After reviewing Judge Brian Gates’ comments and notes, there are several important points the Ayam Cemani community as a whole should focus on, not just those participating in the qualifiers. These areas of emphasis will help strengthen consistency and quality across flocks nationwide.
Leg and Thigh Proportion
A helpful tip shared by Judge Brian Gates when evaluating thigh length is to firmly grasp the bird’s thigh and note where it extends in relation to your fist. If the thigh extends too far past your fist, it may indicate excessive length.
Our SOP specifies:
“Thighs short, thick, and muscular, sloping slightly into the hock.”
Maintaining this proportion will help ensure correct balance between a short, stout thigh and a medium length shank. Remember the hock should remain visible. Excessive fluff or skirting can obscure it, giving the illusion of incorrect structure.
When bred to the correct feather type, feathers should lay tight and close to the body with minimal down. This helps expose the thigh and gives the appearance of a longer, leaner leg without actually lengthening the thigh itself.
Taper and Back Slope
Taper and back slope is another important focus when it comes to the overall type and balance of a bird, especially males.
Our SOP calls for:
“Back; medium in length, sloping down from the neck, wider at the shoulder, and becoming narrow at the junction of the tail.”
When evaluating this area, it’s important to use your hands, feel from the shoulders to the base of the tail. Ideally, you want to feel a broad start at the shoulders and upper back, with a gradual taper into a tighter form at the base of the tail.
It’s important to note that the taper should not be too sharp or pinched, as this can negatively affect egg production, breeding ability, and fertility. The goal is a clean, visible taper that narrows smoothly into the hips and tail without restriction.
Back slope and stance also play a critical role in the breed’s type. As our SOP notes, the back should be “sloping down from the neck” this contributes to the upright stance and game like appearance characteristic of the Ayam Cemani.
Leg length directly influences this balance. Birds with overly long shanks often lean forward or appear off balance, while shanks that are too short can make the bird look compressed, heavy, or restricted. Proper leg length supports both correct posture and the ideal slope of the back.
Feather Width and Down
Feather width was another key discussion point. Breeders are encouraged to focus on proper feather width and texture as outlined in our SOP:
“Feathers short, rather narrow, hard, and firm, fitting closely in all sections.”
This standard applies to the entire bird. Feathers that are too broad or carry excessive down can distort the bird’s true structure and silhouette.
For hens especially, breeding for tighter feathers and less down helps create a more compact abdomen, giving that ideal “well tucked up” look our breed calls for.
Comb Size and Shape
Comb size in females also deserves attention. Our SOP calls for:
“Comb of medium size, straight and upright.”
Currently, there is a wide variation in female comb sizes within the breed, and that should be refined through selective breeding. While the APA handbook notes that a hen “in or near production should not be discriminated against” for a lopped comb, this has limits. The comb should not fall past the horizontal plane or cover any part of the eye.
As mentioned to breeders before, thumbprint indentations in males tend to contribute to curves and lops in the comb as they mature. Producing males with a uniformly thick comb base and a wider skull will help reduce this flaw and create a straighter, more balanced comb.
Temperament and Showmanship
Judges emphasized the importance of temperament, not only for handling but also for presentation.
“Showing” isn’t just about bringing your bird to an event; it’s also about how your bird performs and presents itself.
Does the bird stand upright and alert in the cage, showing off its best qualities?
Or does it hunch down, hide, or run to a corner?
Birds that “show” well are more confident, handle stress better, and allow judges to fully appreciate their type and structure. A calm, confident bird consistently places higher.
Recommended Show Ages
While classes are divided by age and sex, there are optimal age ranges where birds display their best potential:
Pullets: 6–8 months
Cockerels: 8–10 months
Hens: 1 year and older
Cocks: 1 year and older
For young birds, the rule of thumb is no juvenile feathers. Staying within the age ranges above gives birds time to mature, fill out, and develop their full form. Birds that are too young cannot be properly judged.