored eggs. Still, their distinctive look is more valued than their capacity for egg-laying.