ZenPen Poultry

08/30/2026

New season, new routines, and fewer “but it’s so pretty though” breeding decisions. 😅 🖤

The 2026–2027 ZenPen Poultry breeding program is officially underway!

After getting a little behind on records, I had to get honest with myself. This year is about breeding with intention, keeping better records, and letting the program grow in a way that actually makes sense. Not just collecting Pokémon over here.

Ayam Cemani and American Cemani will always be my main focus, with Kikirikis and Old English Game Bantams also getting some attention this season.

We cleaned out the breeding pens and officially paired up two American Cemani trios! I am ridiculously excited about these pairings and what they may produce. Also put a pair of Whiting True Blues.

Moving forward, eggs will be set on the first of each month, with a maximum of two breeds being focused on per monthly hatch. Less chaos, more purpose, better birds. That is the goal.

I do maintain a black-tongue line of Ayam Cemani, but I will not be parting with any from that line during the 2026–2027 breeding year. That program is in its building-and-evaluating era.

American Cemani eggs, chicks, and grow-outs should start becoming available around mid-October. Keep an eye out for sales, auctions, and a few giveaways.

We’re getting organized.
Namaste, mother cluckers.

08/29/2026

08/25/2026

I keep taking photos and videos with the intention to post, but I just never find the time. And if I do find the time, I’m usually using it to relax or rest. 😮‍💨 But we are still here!

08/22/2026

Just…..
Wow…. 🤩 BT Ayam Cemani.
Bc: Danielle

08/11/2026

🖤

08/04/2026

Works been a bit busy and the heat has me beat. How are yall fighting this heat?!?

08/02/2026

Once more, ZenPen can’t thank Danielle Ruckle enough for trusting us with her absolutely gorgeous Ayam Cemani. Every time I walk into the pen, I catch myself just standing there staring. I swear every single one has its own personality. Some are bold, some are nosey, some think they’re royalty, and a few are convinced I exist solely to hand out snacks.

It’s easy to fall in love with the breed because of how striking they look, but it’s their little quirks that really get you. They aren’t just black chickens. They’re curious, expressive, and each one somehow manages to have its own attitude.

We’re beyond grateful to have these birds as part of the ZenPen family, and I can’t wait to watch them mature and see where this line takes us. Thank you again, Danielle . We don’t take that trust lightly. 🖤

07/26/2026

Can we all agree Texas has taken this “hot girl summer” thing a little too far? I’ve lost Elvis, Zeus, and several birds over the last couple weeks… and it isn’t even August yet.

As breeders, I think we owe it to our birds to stop asking, “Why didn’t I do enough?” and start asking, “What can they teach me?” Grief should make us better, not bury us in guilt.

The crazy part? Chickens have connected me with some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Complete strangers have become friends just because one of us said, “Hey… nice chicken.”

I’m really thankful I shared Elvis and Zeus with y’all before they passed. It reminds me these little lives matter, and the connections they create matter too.

Maybe it’s time ZenPen becomes more than ribbons and pretty birds. Maybe it’s time to share the real journey… because I have a feeling a lot more of us are living it than we admit.

07/16/2026

Hatching Eggs available!
Kikiriki, Old English Game Bantams(SDW) and Japanese bantam ready to ✈️ !
Parent stock posted below!

07/10/2026

Sharing the beautiful morning with my American Cemani.

Yes, I said American Cemani. After being involved in different aspects of this breed, I truly believe the birds being bred for show in America deserve a different name.

There is no animosity behind that statement, and I am not trying to insult the birds or the people who have worked hard to develop them. I believe these birds are beautiful. However, after acquiring birds that are much more closely connected to the heritage, history, and structure of the true Indonesian Ayam Cemani, I can no longer pretend they are the same breed simply because they share similar pigmentation.

We already recognize differences like French Bresse and American Bresse, or Ameraucana and Americana type chickens. Giving the American show bred Cemani its own name would not erase the work that has been done. It would actually honor that work by recognizing the bird for what American breeders have intentionally created.

I believe these birds should be accepted by the APA, especially after all the time and effort breeders have put into improving their appearance and creating a consistent show bird. I simply believe they should be accepted as American Cemani rather than carrying the exact name of the historic Indonesian breed.

I know many people will disagree with me, and that is perfectly fine. We are allowed to have different opinions without becoming rude or hateful toward one another.

Honestly, recognizing these as two different breeds could help settle many of the arguments and drama surrounding the Cemani community. The Indonesian Ayam Cemani could be respected for its history and heritage, while the American Cemani could be respected for the hard work that went into developing it as a beautiful show bird.

Both can be appreciated without pretending they are the same.