Can You Spend $2,500 to Own the World’s Rarest and Most Mysterious Chicken?

The Cemani Chicken: The Dark Side of Poultry

Have you ever seen a chicken that is completely black, from its feathers to its bones? If you have, then you have witnessed one of the rarest and most mysterious breeds of poultry in the world: the cemani chicken.

The cemani chicken is a native of Indonesia, where it has been revered for centuries for its mystical and magical properties. According to legend, the cemani chicken was created by a powerful Javanese king who wanted a bird that could bring him wealth, power, and protection.

He ordered his priests to perform a ritual that involved sacrificing a black rooster and a black hen, and mixing their blood with herbs and spices. The result was the first cemani chicken, a bird that was so black that it absorbed all the light and energy around it.

The cemani chicken is not only black on the outside, but also on the inside. Its skin, flesh, bones, organs, and even blood are all black, due to a genetic mutation that causes an excess of melanin pigment in every cell of its body. This condition is known as fibromelanosis, and it is very rare among animals. Only a few other creatures, such as the Ayam Bekisar chicken and the Silkie chicken, share this trait.

The cemani chicken is not only a marvel of nature, but also a valuable commodity. In Indonesia, the cemani chicken is considered a status symbol and a lucky charm, and it can fetch up to $2,500 per bird. Some people believe that the cemani chicken can cure diseases, ward off evil spirits, and bring prosperity and success. Others use the cemani chicken for ritual purposes, such as offering its blood to the gods or using its feathers for spells and charms.

However, the cemani chicken is also a victim of its own popularity. Due to its high demand and low supply, the cemani chicken is often targeted by poachers and smugglers who want to sell it illegally in the black market.

Some of these criminals use cruel and inhumane methods to transport the birds, such as stuffing them in cages or bags, or even cutting off their wings and legs to make them easier to hide. Many of these birds die or suffer injuries during the journey, and those who survive face an uncertain fate in the hands of unscrupulous buyers.

The cemani chicken is also facing a threat from within. Due to its limited gene pool and inbreeding, the cemani chicken is prone to genetic defects and diseases, such as infertility, deformities, and low hatchability.

Some breeders try to improve the quality and quantity of the cemani chicken by crossbreeding it with other chickens, but this often results in losing the pure black coloration and the mystical aura of the original breed.

Parting shot

The cemani chicken is a unique and fascinating breed that deserves respect and protection. It is a living legend that has a rich and diverse history and culture. It is also a beautiful and majestic bird that has a captivating and mysterious appearance. Whether you want to own one, admire one, or learn more about one, the cemani chicken is a bird that you will never forget.