There are a lot of black chicken breeds, but these are some of the most beautiful and unusual ones. These five breeds are truly black on the inside and out because they have fibromelanosis. Their feathers, skin, blood, organs, and bones are all black.
And yes, they are eaten in many cultures. I’ve prepared the black-skinned Silkie chickens myself and can attest to their being very tasty. I’ll show you what a raw black chicken looks like towards the end of the article.
There is no such thing as a chicken that lays black eggs, but there is a chicken with black skin that lays BLUE eggs. There are also breeds of birds and ducks that lay black eggs, which we will talk about in the end.
Rather than being dull or plain, black chickens have plumage that can have the iridescent shine of a beetle under sunlight, or be deeply intense and very dark black.
As far as black chicken breeds go, this is the most beautiful. Granted I’m very biased as I also happen to adore and raise beautiful BBS (Blue/Black/Splash) English Orpingtons.
I’m putting them at the top of my list as they are a majestic example amongst black chicken breeds. The blacks are absolutely stunning with their iridescent black plumage and they are HUGE fluffy, meaty birds with wonderful dispositions.
The English Orpington is available in different colors with black as one of the original colours. The black feathers have a ‘beetling’ green sheen that changes and shimmers under sunlight in a mesmerizing way. Being bred originally in England, the dark colour helped hide the soot from London street pollution.
See my (totally unabashedly biased) article on why Orpingtons make the best dual-purpose heritage breed to choose for your flock.
The Australorp chicken is the Australian version of Britain’s Orpington chicken. The Black Australorp is a solid black chicken that was developed for both egg production and meat production and it excels at both.
These Australian utility hens have set several records in the poultry world throughout the last century for their egg laying capability.
They have beautiful, lustrous black feathers and can weigh between 6.5 and 8.5 lbs or more.
They are a peaceful and beautiful black breed chicken that will fit in well with most backyard flocks and homesteads.
Amongst black chicken breeds, this one is quite bizarre looking for a chicken — in a beautiful way. A rare breed, the modern game fowl is primarily bred for its striking and eery beauty which resembles a crow or raven.
It does not provide much abundance in the way of eggs and meat. It’s definitely not for everyone! Several varieties are officially recognized including the moody black colour.
The modern gamefowl can be found at poultry shows and despite being a throwback to fighting birds in appearance, they are actually known for being quite docile and friendly.
The Jersey Giant chicken lives up to its name — they are HUGE. Black Jersey Giants will have solid black feathers with a little green sheen. They originated in New Jersey in the 1800s. Their legs are also dark grey, almost black. They’re used for both egg production and meat production, albeit it takes them longer to reach harvest weight than other meat birds.
As adults, these giant chickens can weigh approximately anything from 10 to 13 pounds or more. They lay medium-sized brown eggs and have a good egg production rate, reaching up to 260 eggs per year under ideal conditions.
An exceedingly rare and beautiful black chicken breed, the black Sumatra chicken has a majestic appearance, with pure black plumage that has the unique ‘beetling’ green lustre, and a gorgeous long tail! These birds command attention.
Even when fully grown, black Sumatra chickens are petite birds, weighing about 4-5 pounds. Their structures are too small to produce enough meat to make it worthwhile to the average homesteader, but they are fairly decent egg layers that lay about 100 eggs annually.
Nothing extraordinary in the laying department, especially when compared to some other breeds (you can read my article on the best egg layers), but not as low as other ornamental breeds either. Many people raise them for both their striking appearance and eggs too.
Cochins are another chicken breed that comes in black. They are extremely fluffy, friendly, and pretty large birds with adorably feathered feet. They resemble Orpingtons in many ways until you look at them closely.
There is both the standard large and bantam variety available and the breed is very popular for chicken showing and exhibition due to its fluffy plumage.
An extremely rare breed of French dual-purpose chicken that is named for the town it originated from.
This is an all-black chicken breed with a unique comb and white lobes. They are not very docile due to their landrace history and their temperament is quite undomesticated and feral. They are purported to taste great though.
A critically endangered and rare breed of American origin — the Java Chicken is an excellent dual-purpose bird that thrives on pasture and is a great forager to boot.
The Java chicken is the second oldest American chicken breed, the first being the striking black and white Dominique chicken.
It is responsible for the development of both the Plymouth Rock and the Jersey Giant chicken breeds.
Black Javas are a great heritage breed choice for your homestead or small flock backyard chicken flock. They are good egg producers, laying a good number of very large brown eggs each year. The hens tend to go broody and make excellent mothers too.
An excellent egg layer and meat bird, the Croad Langshan is also very suited to pasture raising.
The Croad Langshan chicken breed is unlike any other. They are very large with beautiful black plumage that has a distinctive green gloss (beetling).
Popular chicken breeds like the Orpington and the Australorp were developed from this breed! The Croad Langshan lays approximately 150 eggs per year, and they frequently go broody and will hatch their eggs.
