The current draft submitted to the American Poultry Association can be found below. Please note that the Standard of Perfection has not yet been accepted, however, the Ayam Cemani Breeders Association remains steadfast in developing a Standard of Perfection for the protection and betterment of the breed.
Ayam Cemani Standard Of Perfection, Revision #6
Classification: All Other Standard Breeds AOSB
The Ayam Cemani is a breed developed from the selective breeding of a naturally occurring mutation of wild landrace chickens in Central Java. This mutation is black hyperpigmentation called fibromelanosis (fibro). While the mutation had occurred sporadically in this landrace variety for centuries, steps were taken to select towards an all-black bird in the early 20th century.
There is some variety in type and breeders have selected towards the purification of black coloring as well as for single comb in a game bird with an alert upright stance. The defining characteristic of this breed is intense black coloring that make them completely black all the way to the bone. The blackest birds are sought after in Asian countries for belief in their mystical and medicinal powers and ceremonial dishes.
Economic Qualities
These fowl are a collectors? breed as they are not known to be prolific layers, but are valued for their dark meat. Color of egg shells is white tinted to cream.
Disqualification
Any foreign color in plumage. Pink present in the mouth (showing incomplete fibro). (See General Disqualifications and cutting for defects)
Defects
Any foreign color in mouth besides black or grey. Faded plumage and unevenness of color. Toenails any color other than black.
Standard Weights
Cock. . . . . . . 5lbs
Hens. . . . . .3.5lbs
Cockerel. . . . 4lbs
Pullets. . . . .2.5lbs
Shape: Male
Comb: Single; fine in texture, of large size, straight and upright; firm and even on the head (fig. 68), having five distinct points, deeply serrated and extending well off the back of the head with no tendency to follow the shape of neck; smooth, free from twists or folds.
Beak: Medium length, strong and well curved.
Face: Clean, finely textured.
Eyes: Round, dark and prominent.
Wattles: Medium, smooth and free of wrinkles, matching in size and shape.
Ear lobes: Small, smooth in texture, oval shape.
Head: Moderate in length, strong with a moderate crown.
Neck: Moderately long, nicely arched, narrow but strong. Hackle feathers can be wiry and may reach the shoulders.
Back: Medium in length, sloping down from the neck. Wider at the shoulder and becoming narrow at the junction of the tail.
Tail: Tail carried at 45-degree angle, broad and well spread.
- Sickles: narrow, medium in length, slightly curved.
- Coverts: abundant
Wings: Medium length, carried tight, slightly lower than the horizontal plane, slightly higher at the shoulder. Strong, prominent points, well folded to the body.
Breast: Fairly broad, held high.? Round and firm but not overly muscled.
Body: Medium sized elegant form that is slim and sleek.? Muscled not bulky.
Legs and Toes: Legs set well apart, straight when viewed from front.
- Lower Thighs: Short, thick, and muscular, sloping slightly into hock.
- Shanks: Medium length.
- Toes:?Four toes, well spread with prop toe standing back and firm on the ground.
Plumage: Feathers short, rather narrow, hard, and firm, fitting closely in all sections.
Appearance: Stands proud and alert, with a game-like stance.
Shape: Female
Comb: Single; fine in texture, of medium size, straight and upright; firm and even on head, having five distinct, deeply serrated points.
Beak: Medium length, strong and well curved.
Face: Clean, finely textured.
Eyes: Round, dark and prominent.
Wattles: Medium, smooth and free of wrinkles.
Ear Lobes: Small, oval shape, smooth in texture.
Head: Moderate in length, strong and confident expression.? Crown adds mild depth to the eyes.
Neck: Moderately long, nicely arched, thin but strong.? Hackle feathers can be wiry and may reach the shoulders.
Back: Medium in length, sloping down from the neck.? Wider at the shoulder.
Tail: Good length, carried at 45 degree angle and moderately spread.
Wings: Medium length, carried tight and proud slightly lower than the horizontal plane, slightly higher at the shoulder.? Strong, prominent points, well folded to the body.
Breast: Fairly broad and held high.? Round and firm but no over muscled.
Body: Medium-sized elegant form that is slim and sleek.? Muscled, but not bulky.
Legs and Toes: Legs set well apart, straight when viewed from front.
- Lower thighs: Short, thick, and muscular, sloping slightly into hock.
- Shanks: Medium length.
- Toes:?Four toes, well spread with prop toe standing back and firm on the ground.
Plumage: Feathers short, rather narrow, hard and firm, with little fluff, fitting close to the body.
Apearance: Stands proud and alert, with a game-like stance.
Color: Male and Female
Comb, Face, Wattles, and Earlobes: Intense black fibro.
Beak: Dull black.
Eyes: Dark brown to black.
Shanks and Toes: Black, laced in grey.
