We often focus on fibro expression, feather color, and meeting the Standard of Perfection - all of which are important and crucial details. Yet one aspect that’s sometimes overlooked is the breed’s intelligence and unique personality, especially when birds are thoughtfully bred and selected for temperament.
“I’ve always said, everyone talks about fibro and feather color, and SOP, but no one talks about how intelligent and full of personality this breed is. It is THE selling point for me.”
⁃ Gina Wrather, ACBA Vice President
Ayam Cemani are curious, observant, and incredibly people aware. When we intentionally breed for temperament, we’re not just creating birds that are easier to work with and handle - we’re setting them up for success in every aspect of their future, including showing.
“We may have chosen Ayam Cemani for their looks, but we stayed for their personalities. Their sweetness, curiosity, and willingness to be handled completely won us over. With the right lines, that temperament really shines, and our goal is to raise birds that are not just beautiful but a true pleasure to live with. Our Cemanis are incredibly people focused - this morning one of our hens cooed at my husband for nearly ten minutes. It’s moments like that that steal your heart and remind us why we love this breed so much.”
⁃ Danielle Whitaker, ACBA member and photo contributor
Temperament and Showmanship
“Showing” isn’t just about bringing a bird to a competition and placing it in a cage. Birds are hand selected and trained to present themselves; to display good posture, structure, and confidence, while remaining approachable and alert. Judges look for birds that naturally stand upright, showcase their type, and remain calm under scrutiny. In contrast, a bird that hunches down, hides, or panics can obscure its own best qualities, no matter how perfect its feathers or body structure may be.
A bird with steady temperament communicates its quality through posture, alertness, and presence, allowing judges to fully appreciate its type, structure, and overall condition. Over time, selecting and breeding for this confidence produces birds that consistently place higher, because they are as skilled at showing as they are at meeting the Standard of Perfection.
Breeding for temperament is a deliberate process. Birds are observed and selected for calmness and confidence. Only those consistently displaying desirable traits are used for breeding, generation after generation. Over time, this selection reduces fear and aggression, improves health, lowers stress, and supports long term success in both the show ring and everyday care.
A steady temperament doesn’t happen by accident, it’s cultivated intentionally, just like feather color or body type.
We’d love for you to join in:
What special moments have you had with this breed?
What personality traits do you value most?
Are you intentionally breeding for temperament in your program?