VietNamNet Bridge – For the first time a black chicken breed that is priced up to $2,500/head is being exhibited in Hanoi.

Ayam Cemani is an uncommon and relatively modern breed of chicken originating in Indonesia. They have a dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation leading to the skin, feathers and the internal organs appearing dark black.

The breed originated from the island of Java and was probably in use for centuries for religious and mystic rites. They were first described by Dutch colonial settlers. They were first imported to Europe in 1998 by Dutch breeder Jan Steverink. Currently stocks are kept in the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. There are several varieties of the Ayam Cemani including the Swedish Black Chicken. It is thought that Ayam Cemani may also have been brought to Europe years ago by Dutch seamen who had numerous contacts in both Africa and Asia.

The birds are completely black: black plumage with a greenish shine, black legs and toe nails, black beak and tongue, black comb and wattles, black meat and bones and even dark organs. The roosters weigh 2–2.5 kg and the hens 1.5–2 kg. The hens are non-roosting and produce 80 white eggs with a slight pink tint per year. The black colour is produced by excess pigmentation which is controlled by a dominant gene. This gene is also found in some other black fowl breeds.

Individual birds in the United States have been priced at $2,500.

An Ayam Cemani rooster weighing over 3kg is on display at the Giang Vo Exhibition in Hanoi. Tran Nhu Giap, who manages the Vietnam Bird Park, has bred and raised this chicken breed in Vietnam.

In early 2013, an Indonesian friend gave Giap eggs. In one year, he has bred more than 30 chickens.

Giap said he had not sold the chickens although they are very expensive. He wants to develop this breed in Vietnam.

Some pictures of the Ayam Cemani chicken at the Giang Vo Exhibition:

Dan Viet