"Unboxing 24 Rare Ayam Cemani Eggs | A Journey into the Enigma of all  Black Johnny Cash Chicken .
Channel: Robbie Smith MSU Bully Kennel Aliendawgs Bloodline
Date: 04/10/2023

Did you know that "Ayam Cemani" is pronounced as "AH-yahm CHEH-mah-nee"? The word "CHEH-mah-nee" in "Ayam Cemani" stands for "black" or "completely black" in the Javanese language. These chickens are named for their mesmerizing all-black appearance, and "Ayam" simply means "chicken" in Indonesian.

[AYAM CEMANI CHICKENS]
Host (holding an Ayam Cemani chicken in the Ayam Cemani bay while others eat treats around you): Ayam Cemani chickens are truly a sight to behold. Their feathers, skin, muscles, and even internal organs are completely black, making them stand out as one of the most visually striking poultry breeds in the world. Some even call them the "Lamborghini of poultry" or simply "Goth Chickens."

[WHY ARE THEY RARE?]
Host: Now, let's explore why these chickens are so incredibly rare. The key lies in their unique genetic makeup. Ayam Cemani chickens possess a genetic condition known as fibromelanosis, which results in excessive pigmentation, turning them completely black. Pronounced as "fye-broh-mel-uh-NO-sis," this condition is what gives Ayam Cemani chickens their enchanting all-black appearance.

Ayam Cemani chickens are considered rare for a multitude of reasons:

1. **Unique Appearance:** These chickens are renowned for their all-black plumage, a rarity in the world of poultry.

2. **Genetic Complexity:** Breeding for the fibromelanosis trait, responsible for their black coloration, is a complex and demanding process. It requires meticulous selection and breeding.

3. **Cultural Significance:** In their native Indonesia, Ayam Cemani chickens hold cultural and spiritual significance, contributing to their limited availability outside Indonesia.

4. **Limited Global Distribution:** Historically, this breed has been concentrated in Indonesia, leading to its scarcity in other regions due to export restrictions and limited availability.

5. **Conservation Status:** Ayam Cemani chickens are classified as "Threatened" on the Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List due to their limited numbers and the challenges of maintaining their unique traits.

6. **High Market Value:** Their captivating appearance has driven up their market value, making them less accessible to some poultry enthusiasts.

7. **Specialized Purpose:** Primarily raised for their unique meat, Ayam Cemani chickens serve a specialized purpose, which can limit their prevalence compared to dual-purpose or egg-laying breeds.

8. **Limited Availability of Eggs:** Obtaining Ayam Cemani eggs for hatching can be challenging due to their rarity. Shipped eggs may not always exhibit the best hatchability, further complicating propagation.

In summary, Ayam Cemani chickens are rare due to their exceptional genetic traits, cultural significance, limited global presence, conservation status, market value, specialized purpose, and the challenges of obtaining hatching eggs. These factors combine to make Ayam Cemani chickens a sought-after and captivating breed in the world of poultry.

[TYPICAL SIZE]
Host (holding up rooster and then hen): Let's talk about their size. When fully mature, Ayam Cemani roosters can reach a weight of around 6 to 7 pounds, like our magnificent boy "Dracula" here. On the other hand, hens, like our lovely "Luna," typically weigh around 4 to 5 pounds. They may not be the largest chickens, but their unique qualities more than compensate.

[EGG COLOR AND LAYING FREQUENCY]
Host (holding an egg): Now, what about their eggs? Ayam Cemani hens lay eggs with a cream-colored shell, a surprising contrast to their striking black exterior. These hens usually start laying around 6 to 7 months of age and can be expected to produce eggs regularly once they reach maturity. On average, you can anticipate a few eggs per week, although individual hens may vary in their laying frequency.

[DOUBLE FIBRO GENES]
Host: Breeding for double fibro genes in Ayam Cemani chickens is the key to achieving their deep black coloration, which defines this captivating breed. Let's take a closer look at what to watch for in both chicks and mature chickens to ensure the presence of double fibro genes.

**In Chicks:**

1. **Color Uniformity:** When evaluating Ayam Cemani chicks, pay close attention to their feathers and skin. Chicks with uniformly black feathers and skin are more likely to possess double fibro genes. Avoid chicks with off-color patches or white feathers, as these may indicate the absence of double fibro genes.

2. **Comb and Wattles:** The comb and wattles of Ayam Cemani chicks should also be black. Any signs of redness or non-black coloration may suggest the presence of single fibro genes.

3. **Toes and Beak:** Examine the toes and beak of chicks for black pigmentation. The presence of pink or non-black areas on these body parts may indicate the absence of double fibro genes.

4. **