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.

The Ayam Cemani is a fairly poor egg layer. On average they will lay around 80 eggs per year which is around 1 egg per week. They do seem to go 'off lay' for an extended period of time. Apparently they will lay 20-30 eggs and then stop laying. This can be up to 6 months, and then they will start all over again. In comparison to the size of the hen the eggs are quite large and they are cream colored with a very slight pink tint (not black). I have seen several photos that show black eggs rest assured these are fake eggs. Some folks state they aren't broody and yet others say they can be broody. This may be due to differences in the blood lines obtained. They tend to make good mothers and care well for their chicks.