This Chicken Is Completely Black From Its Feathers To Its Bones

Ayam Cemani has inspired Javanese folklore since the 12th century, when it was considered a bird of the elite. Its charcoal-coloured blood is rumored to be a delicacy of spirits that bring power and wealth, making it a good luck charm.

If you would like to add a couple of these black beauties to your flock, you had better save your pennies. An unsexed chick from them will set you back $199.00 or a sexed juvenile is a cool $400.00 – not for the faint of heart or anyone short of funds. Of course, you can get cheaper birds but they will usually be of inferior quality – as always, buyer-beware. Described as friendly but not particularly 'cuddly', so it is not really a lap chicken. They will take feed from your hand so they certainly are not stand-offish with people. Many people buy them as pets or eye candy – they certainly are unusual and noteworthy.