While most of you may not even have an idea about Black Chickens breeds, there already exist multiple breeds of them. No, we are not only talking about the chickens who have black feathers and appearance. But here, we are literally bragging about Black Breed Chickens with Black skin, meat, bones, and even heart. Individuals who own chickens or have ever worked with them might know about the “Black Breed Chicken.”
What breed is black Chicken?
Black Bree Chickens are the indigenous chicken species that are frequently found in India, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia. You might not find them easily on local households or small poultry farms, but they are seen at poultry shows.
Chicken’s dark skin, instead of appearing dull and plain, has that glittery shine under sunlight. Rather than looking grey, these chickens instead look intensely black and intense.
How many Black Chicken Breeds are there Worldwide?
Currently, there are over 14 Black Chicken Breeds present worldwide. Some are dark, deep black, whereas others have shades of iridescent greens and purples. Though they, too, in the right light appears beautifully black.
Black chickens, with their striking appearance and unique characteristics, have captivated poultry enthusiasts for centuries. Among these intriguing breeds, a select few possess a truly extraordinary trait: their meat, skin, and bones are all black. This phenomenon, known as fibromelanosis, is a result of a genetic mutation that causes an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark coloration. Let’s explore some of the most famous black chicken breeds with this remarkable characteristic
NOTE: Not all Black Breed Chicken have black meat, skin, and bones. We will talk specifically about them later.
6 Chicken breeds with black meat, skin, and bones
Though there are several Black Chicken Breeds in the world, only a few of them are Black inside out. Here are 6 chicken breeds that have everything black from the skin, meat, flesh, and bones. Have a look:
#1 Chinese Silkie Black Chicken Breed
Known as Wu Gu Ji in the Chinese language, Silkies literally translate into ‘Black-Boned Chicken.’ They are famous for their unique appearance, similar to the ‘Poodles’ dog breed. Due to their appearance, they are also known as the “poodles of the chicken world.”
Silkie has silk and satin-like fur, which appears pure white in color. They have an atypically fluffy plumage though their skin and bones are deep blacks. While most chickens have four toes, Silkie has five on each foot. Their feathers don’t have functioning barbicels which makes it impossible to fly for them.
Chinese Silkie is quite common in China and parts of the Philippines. They are sold so easily that you can even buy them from local social media platforms.
#2 Ayam Cemani-Black Chicken Breed
Ayam Cemani is a black-skinned chicken that originated in Indonesia. Some people believe and claim them as a descendant of Bekisar, the first generation of hybrid offspring. However, there is another section that believes Ayam Cemani is a landrace breed.
Locals of Indonesia and the Philippines refer to Ayam Cemani as ‘Medical Chicken.’ Even though their medicinal qualities aren’t well known by locals, some other Asian countries deal with them for the same.
That is why they are unbelievably expensive and are available in various price ranges depending upon their blackness. The one with the extreme black appearance will sell for high prices.
#3 Hmong Black Chicken Breed
Hmong is a rare Black Chicken Breed. They originate from North-western mountainous provinces of Lao Cai, Bac Can, Son La, Lai Chau of Vietnam. They are famous for their medicinal benefits as well as for their meat consumption. Ha Noi, Vietnam, has multiple restaurants with Hmong Chicken on their menu.
Hmong females appear deep Black, whereas males develop color as they reach the age of 5 months. Both males and females, though, have black meat and bones.
#4 Kadaknath Black Chicken Breed
Kadaknath is a black meat chicken originating in India. It is locally known as Kali Masi and is commonly breaded in Adivasi groups and rural poor tribals.
Several breeders claim that Kadaknath is closely associated with Ayam Cemani both in blackness and appearance. In India, you can often find these breeds in parts of Dhar, Jhabua, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chattisgarh.
Kadaknath chickens are holy, and thus local Indians offer them to goddess Laxmi after the festival of Diwali. What makes them different from others is their fat percentage. While chicken breeds typically have 13 to 25% fat content, Kadaknath has 0.73 to 1.03% fat content.
#5 Ulikba Black Chicken Breed
Ulikba means ‘Black Skin.’ The Ulikba Chickens aren’t actually a breed; they are known for their close association with Kadaknath and Ayam Cemani.
