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
Scroll Down
Ayam Cemani
Proud Member Of:
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.
We are proud members of the Ayam Cemani Breeders Association.
Breed History
The Indonesian breed known as the Ayam Cemani are black from feather to bone. They have jet-black feathers with a dark green sheen, black skin, black meat, bones, and even internal organs. This dramatic, head-to-toe pigmentation is due to a rare genetic mutation called "Fibromelanosis", which leads to an overproduction of melanin in the skin and connective tissues and will carry true throughout the entire bird if pure-bred. This gene is uncommon and appears in only a handful of chicken breeds worldwide. Ayam Cemani lay less eggs than a standard chicken, the eggs are medium in size, they don't have the highest fertilization rates, and the chicks can be on the weaker side, resulting in a chicken that is widely regarded as one of rarest 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 stunning appearance, but also for the folklore surrounding their black flesh, which has long been associated with spiritual or mystical significance. It is also highly regarded as one of the most nutrient dense and healing forms of protein for women in post-partum.
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 rough going into the world, Ayam Cemani are generally hardy birds that adapt well to a range of climates. They handle heat and are reasonably cold-tolerant when given the proper structures depending on your region. Temperament-wise, they tend to be alert and reactive. When startled, they are quite flighty birds, not the friendliest of all the breeds.
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 longer pauses.
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, I have noticed these are eager beaver chicks and they tend to want to hatch early on day 19 and 20. 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
Ambresse "Zombie" Chicks
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, including multiple breeders from Texas, Minneapolis, Massachusetts, California, and Alabama, staying as close to SOP while also breeding for gorgeous exceptional egg-colors. Some of the these breeders have been breeding Marans for over 20 years and acquired their flock from the people who originally imported them into the US from France. 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 your whole flock. 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. 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 stunning eggs. These hens lay eggs with shells that range from deep brown to an almost chocolate-like color, sometimes appearing as dark as a cup of black coffee. Inside, eggs from pasture-raised birds often have 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. However, they are not a high-production breed and because of their thickness in their shells, tend to have a harder time hatching, thus making this a tougher variety to raise. Therefore, the time and investment we have made into this specialty flock of FBCM reflect in the pricing out of eggs and chicks.
Multi-Gen Olive Eggers
More info coming soon...
American Bresse
More info coming soon...
Ermine Ameraucana
More info coming soon...
Jumbo Quail
More info coming soon...
