Ayam Cemani chicken farming is becoming popular gradually. It is a dual purpose breed which is raised for meat and ornamental purpose. It is a modern and relatively new breed of domestic chicken, but it’s popularity is increasing day by day.
The Ayam Cemani chicken is an uncommon breed, and it is actually from Indonesia. Very little is known about the history or creation of this breed. The word ‘Ayam’ means chicken in Bahasa Indonesia, and ‘Cemani’ is a village near the central Javanese town of Solo (where this bird originates from).
The Ayam Cemani chicken has probably been used for Centuries for religious and mystical purpose in the island of Java. Dutch colonial settlers first described the breed and they first imported these birds to Europe. It was actually imported in the 1998 by Dutch breeder Jan Steverink.
The Ayam Cemani chicken breed has a dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation (Fibromelanosis). And hyperpigmentation makes these chickens entirely black. Their feathers, beak and internal organs all are black.
Along with Indonesia, today the breed is also available in the Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands and Slovakia. The perfect black Ayam Cemani chicken has a very high demand and value in Indonesia. Because it is believed that they possess mystical powers.
However, if you can market these birds easily in your area, then you can start commercial Ayam Cemani chicken farming business. Meat of these birds has very good demand and value in the market. So, you will be able to make good profit from commercial Ayam Cemani chicken farming business. You can also raise the birds for ornamental purpose.
How to Start Ayam Cemani Chicken Farming
The Ayam Cemani chickens are very active and strong birds. So starting commercial Ayam Cemani chicken farming business will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Ayam Cemani chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy, active and disease free birds for starting your Ayam Cemani chicken farming business. Purchasing good quality birds is very important, because good quality birds ensure good production and maximum profit.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area. The day old chicks are generally cheaper. While the mature birds are generally sold at very high price in the market. So, we recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers, poultry chick suppliers or any existing Ayam Cemani chicken farms. You can also consider searching your local online classified websites. Just ensure that the chicks are strong and active.
Housing
Arranging a good, comfortable and secure housing system for your birds is very important for Ayam Cemani chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup, or you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials such as bamboo and wood. Just ensure that the house is comfortable and safe for the birds.
Install good ventilation system inside the house. Because good ventilation system is a must. It helps to reduce harmful gases from inside the house and keeps your birds healthy.
Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And also ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. The Ayam Cemani chickens are classed as small to medium sized breed. So on average around 4 square feet of housing space will be enough for each bird.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Ayam Cemani chicken farming business. Because good and nutritious food not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds, or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is good and healthy for your chickens.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
The Ayam Cemani chickens are good for raising in both confinement and free range system. But raising them in free range system will be good. Because in free range system they will require less food which will save you some money. And at the same time, free range chicken products are better than the products from confinement system.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Ayam Cemani chickens are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce enough fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock.
Generally one mature and healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Ayam Cemani chickens are strong and active birds. They generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Monitor your bird’s health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps as soon as possible if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate your birds timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because chicken products have very good demand and value in the market. So you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market.
Meat of the Ayam Cemani chicken is very popular and highly valued in Indonesia. Because local people believe that these birds possess mystical powers. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Ayam Cemani chicken farming business. Raising Ayam Cemani chickens is very easy and simple, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