Ulikba got recently popular in the Philippines when urban chicken farming communities started realizing their uniqueness. Though they were present from long in the country, only rural tribes never knew the importance.
Individuals across the Philippines refer to Ulikba as birds and not Chicken due to less knowledge. However, in certain parts, people also refer to it as Ayam Cemani due to its appearance.
The Ulikba Black Chicken is prized for its distinctive appearance and its meat, which is said to have a slightly sweet and gamey flavor.
#6 Svarthöna Black Chicken Breed
Svarthöna is another black breed chicken, a descendant of Ayam Cemani and Kadaknath. They are also known as Swedish Black Rooster, but Sweden isn’t their origin space. Instead, they were brought from Mozambique, and even after surviving in the Swedish climate, they still maintain rare black quality.
Svarthöna has small eggs with the larger yolk. Though they do have some flight abilities, you would often find them flying. They are tiny and get quickly friendly with humans.
12 black Chicken Breeds + Pictures
It is one of the oldest Black Chicken breeds of America. It is common in homestead and makes up for a fantastic backyard chicken. Java can survive in confinement though they love free-ranging. Today due to their usage in fast food, Java has become more of a commercialized bird than of the household.
NOTE: Mainly pure Black Chicken Breed and the ones with hyperpigmentation (fibromelanosis production) genes have black skin, meat, and bones. However, mixed breed chickens (regardless of their appearance) have white or red/pink meat
Langshan Chicken
Langshan is a black chicken breed often found in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are usually large in size and weight, somewhere close to or above 7lbs. Langshan has four sub-breeds, including Modern, Australian, German, and Croad.
Crevecoeur Chicken
Crevecoeur is a breed of crested Chicken from the Pays d’Auge. This heritage breed today is known as critically endangered. Because they are ancient, only a little is known about their species.
One can easily recognize Crevecoeurby the wild crests on their head and beard. These chickens easily mingle and can tolerate confinement quite well.
La Fleche Chicken
La Fleche is one of the oldest black breed chickens first found back in the 1400s. Because of their undomesticated behavior, you won’t easily find them in households or even poultry farms.
However, you can find them in bird exhibitions and Zoos. Except for their face, La Fleche appears dark and deep black overall.
Minorca Chicken
Minorca is a domestic chicken breed. It originates from the southeast of Spain and the Mediterranean island of Menorca. Due to their danger of extinction, they today are ornamental and mainly found in exhibitions. Minorca can easily survive in a scorching climate though they are adaptable to all conditions.
Orpington Chicken
Orpington is one of the calmest black chickens. Unless there is food involved, you will find them relaxing and mingling on their own. Orpington is soft, cuddly, and quite huge in size.
This breed is calm and docile and likes being held and petted. They are a good choice for domestic farms, considering Orpington doesn’t make much noise.
Cochin Chicken
Cochin is cuddly black chickens though you can also find them in white. What gained their popularity for the love of Queen Victoria towards them. If believed, it was the only responsible poultry who caused Victorian hen fever. Cochin is full of feathers from head to toe. They even enjoy life-like couch puppies and lapdogs.
Jersey Giant Chicken
Jersey Giant is a popular backyard breed originating from New Jersey. They were initially bred for meat, but later they even are famous for laying 3 to 4 X-large brown eggs weekly.
They aren’t very noisy and become very easy-going and friendly with owners. Although Jersey Giants love free space, they can even live in confinement.
Sumatra Chicken
Sumatra is easily found in the Islands of Indonesia. Males from these breeds are taller, whereas females are smaller. You will spot them only in exhibitions because they aren’t very friendly and social with humans. Sumatra is also known for its game bird personality and ornamental feature.
Australorp Chicken
Australorp isn’t the original breed, but one created using Orpingtons. Their origination went in Australia back in the 1800s as chickens who could lay more eggs. This is the right breed to go for someone who wants to own black Chicken just for eggs. Australorp comes in a lot of colors though Black is more popular amongst them.
Breda Chicken
Breda is one of the rarest blackbird breeds. It was originated in Holland and is considered critically endangered worldwide. Breda was extremely popular during the Civil war, but later they went extinct.
