Our Ayam Cemani breeding stock is unlike any other here in the US because we’ve done things a little differently at Gypsy Shoals Farm. As a micro farm, we really wanted to breed for the highest quality, not just to make a quick buck. As a result of much research, we diligently sought and procured two entirely different 100% pure ayam cemani bloodlines to be the foundation of our breeding program.
There are many challenges that come with trying to breed the perfect bird, but one of the largest in the US is the fact that so many people have bought a 6-pack of ayam cemani chicks, then bred them to each, then to each other and their offspring, again and again. Good and bad traits passing down. The goal at Ayama Cock Farms was to avoid that perpetuation. Inbreeding inherently always presents the defects multiplied down the line.
In procuring two entirely different bloodlines, we are able to focus on lifting up the best qualities in each bloodline and avoid inbreeding in our ayam cemani program. The ayam cemanis that qualify into our breeding program are 100% all black. Skin, mouths, tongues, beaks, toe nails. We adhere to the Ayam Cemani Breeders Association guidelines for the Standard of Perfection as well as the ACBA’s Code of Ethics.
With that being said, the ayam cemani has its’ challenges in any breeding program. The ayam cemanis black color occurs as a result of excess pigmentation of the tissues, caused by a genetic condition known as fibro melanosis. A genetic mutation. The genetic mutation which causes ayam cemanis to “throw” all black, is completely healthy for the chicken. However, because it is a mutation, there is always that random chance that an ayam cemani can “throw” a random colored feather, white toe nail, etc. from their genetic makeup.
It’s important for anyone purchasing ayam cemanis to understand this and consider how it fits their personal circumstance.