01/07/2021
What Are Ayam Cemani Chickens?
The Ayam Cemani chicken is a rare and beautiful bird known for its completely black coloration. This incredible and unique breed of chicken comes from the island of Java, Indonesia. The word Ayam means “chicken” in Indonesian while Cemani means “completely or total black” in Javanese. (source)
This breed of chicken is known not only for its unique black coloration but for its prominence in Indonesian religious and mystical practices. In fact, the name of this species is made in reference to its color.
While some chicken breeds might have a few black feathers or an overall dark coloration, the Ayam Cemani is unique in the fact that it is pitch black over its entire body. The black coloration of this breed is not just limited to its outward appearance – its bones, tissues, and organs are black as well.
The meat of the Ayam Cemani is said to have magical properties and this bird has been used in religious sacrifices for hundreds of years. Also, the meat of the Ayam Cemani is thought to have mystical powers — a sacrifice of the chicken is thought to bring luck.
Some Asian cultures believe that eating the meat of the Ayam Cemani chicken will ease an unsettled conscience and that the crowing of the bird brings prosperity. It is also believed that the meat of this chicken is higher in iron, making it beneficial for women both before and after childbirth.
Ayam Cemani chickens are sometimes sacrificed during childbirth to bring good fortune to the mother.
Though Ayam Cemani chickens are native to Indonesia, stocks of these birds are kept throughout the world in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It is gaining in popularity – especially since being introduced in Europe and the United States in the late 1990s. However, It is believed that the Ayam Cemani chicken was first described during the 1920s by Dutch colonists.
The tricky thing about this species is that they do not breed as prolifically as other species and they do not roost – the only way to hatch the eggs of this species is to incubate them.
A popular theory suggests that Mr. Tjokromihardjo from a town in central Java called Grabbag, Magelang is the so-called “founder” of the breed.
Mr. Tjokromihardjo’s son is currently the owner of one of the largest commercial layer farms in Java island Indonesia.
Though the Ayam Cemani is only starting to become popular outside its native country, it has long been used in traditional medicine in Indonesia.