Ayam Cemani Chicken
When it is about black breed chicken, the first and most prominent name is Ayam Cemani. Everything is deep black from their bones to skin, flesh, organs, and feathers, all thanks to their melanin genes. Their eggs aren’t prevalent; however, they are known for their meat all around the world.
Is it healthy to eat black Chicken?
Eating black chicken meat isn’t just tasty but extremely healthy as well. Even more than Chicken with black skin, the ones with ‘All Black’ features are more nutritious. While their unique color and specification attract individuals to keep them as house pets, they are primarily known for their health benefits.
Some particularities that make Black bone chicken healthier.
- More than the regular Chicken, Black bone and skin chicken is juicier and more flavourful.
- Black bone chicken contains approx. 25% protein, whereas the regular Chicken contains approx. 18% protein.
- The fat content in Black Chicken is only 0.73% to 1.03%, whereas regular Chicken’s fat content is approx. 25%.
- Black chickens are lower in cholesterol and thus are a healthier food option for cholesterol, heart, and hypertension patients.
- Black Chicken contains 24% linoleic acid, whereas white Chicken contains 21%.
- Black chicken is rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, Cand E.
- Black Chicken is rich in iron, calcium, phosphorous, and niacin.
- The eight essential amino acids which are vital to human bodies are found in Black Chicken.
Does black chicken meat taste different?
Black Chicken though has distinctive properties than white Chicken, but their meat tastes quite similar. If you are an avid meat-eater, you may find black Chicken slightly chewier. Their texture also is more tender and softer, though, upon cooking, it tastes nothing different.
How do you eat black Chicken?
Black Chicken makes up for very flavourful and juicy meat. You can use it in soups, mince it for kababs or cook your own style of chicken curry. It is so distinctive yet familiar in taste that it will always taste good regardless of your recipe.
Here is one of the go-to super delicious black Asian chicken meat recipes. Considering the popularity of Kedarnath chicken and its health benefits, we have a recipe for the same here.
List of Ingredients you will need:
- Mustard Oil or Butter for cooking
- 2 Big Sized Onions (Sliced)
- 2 Tablespoon Ginger- Garlic Paste
- Salt
- Red Chillies Powder/ Green Chillies Paste/ Black Pepper (Choose as per your taste and spice tolerance level)
- Turmeric
- Indian Chicken Masala (Optional)
- Coriander for Garnishing (Optional)
The process of Making Black Chicken:
- Take a thick-based pan, pour in some mustard oil/ butter, and heat it.
- Now add the sliced onions and sauté them for 2 minutes. Further, add the ginger garlic paste and sauté for two more minutes.
- Now add in the black chicken meat, turmeric (2 to 3 pinches), Indian Chicken Masala, and one of the chilies according to your taste.
- Simmer the gas mix the contents well. Keep them roasting for 10 to 15 minutes or until you see Chicken leaving its fat content. Make sure you are turning and tossing all the while or else you might burn the chicken.
- Now add in some water and let it cook for the next 15 minutes.
- Finally, garnish with coriander and serve hot.
Or,
- You can substitute Black chicken meat in any of your regular chicken recipes. As both the varieties are similar to cooking, there is no rocket science to learn.
8 benefits of Black chicken meat
Choosing a healthy lifestyle isn’t just a trend but also a necessity for longer life. The key is to consume the right food, a sufficient amount, and things that are packed with nutrition. So, why not include Black chicken meat into your diet. Here is why you might want to add it. Have a look:
- Black chicken soup increases fertility in women and nourishes their pregnancy. Especially in China, it is a staple diet amongst pregnant women.
- Black Chicken is full of antioxidants, ideal for immunity and heart health.
- It is a rich source of protein and thus promotes muscle health. It is also known for stabilizing blood sugar levels and building body tissues. Black chicken soup is one of the finest foods after surgery.
- It is lower in cholesterol thus ideal for individuals who are advised to avoid white/ red meat in general.
- It promotes blood circulation and cardiovascular health. With that, it also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- It promotes healthy vision and protects your eyesight.
- It provides humans with a high percentage of their daily dose of Vitamins, iron, potassium, and calcium.
