Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Ayam Cemani, a very rare and exotic black chicken from Indonesia, has captured the fascination of poultry enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in America. Known for its all-black appearance, this unique bird stands out not just for its striking aesthetics but also for its cultural significance and high market value.
Ayam Cemani is renowned for its black coloration, which is very distinct compared to other breeds of chicken. The bird is entirely black, both inside and out. Its feathers, skin, beak, comb, wattles, tongue, and even its bones, muscles, and internal organs are all black. This deep pigmentation is due to a genetic condition called fibromelanosis, which causes the excessive production of melanin.
This bird is a rare breed of chicken originating from Indonesia, specifically from the island of Java. They are mainly found in the central and eastern regions of Java, where traditional breeding practices have been carried out for generations.
The bird all-black appearance is not just a visual oddity but also carries cultural significance in its native Indonesia. Traditionally, these birds have been considered mystical and are often used in rituals and ceremonies. They are believed to possess spiritual powers and are associated with prosperity and good fortune.
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The rarity and unique characteristics of Ayam Cemani come at a price. In the United States, a single bird is priced from $2,000 to $5,000 (IDR 30 million – IDR 77 million), depending on its lineage and quality. This high price reflects not only the bird’s exotic appeal but also the difficulty in breeding them. Maintaining the purity of the breed and ensuring the consistency of the all-black trait requires careful and selective breeding, leading to their high cost.
Breeders, particularly in America, find the Ayam Cemani to be a challenging breed to develop. This is largely due to the import restrictions on poultry into the U.S. and the limited availability of high quality breeding stock in the country. It takes reputable breeders several years to develop their breeding line and show out consistently. This also makes Ayam Cemani highly sought after by chicken keepers wanting to add these rare and unique to their collection.
Ayam Cemani is a very rare and exotic breed of chicken, distinguished by its all-black appearance and cultural significance. While its price tag may be steep, for many, owning such a rare and unique bird is worth the cost. As a result, Ayam Cemani continues to be a highly sought after breed in America, admired for both its beauty and its mystique.
(Raidi/Agung)
