Quick Facts

🌍 Origin: Indonesia (Java)
🧬 Breed Type: Dual-purpose (ornamental & heritage laying breed)
❄️ Cold Hardiness: Moderate (requires protection in harsh winters)
🥚 Egg Production: ~80–120 eggs per year
🎨 Egg Color: Cream to light beige
📏 Egg Size: Medium
⏳ Laying Pattern: Slow, steady layers (not bred for high output)
🧠 Temperament: Calm, intelligent, reserved
🌿 Foraging Ability: Good — active but less aggressive foragers than European landraces
🪺 Broodiness: Low to moderate
✨ Appearance: Completely black plumage, skin, comb, wattles, legs, beak, and tongue (fibromelanistic)
🌍 Rarity: Extremely rare outside specialized breeding programs

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Ayam Cemani Breed Standard & Genetic Integrity

 

Breed Overview

The Ayam Cemani is an ancient Indonesian breed defined by complete fibromelanistic expression, refined gamefowl structure, and consistent black pigmentation. True Cemani are identified by total darkness across all visible features, not merely black feathers.

 

Head, Eyes & Comb

• Eyes: Very dark brown to black

• Comb: Single comb, upright, finely serrated, and proportional

• Beak: Black to dark horn; strong at the base with a clean taper

• Face: Fully black skin; tongue and oral cavity should also be dark

Light eyes, pale tongue, pink skin, or red tones in comb or wattles are considered serious deviations from breed standard.

 

Body Type & Posture

• Frame: Medium-sized, refined, and athletic with gamefowl influence

• Posture: Upright and alert with strong balance

• Bone: Fine-to-medium, dry and tight

• Tail: Well-developed and carried proudly without droop

Roosters:

• Taller, more upright carriage

• Long hackle and saddle feathers

• Strong presence with controlled confidence

Hens:

• Slightly lower stance

• Streamlined, efficient body

• Clean feathering emphasizing uniform black pigmentation

 

Plumage & Genetic Traits

Ayam Cemani are color-fixed, not patterned.

Correct plumage expression includes:

• Solid black feathers with green iridescent sheen

• No white, red, or brown leakage

• Uniform pigmentation across all feather tracts

The breed’s defining fibromelanosis gene should be expressed consistently. Birds showing incomplete pigmentation indicate outcrossing or genetic dilution and are not considered true Cemani.

 

Temperament & Behavior

• Disposition: Calm, observant, intelligent

• Flock Behavior: Stable and non-aggressive

• Foraging Drive: Moderate; active but not hyper-foragers

Correct Ayam Cemani are composed and attentive, never nervous or frantic.

 

Functional Breed Traits

• Egg Color: Cream to light beige

• Egg Size: Medium

• Production Style: Low to moderate; slow, steady laying

• Cold Hardiness: Moderate; requires protection in severe winter climates

 

Undesirable Traits

The following traits are actively selected against:

• Any pink, red, or light pigmentation (comb, skin, tongue, eyes)

• Pale or horn-colored beaks

• White or colored feather leakage

• Coarse body structure or poor posture

• Nervous, flighty, or aggressive temperament

• Weak vitality or poor feather condition

 

Breeding Standards

Selection is based on:

• Complete fibromelanistic expression

• Correct single comb structure and head traits

• Refined gamefowl posture and balance

• Calm, stable temperament

• Proven health, vigor, and genetic consistency

This approach preserves the Ayam Cemani as a true fibromelanistic heritage breed, maintaining genetic purity, visual integrity, and long-term breed value rather than diluted commercial imitation.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love Ayam Cemanis

• Unmatched appearance – striking all-black birds that stop people in their tracks

• Calm & composed – quiet, observant, and respectful in mixed flocks

• Naturally hardy – strong immune systems with proper shelter

• Truly rare – a centerpiece breed for serious homesteaders

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