You’ve probably seen chickens with a few black feathers before, but have you ever seen one that’s completely black—inside and out? When I first saw photos of them, I thought they had to be fake. But they’re completely real.
There’s a rare breed called the Ayam Cemani, and everything about these chickens is black: their feathers, skin, beaks, claws, flesh, and even their internal organs. Their inky-black appearance almost looks metallic.
Ayam Cemani chickens have sold in the U.S. for as much as $2,500 each. Their unusual color comes from a dominant genetic trait that causes extreme pigmentation, a condition called fibromelanosis. Despite rumors, their blood is not black. The hens lay cream-colored eggs just like other chickens.
The breed was first introduced to Europe in the 1990s. In Indonesia, some believe Ayam Cemani birds have mystical or spiritual powers—but that’s likely just folklore.
Share this with your friends—they’ll probably be fascinated by these incredible chickens too!