The majority of their eggs are huge and brown, however, some of these chickens produce an incredible plum-coloured egg that is just stunning!
The Wyandotte comes in 9 officially recognized colours, and one of the originals is black. This breed was named for the indigenous Wyandot people of North America. The breed is an excellent dual-purpose bird and forager.
You can read more about the breed in my article on Wyandottes which has pictures of many of the stunning colors this chicken comes in.
The Japanese Bantam or Chabo is a breed of ornamental chicken hailing from Japan. And this is a true bantam breed, which means that there is no larger chicken counterpart that came first.
It is characterized by extremely short legs and a large, beautiful, very upright tail that reaches even higher than the top of the head of the bird.
You will not get much in the way of meat from these birds, they are strictly ornamental beauties that also provide a decent amount of very small pretty eggs.
For centuries chicken breeds with black skin flesh and bones have captivated poultry enthusiasts. While white and brown chickens are the most common, certain rare breeds possess a genetic mutation causing extra melanin pigment production. This results in chickens that are black throughout – an unusual and prized characteristic.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the world’s most iconic black meat chicken breeds. We’ll look at their origins, unique traits, and the genetics behind their all-black anatomy. Whether you’re curious about these mystical dark birds or considering raising them yourself, read on for a complete guide to chickens with black meat.
What Causes Black Skin and Meat in Chickens?
The genetic mutation responsible for black skin bones and meat is known as fibromelanosis. This causes an overabundance of melanin pigment in the body. Melanin is what gives skin feathers and eyes their dark coloring.
In chickens with fibromelanosis, melanin overproduction occurs throughout the body. Everything, from the feathers to the organs inside, looks black or very dark gray because of this.
Fibromelanosis is not common, but it does happen in a few breeds of chicken around the world. People love these all-black chickens because they look strange, have special health benefits, and are thought to have magical powers. Here are six of the most popular breeds of black meat chicken.
1. Ayam Cemani
Arguably the most well-known black chicken Ayam Cemani originated in Indonesia. These birds have a spectacular all-black appearance – even their bones and internal organs are black.
With their jet black feathers and inky black skin, Ayam Cemanis are an arresting sight. Their coloration is linked to increased levels of blood antioxidants too.
In Asia, Ayam Cemani are prized for supposed mystical powers and medicinal properties. Their rarity also makes them one of the most expensive chicken breeds in the world.
In the US, you can expect to pay $50 or more for each chick. And mature breeding birds can cost into the thousands!.
2. Chinese Silkie
The Chinese Silkie has very unusual fluffy, fur-like plumage. They have soft white feathers on top of dark skin and meat.
Like the Ayam Cemani, Silkies have black bones and organs thanks to the fibromelanosis gene. Their melanin-rich meat is believed to have health benefits too.
Silkies are very calm, docile birds that enjoy human company. Their poofy head plumage gives them an endearing, cuddly appearance.
While not as rare as Ayam Cemani, Silkies are moderately expensive at $10-$30 per chick.
3. Indonesian Ulikba
Ulikba simply means “black” in the Indonesian language. These chickens originated in Indonesia and are related to the Ayam Cemani.
While not an officially standardized breed, Ulikbas have black bones, meat and organs. Their feather coloring varies from solid black to splash, blue and partridge patterns.
In the Philippines, Ulikbas are a much cheaper alternative to pure Ayam Cemani at just $5-$10 per chick. They have many of the same unique traits and health benefits.
4. Indian Kadaknath
Kadaknath hail from the Madhya Pradesh region of India. Their name translates to “fowl with black flesh and bones.”
True to their name, these pitch black chickens have inky black skin and bones beneath their gray plumage. Their black meat is very lean and protein-rich compared to regular chicken.
In India, Kadaknath are considered sacred birds and offered as sacrifices at festivals. Though not as striking as Ayam Cemani, they have similar prized black meat qualities.
5. Swedish Svarthöna
Svarthöna means “black chicken” in Swedish. Despite the name, these birds likely originated from Ayam Cemani stock imported from Indonesia.
Like other black meat breeds, the color stems from excess melanin throughout the body. Svarthöna are a landrace breed with small, tinted eggs and moderate meat production.
Their black skin and bones contain higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals compared to typical chickens.
6. Vietnamese H’Mong Chicken
The H’Mong chicken comes from the mountains of northern Vietnam. They are named after the native H’Mong people who first domesticated them.
These striking black chickens have inky black bones, meat and skin. Their feathers range from solid black to iridescent shades.
H’Mong chickens are very active foragers but adapt well to confinement too. Their lean, antioxidant-rich black meat is growing in popularity.
Are Black Meat Chickens Healthier to Eat?
Many believe black meat chicken breeds offer unique health benefits. Their dark meat contains higher levels of certain nutrients compared to regular chickens.
