Rare Poultry - Heritage Breeds - Rainbow Eggs

THE URBAN LADYBUG FARM Poultry Breeding Program

Breeding for SOP and Rainbow Egg-Color Genetics since 2020 on our regenerative solar powered micro-farm in Copperopolis, California

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Ayam Cemani

We started our breeding program for Ayam Cemani in June of 2024 and have been diligently culling out unfavorable features not meeting breed conformation. Our parent flock has black mouths, no silver feather leakage, and no mulberry comb leakage. Our chicks hatch with solid black or grey down feathers, with black mouths, and grey/oyster/black tongue that turn black as they age. We hope to acquire new genetics to add to our flock in 2026 that meets SOP guidelines. We are excited to continue to develop this program further in the coming years.

Breed History

The Indonesian breed known as the Ayam Cemani redefines what “black” can mean in the poultry world. These birds are black from feather to bone, jet-black plumage, dark skin, black muscles, bones, and even internal organs. This dramatic, head-to-toe pigmentation results in a chicken that is widely regarded as one of the most striking and rare breeds on the planet, often nicknamed the “Lamborghini of chickens” for its exotic beauty and exclusivity.

Throughout parts of Asia, Ayam Cemani are admired not only for their shimmering feathers—often reflecting green and purple tones in the sunlight—but also for the folklore surrounding their black flesh, which has long been associated with spiritual or mystical significance. Their intense coloration is caused by a rare genetic trait known as fibromelanism, which leads to an overproduction of melanin in the skin and connective tissues. This gene is uncommon and appears in only a handful of chicken breeds worldwide.

The Ayam Cemani is believed to have originated on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia and remained largely unknown outside the region until the late 20th century. The breed began appearing in Europe in the 1990s and was later introduced to the United States in the mid-2010s through carefully managed, legal imports. Continued imports from Europe have helped expand genetic diversity within U.S. flocks, including newer lines selected for improved pigmentation.

Appearance & Temperament

Despite their otherworldly appearance, Ayam Cemani are generally hardy birds that adapt well to a range of climates. They handle heat effectively and are reasonably cold-tolerant when properly cared for. Temperament-wise, they tend to be alert and reactive. When startled, they are quick to take flight, often scattering in response to alarm calls from the rooster.

Adult roosters typically reach 5 to 7 pounds, while hens average 4 to 5 pounds, placing them in the medium-sized category. Hens usually produce between 60 and 100 cream-colored eggs during their first year. Their laying habits can be irregular compared to more common production breeds, with periods of activity followed by noticeable pauses, especially during warmer months.

Ayam Cemani hens are known for being vocal when choosing nest boxes and are frequently broody. Many will sit persistently during spring and summer, sometimes for extended periods.

Additional Notes

Due to their dramatic appearance, Ayam Cemani have drawn attention far beyond agricultural circles. One particularly memorable moment involved a rooster featured in a national magazine photo shoot, where he calmly posed under studio lights adorned with luxury jewelry—unfazed by the attention before returning home to his flock.

The birds typically shown in photographs represent carefully selected breeding stock chosen for exceptionally dark traits. However, pigmentation can vary in offspring, and uniform black coloration cannot be guaranteed.

It’s also worth clarifying a common myth: Ayam Cemani do not lay black eggs. Their eggs are cream-colored, like many traditional breeds.

Hatching Information

Eggs are commonly incubated at 99.5°F with approximately 55% humidity, with most chicks hatching around day 21. Hatch rates average near 70%, and late hatches are uncommon. When chicks emerge, breeders often check for hallmark traits such as dark tongues, black or gray down, and black toes or nails. In some cases, toe pads and nails may darken further during the first few weeks of growth.

Pullet & Cockerel Hatched from our breeding program

French Black Copper Marans

This is the Breed that started our Breeding program back in March 2020. We started with hatching eggs ordered from a breeder in Texas, but unfortunately only 1 French Black Copper Marans egg hatched, and of course, it was a Rooster. Little did I know, how much he would become the foundation of my FBCM flock and how he would help improve many other lines in the future.

He passed away a couple years ago, but we still have a few of his daughters, and many of his grand daughters and great grand daughters in our Breeding flock.

Since starting our program in 2020, we have acquired lines from all over the country to better our program, staying as close to SOP while also breeding for gorgeous exceptional egg-colors. We only hope to continue to better our lines in the years to come.

Bread History

Marans are a well-regarded dual-purpose chicken breed originating from France. Interestingly, the name “Marans” is always spelled with an “s,” regardless of whether you’re referring to one bird or many. The breed takes its name from the coastal town of Marans, where its roots trace back to the 1800s. It is believed that sailors passing through the port left behind various chickens, which eventually interbred and gave rise to the foundation stock of today’s Marans.

Early on, some of these birds were used for cockfighting, but through selective breeding and natural crosses, a hardy and productive barnyard bird began to emerge. By the 1920s, the breed had become more consistent and recognizable. From France, Marans spread into England and later made their way to the United States, where interest has steadily grown. In 2011, the American Poultry Association officially recognized the Black Copper Marans variety.

While Marans are valued for both meat and egg production, they are best known for their remarkable eggs. These hens lay eggs with shells that range from deep brown to an almost chocolate-like color, sometimes appearing nearly black. Inside, eggs from pasture-raised birds often feature rich, vibrant orange yolks packed with nutrients. Compared to typical store-bought eggs, which often have pale and runny yolks, Marans eggs tend to have a firmer, more pronounced yolk that reflects a nutrient-dense diet. Because of this, they are often considered among the most flavorful eggs.

In France, Marans are judged in two primary categories at poultry exhibitions: egg quality and physical conformation. Egg judging focuses heavily on shell color depth, shine, size, and uniformity, all aiming to produce the ideal Marans egg. In the exhibition category, birds are evaluated based on body structure, feather coloration, and adherence to breed standards.

The French national Marans show is considered the pinnacle of competition for this breed, bringing together top breeders from across the country. As the birthplace of Marans, France remains the benchmark for quality, and birds and eggs showcased there are often regarded as the finest examples of the breed anywhere in the world.