Sage Acres Ayam Cemani
first breeder in California of authentic ac's from known genetics
The Ayam Cemani chicken originally descended from Java Indonesia, it was created by isolating and duplicating the fibromelanistic mutation of the melanin gene. The Ayam Cemanis is believed to be seen as early as the 20th century, a descendant of the red jungle fowl. Ayam Cemanis were originally brought into Europe by the dutch breeder, Jan Steverink in 1998. Ayam Cemanis are seen as the most valuable collector breed of chickens available. It’s extremely hard to source good quality birds as many breeders don’t fully understand what fibromelanistic testing is and also can’t identify single copy birds.
Understanding Fibro:
Ayam Cemanis can carry one or two copies of mutated melanin genes. This mutation itself isn’t a gene but rather a controlled mutation of the genes controlling color (Fm phenotype). When a bird is carrying a single copy it often displays with a lack of darkness in skin, white toes and nails, Leakage, Mulberry expression (redness in waddles and comb). Fibro will also fade easily in generations so its very important to reintroduce good specimens when furthering a breeding program.
Hormonal Flushing:
A caveat to Mulberry is hormonal flushing. A two copy rooster can display a hormonal flushing in the upper neck and lower waddles when experiencing their first higher rush of adult hormones typically around 6-8 months old. The coloration should fade back into a dark black after the hormones regulate. If they don’t go dark you may be looking at a single copy bird (cull). Hens do not display any type of hormonal flushing and should never be anything but black as they display the easiest.
Feather Types: Smooth, Bottlebrush.
Hatching Ayam Cemanis Eggs:
Hatching Ayam Cemani eggs can be challenging. As fibromelanistic expression increases so does possible genetic abnormalities. The genetics for Ayam cemanis are limited so the lack of genetic diversity can add a factor to hatching their eggs. Hatching pullet eggs is never recommended as they increase drastically in size as the hen ages and the chicks hatch much easier from larger eggs (more room to develop). Ayam Cemani eggs don’t like inconsistent incubation temperatures. They also hatch better in a lower humidity hatch. The issues common with hatching this breed is vast making it even more rare of a breed. Underdeveloped eyes and joints are common and a weaker initial immune system.
Cull traits on new chicks:
White toe pads or toes, grey under feathering, pink anywhere in mouth,
Lack of darkness to skin, pale vents.
Diet:
Ayam Cemanis do best on a fermented 20% protein feed.
I use southland organics products for water additives.
Prices: Chicks $300ea
Juveniles $500-$1200ea
Hens and Cocks $800-$2,500ea
Culls ~ $100