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More Protein – Black chicken meat contains around 25% protein versus just 18% in white chicken meat.
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Less Fat – The fat content in black chicken is only 0.73-1.03% versus 13-25% in typical chicken.
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Lower Cholesterol – Black chicken contains less artery-clogging cholesterol.
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More Antioxidants – Melanin and other antioxidants are present in higher levels.
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Essential Vitamins – Black meat contains more B vitamins, vitamin C, E and more.
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Important Minerals – Higher iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium content.
So while they cost more to purchase, black meat chickens provide superior nutritional value. Their rich antioxidant content boosts health, immunity and vitality.
Do Black Chickens Lay Black Eggs?
No chicken breed actually lays black eggs. This is a common misconception about dark feathered birds like Ayam Cemani.
In reality, black meat chicken eggs are cream or light brown colored. However some breeds like H’Mong chickens lay eggs with a deep chocolate brown shell.
This darker egg shell indicates higher omega-3 fatty acid levels. But no chickens produce eggs that are black.
Caring for Black Meat Chickens
These exotic black birds have some special considerations when it comes to care:
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Cost – Black meat chicks range from $5 for Ulikba to over $50 for Ayam Cemani. Prices are higher for older juveniles or breeding birds.
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Broodiness – Silkies and Ayam Cemani hens often have strong broody tendencies. Be prepared to break broodiness or provide hatching eggs.
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Predation – Predators can easily spot black chickens against green vegetation. Use extra precautions.
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Heat Tolerance – Their black coloration allows most breeds to tolerate heat well. Ensure adequate shade is available.
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Sparse Feathers – Silkies and Svarthöna have areas of thin plumage that expose delicate skin.
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Flighty Nature – Some black chicken breeds startle easily so gentle handling is important.
With extra care taken to accommodate their unique traits and needs, black meat chickens can thrive under backyard conditions. Their dazzling black aesthetics and premium nutritional qualities make them a wonderful – if expensive – addition to any flock.
For hundreds of years, chicken breeds with black skin, bones and meat have fascinated poultry keepers. These exotic dark birds possess a genetic mutation called fibromelanosis that causes excessive melanin production.
From the fantastical Ayam Cemani to the fluffy Silkie, black meat chickens bridge the worlds of myth and reality. They possess reputed health benefits thanks to antioxidant and nutrient-rich black flesh.
So while their $50+ price tags limit black chickens to hobbyists presently, these breeds offer exceptional nutritional value along with captivating black beauty. Hopefully this guide gave you insight into the various all-black chicken breeds of the world!
Black Skinned Chicken Meat
Black chicken meat can be very bizarre if you’re not used to it.
I saw my first black-skinned chicken in a Chinese grocery store in Toronto and, naturally, I had to buy it and cook it. The chicken came plucked and gutted but every part, from the head to the feet, was attached.
I braised the chicken in various spices and the resulting meat was very flavorful.
I will perhaps post a recipe with more photos soon. I’ll make sure to update this article when I do with a link to the recipe.
No. That is a myth that follows certain black chicken breeds around, the Ayam Ceyami particularly. Black chicken eggs do not exist. There are, however, other birds that do. Cayuga ducks will lay an egg with a black bloom although the colour fades as the laying season goes on and the intensity of the black colour varies greatly. There are also a couple of wild birds that lay a black egg.
Some do. Most black chicken breeds do not have black skin or flesh underneath their black feathers. Their skin is just the same pinkish-yellow hue you are accustomed to. However, there are some notable exceptions (as noted above in the breed list) and they owe that unusual internal black colouration to something called fibromelanosis, a rare genetic mutation of hyperpigmentation believed to have originated in China.
Yes. Black chickens will get hotter than white or lighter-feathered chickens. It is very important that your black chickens always have access to cool drinking water, dust baths, and shade in the summer.
Black-skinned chicken breeds taste like regular chickens. How a chicken is raised has more impact on flavor than breed or color. So whether a chicken is free-ranged or pastured in a tractor set up makes a difference. The feed they receive makes a difference. Age matters greatly to taste too.
Maybe. They may have more iron in their flesh and higher levels of an antioxidant called carnosine. In Chinese medicine TCM the black skinned silkie is considered beneficial for women’s health particularly.
The 5 Fibromelanistic Breeds
While many chickens can have black feathers, there are very few breeds of fibromelanistic aka black-skinned chicken breeds in the world.
Not only are their feathers black but so is their skin, and even insides. These breeds are very popular in Asian countries and very rare in North America where the appearance can be bizarre or even off-putting.
Some breeds express the fibro gene less than others. The Silkie, for example, can come in many feather colors and their flesh can have a bluish tint whereas the Ayam Cemani is the blackest creature on earth, a true inky black color.
