Ayam Cemani Chicks Price: What to Pay and Where to Buy

The Ayam Cemani chicks price is the first thing most buyers ask about, and it’s a fair question. This is one of the rarest and most talked-about chicken breeds in the world, and prices vary widely from seller to seller. This guide explains what you should expect to pay, what drives the cost, and how to avoid overpaying for a bird that isn’t the real thing.

Quick Answer: How Much Do Ayam Cemani Chicks Cost?

Ayam Cemani chick prices in the U.S. depend on the seller, the bloodline, and whether the chicks are sexed. Some sellers list chicks well under $100, while rare, well-documented lines have sold single day-old chicks for around $200 or more. At Reichert’s Farmstead, our Ayam Cemani chicks start at $135. See current prices on our Ayam Cemani chicks for sale page, and our adult birds at Ayam Cemani for sale.

What Is an Ayam Cemani Chicken?

The Ayam Cemani is a rare breed of chicken from Indonesia with a dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation, making the bird mostly black, including feathers, beak, and internal organs. The name is simple: “ayam” means chicken in Indonesian, and “cemani” means thoroughly black. Ayam Cemani +2

That color comes from a condition called fibromelanosis. A few other breeds share it, including the Silkie, the Swedish Bohuslän-Dals svarthöna, and the Vietnamese Black H’Mong, but none of them is black all over like the Cemani. Adult roosters weigh about 4.4 to 5.5 lb and hens 3.3 to 4.4 lb, so they’re medium-sized birds. Smithsonian MagazineWikipedia

Why Are Ayam Cemani Chickens So Expensive?

Three things keep prices high:

• Rarity in the U.S. A ban on imported live chickens from Indonesia keeps the breed scarce here, so almost every bird in America comes from a small pool of domestic breeders. Smithsonian Magazine
• Slow, careful breeding. Breeders must keep the line pure, and hens can be unreliable as caring setters, so producing chicks takes effort. lafeber
• Demand. Their look draws collectors, show breeders, and backyard keepers who want something nobody else on the street has.

Prices have come down over time. One research review notes that it is now possible to buy an Ayam Cemani chick for under $50. But very low prices are also where buyers should be most careful (more on that below). springer

What Affects the Price of Ayam Cemani Chicks?

When you compare sellers, look at these factors:

• Age. Day-old chicks cost less than started pullets, and adult breeding birds cost the most.
• Sexed vs. straight run. Chicks guaranteed as pullets (females) cost more than straight run, where you may get roosters.
• Bloodline and documentation. Breeders who can show parent birds and hatch records usually charge more, for good reason.
• Quantity. Some farms offer a better per-chick price on groups.
• Shipping. Live shipping adds cost, and a rushed, poorly packed shipment is a risk to the chicks.

Chicks, Hatching Eggs, or Adult Birds: Which Should You Buy?

Chicks are the most popular choice. They cost less than adults and bond well with their keepers, but they need a heat lamp or brooder for the first weeks.

Hatching eggs cost the least, but hatch rates vary, and shipped eggs are more fragile than chicks. They suit buyers who already own an incubator and have hatching experience. Browse our heritage hatching eggs if you want to try.

Adult birds cost the most but skip the brooding stage, and you can see the bird’s color and build before you buy.

If you’re new to poultry, chicks are usually the best balance of cost and reward. Read our guide on the top 10 mistakes new poultry farmers make before your chicks arrive.

How to Spot a Genuine Ayam Cemani (and Avoid Scams)

Because the breed is valuable, some sellers pass off black crosses or look-alikes as purebreds. Before you pay, check these points:

1. Ask for parent photos and hatch information. A real breeder will happily show you the adult birds.
2. Look for all-over darkness. A true adult has black skin, beak, tongue, shanks, and comb. A “black” bird with yellow feet or pink skin is not a Cemani.
3. Be wary of prices far below the market. A suspiciously cheap listing often means a cross or a bird that doesn’t match the breed standard.
4. Check for a real farm address and reviews. You can find ours at 141 Ealey Rd, Greenville, Tennessee, and customers regularly visit us in person.
5. Ask about health standards. USDA’s APHIS advises buyers to always buy new poultry from an NPIP-certified flock. You can learn what that means on the USDA National Poultry Improvement Plan page. feedstuffs

How to Keep Ayam Cemani Chicks Healthy After They Arrive

Good chick care protects your investment:

• Keep the brooder around 95°F in week one, dropping about 5°F each week.
• Provide clean water and a starter feed from day one.
• Keep new birds separate from your existing flock for a few weeks.
• Follow basic biosecurity. USDA’s Defend the Flock program offers free checklists for backyard owners.

Buying Ayam Cemani Chicks from Reichert’s Farmstead

At Reichert’s Farmstead, we’ve hand-packed chick orders for over a decade. Every chick is selected by our team, packed in custom shipping boxes, and covered by a 48-hour live delivery guarantee. We ship nationwide, and orders over $300 ship free (our minimum order is $150).

Our customers also pair their Cemani with other rare breeds like barnevelder chickens and welsummer chickens. You can see our full range in heritage baby chicks and heritage chicken breeds.

Have questions before you order? Contact us and our team will help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ayam Cemani chickens lay black eggs?
No. Despite the black body, the eggs are cream to light tan. Only the bird itself is black.

Is the meat black too?
Yes. The skin, muscle, and organs are dark because of fibromelanosis. Only the blood is a normal color.

Are Ayam Cemani good for beginners?
Yes, if you buy from a reputable breeder and follow standard chick care. They’re medium-sized birds and are not harder to raise than other heritage chickens.

Can Ayam Cemani chicks be shipped?
Yes. Chicks can ship safely in their first 48 hours. We ship nationwide with a 48-hour live delivery guarantee.

Why do prices differ so much between sellers?
Price reflects bloodline, documentation, sexing, and shipping quality. Compare these factors, not just the number.

Ready to Order?

Browse our current Ayam Cemani chicks for sale and pick your birds today. Chicks sell out quickly, so check availability early.