BLACK Thunderbird RANCH

11/06/2023

One bird off to his new home today, more babies are hatching today too. Always something exciting happening. Ya gotta love those new babies tho.

09/09/2023

09/09/2023

New chick

08/11/2023

The Ayam Cemani is not a heritage breed, and it isn’t recognized by the American Poultry Association. It is, however, still a very rare breed, and numbers are thought to be below 3500 worldwide, making it one of the rarest chicken breeds in the world.

08/11/2023

The Ayam Cemani is steeped in mysticism and prized in its native land for its reputedly magical blood. The most unusual thing about the Ayam Cemani is its entirely black coloration, including its feathers, comb, skin, muscles, internal organs, and even bones.

08/10/2023

The Ayam Cemani breed is a fairly relaxed bird, but they’re not considered “cuddly.” Many families have reported their flocks were tolerant of human kids and were able to be hand-fed easily. However, they appear to have good maternal instincts and will protect their young if they sense a threat. They are considered an intelligent breed and can recognize their owners.

08/10/2023

The Ayam Cemani is an all-black chicken that originates in Indonesia. In fact, Ayam is the Indonesian word for chicken. Some believe that this breed has healing or magical properties. This chicken has a black tongue, legs, comb, internal organs, and meat. Its black feathers have a beautiful metallic sheen that may look green or purple. This bird's all-black coloring is due to a genetic mutation known as either hyperpigmentation or fibromelanosis—which peaks between 1 and 3 years of age.

08/10/2023

The Ayam Cemani has a mutant fibromelanistic gene – a gene that deposits excessive black pigment. This abnormal accumulation of melanin makes the skin and tissues appear black.

Three other birds only carry this genetic trait – the Silkie, the Svart Hona from Sweden, and the Kadaknath – a chicken of the Madhya Pradesh region of India.The blood is red but said to be darker than normal, although the bone marrow is black.In all other aspects, the Ayam Cemani is a healthy and robust bird. It does not seem to be prone to any particular chicken ailment.

08/10/2023

Ayam Cemanis is a striking sight. Their all-black feathers have a beetle-green iridescence in sunlight that is stunning. They are not an overly large fowl; the boys weigh in around 4.5-6.5lb, with the girls coming in at 3.5-4.5lb, respectively, so more of a medium-sized bird. In appearance, they are strong and muscular with close-fitting feathers, not unlike a game bird. They strike a confident pose and are always alert.

08/10/2023

The Ayam Cemani is said by some folks to be a landrace bird, but there is evidence that it was a developed breed at some point. It is not a chicken of the ‘common people. People of wealth and community standing have these birds as status symbols and take great care of them. They are thought of as good luck charms, with the blood and other parts of the bird being used in traditional medicine preparations. The Ayam Cemani has magical powers and facilitates communication between the living and the spirit world. As such, it is used as a sacrificial bird to please the gods. Its’ flesh is rarely eaten in Indonesia. They were first imported to Europe in 1998 by a Dutchman named Jan Steverink.

08/10/2023

The Ayam Cemani has a very distinct crow and was used by seafarers as foghorns on the boats – a practice still used today.