What is fibromelanosis (frequently shortened to “fibro”) in chickens?
fibromelanosis is a genetic mutation, a complex rearrangement in the genome that occurred hundreds (or thousands) of years ago in a single chicken from which all known fibro breeds originate from.
This mutation is so complex and peculiar, that scientists are sure that it occurred once.
There is one notable exception, eggs. As noted, black chicken eggs do not exist. The pictures you see online are faked by unscrupulous people.
Chicken eggs do come in many colors though. There are shades or green eggs, blue eggs, brown eggs, and even purple and pink eggs.
Scholarly References:
Let’s look at some pictures and facts about these beautiful and rare black-skinned breeds:
- Primary Use: Dual Purpose (meat & eggs)
- Size (Roosters): 4 lbs – 4 1/2 lbs
- Size (Hens): 2.5 lbs – 3 lbs
- Egg Production (Annual): 100-120
- Egg Size: Small
- Egg Colour: Cream
- Origin: India
The striking Kadaknath, also called ‘Kali Masi’ (“fowl having black flesh”), is an all-black chicken breed originating in India where it is a treasured meat bird purported to be the tastiest and healthiest of all chicken breeds.
It is also unusually iron-rich for chicken flesh.
Due to the popularity of the meat, consumption rates are very high, while breeding rates have been low. The Kadaknath is thus at risk of becoming extinct. Programs are underway in the bird’s native India to protect this unique heritage breed.
- Primary use: Dual-purpose (eggs & ornamental)
- Size (Roosters): 2 lbs -3 lbs
- Size (Hens): 1 1/2 lbs -2 lbs
- Egg production (annual): 100-120
- Egg size: Small
- Egg colour: Cream
- Origin: China
Silkies are an extremely popular Asian black chicken and they come in many colours. They resemble Pomeranian puppies to me with their fluffy feathers that look like fur more than actual feathers.
It doesn’t matter what breed of chicken you have; silkies are known for being calm and gentle. They are also great at going broody and hatching eggs laid by other chickens. If you don’t want to incubate and hatch your own eggs at home, this can be a great option.
Because they are so small, they aren’t usually used for meat in North America, or at least not as the main reason. And the egg-laying can be inconsistent too.
The flesh and skin of these chickens is completely black regardless of feather colour and they are prized in China for the taste of the meat and the health benefits — especially for women according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and tradition.
- Primary use: Ornamental
- Size (Roosters): 4.4-5.5lbs
- Size (Hens): 3.3–4.4lbs
- Egg production (annual): 60-100
- Egg size: Small
- Egg colour: Cream
- Origin: Indonesia
The Ayam Cemani is a stunning example of a black chicken breed. This is “The King of Chickens” and the breed stands out in terms of both beauty and uniqueness.
Commercial hatcheries do not sell the Ayam Cemani and procuring good stock from a reputable and honest private breeder can be very pricey.
They are well-known for being completely and utterly black in every way. Their skin, feathers and even tongue are pitch black. Their bones and blood and bone marrow is similarly a dark inky colour.
They are mostly kept as pets for the lucky few people who can afford to own one, and they are beautiful. Of course, you can also eat them and their eggs too.
- Primary Use: Egg-laying
- Size Rooster): 7lbs
- Size (Hens): 5lbs
- Egg production (annual): 250
- Egg size: Large
- Egg colour: Off-white
- Origin: Sweden
Svart Hona literally translates to “black hen” in Swedish. The first Svart Honas are supposed to have been imported from Indonesia before being developed into the beloved Swedish bird we know today.
This breed is sociable and gets along well with people. They are phenomenal egg layers and go broody as well.
Primary use: EggsSize (Roosters): UnknownSize (Hens): UnknownEgg production (Annual): 200-260Egg size: Medium – LargeEgg colour: Blue, green, etc.Origin: USA
An exciting new hybrid chicken that is fibromelanistic and lays BLUE eggs! From the look of the bird on the hatchery website, it definitely has some Ameraucana in it. I’m guessing a black Ameraucana crossed with an Ayam Cemani or similar.
From the breeder:
7 Black Chicken Breeds with Black Meat Even
FAQ
What breed of chicken has black meat?
Breed general information. Kadaknath, Silkie and Ayam Cemani breeds of chicken are unique because of their black meat. Kadaknath ( Figure 1 ) belongs to India, whereas Silkie is from China and Ayyam Cemani is from Indonesia. Aug 23, 2023.
Do Ayam Cemani actually lay black eggs?
Please, don’t be fooled. This breed does NOT lay black eggs. This is a common misconception about the breed. We incubate at 99. 5F and 55% humidity.
What is so special about Ayam Cemani chickens?
Ayam Cemani chickens are unique due to their all-black appearance, both externally and internally. This unusual trait, known as Fibromelanosis, extends to the skin, beak, features, and internal organs. They are often seen as a symbol of mystique and exoticism in the poultry world.