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.

As of now, the Ayam Cemani is not recognized by the American Poultry Association. The US Ayam Cemani club is currently working on a standard of perfection for this breed. The standard description below is from the Dutch standard of perfection. The bird should stand upright, alert – almost 'game-like'. The body is of medium size, slim, firm and muscular. It will have a fairly broad breast and a medium back which slopes from the neck. The wings are long and strong arising from wide shoulders. The tail is held moderately high. Thighs are powerful and muscular. The bird should have 4 toes to each foot. Feathers are all black and are close fitting to the body. Skin, eyes, wattles and comb should all be black. No other color should be seen. The feathers may show a beetle-green to purple iridescence in sunlight.