Do black chickens have black eggs?
Black chickens are the real deal, and yes, they do lay eggs. However, opposite to the common myth, there is no chicken breed that lays black eggs. Instead, the black eggs you spot are ones of birds or the Cayuga ducks.
Here is an insight into Black Chickens and the types of eggs they lay:
| Black Chicken Type | Total Eggs Layed Per Year |
|---|---|
| Modern Game Fowl | They lay white-colored and medium-sized eggs, probably 50 a year. |
| Jersey Giant | They lay large, light brown eggs, probably up to 260 a year. |
| Black Orpington | They lay large, light brown eggs, probably 200 to 250 a year. |
| Cochin | They lay medium, light brown eggs, probably 160 to 180 a year. |
| La Fleche | They lay large white eggs, probably 150 to 200 a year. |
| Black Australorp | They lay large, light brown eggs, probably 200 to 280 a year. |
| Svart Hona | They lay large, off-white eggs, probably 250 a year. |
| Black Sumatra Chicken | They lay small white eggs, probably 100 a year. |
| Black Japanese Bantam | They lay miniature white eggs, probably 80 to 160 a year. |
| Kadaknath | They lay small cream-colored eggs, probably 100 to 120 a year |
| Ayam Cemani | They lay small cream-colored eggs, probably 60 to 100 a year. |
| Black Java Chicken | They lay large brown eggs, probably 150 to 250 a year. |
| Croad Langshan | They lay large brown eggs, probably 150 a year. |
Black chicken eggs benefits
Just like Black-skinned chickens, their eggs also are supremely healthy. Their eggs are famous for treating and curing asthma and tuberculosis. They are also a widespread cure for severe headaches, migraine, and nephritis.
Also, considering them a good source of protein and other nutrients, black chicken eggs are also famous for weight loss.
Caution: Remember Black Chicken never lay black eggs. Even when you find someone claiming black eggs as that of black Chicken, never get fooled. Especially, do not buy them for eating.
Black Chicken vs. Normal Chicken- any difference?
Black Chicken is definitely different and even better than the normal white Chicken. Not just do they look different, but even their properties and benefits have a huge difference.
Here is all about how Black Chicken is different from White or Normal Chicken. Have a look:
Appearance: White chickens are white and buffy with red faces and yellowish legs. In contrast, Black Chicken is black (mostly inside out).
Texture: White Chickens are rubbery, whereas Black chickens are soft and tender.
Taste: White Chicken tastes mild, whereas black Chicken has an exotic taste. It is more on the sweeter and savory side.
Nutrient Value: White Chicken is rich in protein in minerals, though Black Chicken is even richer.
Popularity: White Chicken is popular, whereas Black Chicken is popular and rare.
Cooking Usage: White Chicken is more used in fried, baked, and grilled dishes, whereas Black Chicken is popular in soups.
Price: White Chicken is affordable and readily available, whereas black Chicken is expensive.
Black chicken side effects- Are there any?
Black Chicken is a healthy food option, and unless you have it in moderation, no sort of side-effect will appear.
However, because Chicken is considered healthy, its excessive consumption can increase your body’s overall temperature.
Some people even may experience blood from the nose. Thus, it is essential to know the quantity and eat not more than the required.
How much are Black chickens worth?
Black Chickens are a unique and rare breed which makes them expensive as well. For example, the meat of Kadaknath chicken comes at 1000 INR per kilogram.
Whereas if you buy the live Chicken, it will cost anywhere between like 50$. Or, if you want Ayam Cemani, a breeding pair of the same will easily cost you $5000.
- For further Reading
- 8 Tips For Keeping Chickens Safely In-Home and Coops
- How To Heat A Chicken Coop Without Electricity?
Conclusion
Black Chickens have been around for centuries now. Even if you haven’t heard around them, the world has already seen them from the 1400s.
If you are a poultry enthusiast, you can add Black Chicken to your collection. Or, they also make up for your backyard flock of chickens. We admit they are tough to find; however, they not impossible.
Or, if you are a hard-core vegetarian, wait no longer to add Black chicken meat to your diet.
We hope we entertained and educated you enough about the beautiful Black Chickens.