The Ayam Cemani—a name that sounds exotic and almost mythical—is often referred to as the “Lamborghini of chickens” due to its rare appearance, luxurious status, and jaw-dropping price tag. With an all-black body, jet-black feathers, black skin, beak, tongue, internal organs, and even bones, this Indonesian breed stands out as one of the most fascinating creatures in the poultry world. But not everything you hear about it is true—and that includes the much-debated rumor of black eggs.
Let’s dive into the mystery, the myths, and the real facts about the world’s rarest chicken breed.
🌑 Black From Head to Toe—Literally
The Ayam Cemani chicken hails from Java, Indonesia, and has been revered for centuries not just for its appearance but also for its cultural significance. The name “Ayam” means chicken in Indonesian, and “Cemani” is believed to refer to a village in Central Java where the breed originated.
What makes this chicken breed truly exceptional is a genetic condition called fibromelanosis. This is a rare mutation that causes hyperpigmentation, turning nearly every part of the chicken black. It’s not just its feathers that are affected; the beak, tongue, wattles, comb, legs, toenails, meat, and even internal organs have the same obsidian hue. Only its blood is not black, though it is often described as a very dark red, close to black in appearance.
💸 How Much Does an Ayam Cemani Cost?
This bird doesn’t come cheap. Depending on the purity of the bloodline, Ayam Cemani chickens can sell for anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per bird in international markets. The rarity of the breed and its striking appearance drive demand—especially among exotic animal collectors and breeders.
Although there are claims that their eggs sell for $2,500 each, this is not accurate. While Ayam Cemani chickens are expensive, their eggs are relatively normal in appearance and value. The eggs are cream-colored with a slight tint and sell for much less—typically $5 to $20 each depending on the breeder.
🥚 Myth-Busting: No, the Eggs Aren’t Black
Let’s clear up one of the biggest misconceptions: Ayam Cemani chickens do not lay black eggs.
Despite the photoshopped images and viral rumors, there is no breed of chicken that naturally lays black eggs. Breeders and poultry experts have been battling this myth for years. The Ayam Cemani may have some of the darkest pigmentation in the animal kingdom, but its eggs are very much ordinary in color—usually a light cream, sometimes with a slight pink or beige tint.
The confusion likely stems from viral internet posts, exotic pet clickbait, and the bird’s already-unusual appearance. But the eggs are not part of the fibromelanosis effect that colors the rest of the bird.
🍗 Is Ayam Cemani Meat Really Delicious?
Another claim about the Ayam Cemani is that its meat is not only rare but also delicious and nutrient-rich. The taste is described as gamey, slightly richer than regular chicken, and is prized in Indonesian culture for its supposed health benefits and spiritual properties.
In Indonesia, Ayam Cemani chickens are often used in rituals, traditional medicine, and special celebrations. While the meat is edible and does have a unique flavor, it’s rarely consumed outside of these cultural contexts—mostly because of the bird’s rarity and value.
In many parts of the world, Ayam Cemani chickens are primarily bred for show or for their exotic status rather than as food.
🧬 The Science Behind the Color
The genetic anomaly that causes this bird’s appearance is fibromelanosis, the same condition found in Silkie chickens and some other rare breeds. What’s unique to the Ayam Cemani is the intensity and completeness of the pigmentation.
A mutation in the endothelin 3 gene (EDN3) causes the overproduction of melanin—the pigment responsible for coloring skin, feathers, and tissues. This mutation is harmless to the bird and is passed down genetically.
🌍 Global Appeal & Breeding Challenges
Although Ayam Cemani chickens are native to Indonesia, they have caught the attention of breeders worldwide. The breed was introduced to Europe in the 1990s and eventually made its way to North America, where it remains rare and difficult to find due to export restrictions and breeding challenges.
Maintaining a pure bloodline is one of the toughest tasks for breeders. Even among Ayam Cemani chickens, not all offspring display the full black pigmentation, which makes selective breeding essential—and further drives up the cost.
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
Because of the breed’s mystique and high price, scammers have unfortunately taken advantage. There have been false advertisements showing “black egg-laying chickens” or selling “Ayam Cemani eggs” for outrageous prices. If you’re ever in the market for one, only buy from verified, reputable breeders.
Also, it’s important to note that owning these chickens doesn’t mean instant profit. They lay relatively few eggs—around 60 to 100 per year, much lower than common egg-laying breeds.
🐔 Final Thoughts: A Chicken Like No Other
To sum it up:
- Yes, the Ayam Cemani is one of the rarest and most visually striking chickens on Earth.
- No, it does not lay black eggs—those are a myth.
- Yes, it can cost over $2,000 and is often treated more like a collector’s item than poultry.
- No, it’s not the bird for backyard egg production—unless you’re raising them for the love of rarity and beauty.
Owning an Ayam Cemani is like owning a piece of living art—one that walks, clucks, and mesmerizes everyone who sees it.
📌 Key Takeaways
| Fact | Truth |
|---|---|
| All parts of the chicken are black | ✅ True (due to fibromelanosis) |
| Ayam Cemani lays black eggs | ❌ False (eggs are cream or light beige) |
| Chicken is delicious and nutrient-rich | ✅ True (especially in traditional contexts) |
| Price of one bird can exceed $2,000 | ✅ True |
| Eggs cost $2,500 each | ❌ False and misleading |
| It’s the rarest chicken in the world | ✅ One of the rarest and most expensive |
So next time someone shows you a photo of a “black egg-laying chicken,” you’ll know the truth: it’s exotic, yes—but the eggs? Still regular.