Have you ever thought about chickens being expensive? Most of us think of chickens as affordable backyard pets that provide us with fresh eggs. But would you believe that some chicken breeds can cost thousands of dollars? That’s right – the world of luxury poultry is surprisingly expensive!
As a chicken enthusiast for many years, I’ve been fascinated by these high-priced feathered friends. Today, I’m going to share with you the most expensive chicken breeds in the world and explain why they command such astronomical prices.
What Is The Most Expensive Chicken In The World?
The Ayam Cemani from Indonesia is officially the most expensive chicken in the world, with a breeding pair costing up to $5,000 ($2,500 per bird).
This stunning “Lamborghini of poultry” isn’t just expensive – it’s extraordinary in every way. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this chicken so special along with the other costly breeds that make up our top 11 list.
1. Ayam Cemani – $2,500 per bird ($5,000 per pair)
Ayam Cemani
The undisputed champion of expensive chickens is the Ayam Cemani from Indonesia. This chicken is absolutely stunning and unique because of its fibromelanosis – a genetic condition causing hyperpigmentation.
What makes the Ayam Cemani special:
- Completely black – feathers, skin, meat, bones, and internal organs
- Nicknamed the “Lamborghini of poultry” due to its prestige and price
- Believed to have mystical powers in its native Indonesia
- Extremely rare with limited availability outside of Asia
- Not yet officially recognized by the American Poultry Association
Despite their hefty price tag, Ayam Cemani chickens lay cream-colored eggs (not black!), which is quite a contrast to their all-black appearance.
2. Dong Tao – $2,000 per bird ($2,600 per pair)
Coming in second place is the Dong Tao chicken from Vietnam. These chickens are known for their massive, dragon-like legs that can be as thick as a human wrist!
Key features of the Dong Tao:
- Nicknamed “Dragon Chicken” due to their thick, scaly legs
- Once served only to Vietnamese royalty
- Their legs and feet are considered a delicacy
- Extremely difficult to breed (their large feet often crush their own eggs)
- Very rare with high demand that breeders struggle to meet
3. Kadaknath – $1,200+ per bird
The Kadaknath chicken from India is another all-black chicken breed that commands high prices. This breed is particularly valued in its native country for its supposed medicinal properties.
Notable characteristics:
- Black meat, bones and organs (similar to Ayam Cemani)
- Believed to have medicinal healing qualities
- Popular in traditional medicine
- Rich in protein and low in cholesterol
- Extremely rare outside of India
4. Bresse – $30-$350 per bird
Known as the “Queen of Chickens,” the Bresse chicken from France is considered to have the most delicious meat in the world. True Bresse chickens must be raised in the Bresse region of France, similar to how champagne must come from the Champagne region.
What makes Bresse chickens special:
- Protected by French law with an appellation d’origine contrôlée
- Fed a strict diet of Bresse corn and insects
- Distinctive blue legs, white feathers, and red comb (like the French flag)
- Exceptional meat-to-bone ratio
- American Bresse varieties cost less than authentic French Bresse
5. Deathlayer – $100-$250 per bird
With perhaps the most metal name in the chicken world, the Deathlayer chicken (or Totleger in German) gets its name from its extraordinary egg-laying abilities.
Key features:
- Lays eggs consistently until the day they die (hence the name)
- Can live and lay eggs for 10-12 years
- Available in gold or silver varieties
- Ancient German breed with 400+ years of history
- Extremely rare outside of Europe
6. Liege Fighter – $55-$150 per bird
The Liege Fighter chicken from Belgium was historically bred for cockfighting due to its size and strength. Today, they’re kept as exhibition birds and protectors of the flock.
Notable traits:
- Massive size – up to 30 inches tall and 12 pounds
- Twice the size of American game fowl
- Extremely muscular physique
- Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re friendly with humans
- Hens are reliable egg layers
7. Pavlovskaya – $75-$86 per bird
This Russian chicken breed has fascinating folklore surrounding its origins. Some believe it resulted from crossing a grouse with a chicken, while others claim royal lineage from Catherine the Great’s hens.
Distinctive features:
- Crown-like feathers on their heads
- Feathered feet that resemble shoes
- Extremely rare and primarily kept for conservation
- Primarily valued for their unique appearance rather than egg or meat production
- Current conservation efforts discourage consuming them
8. Swedish Black (Svart Hona) – $85-$100 per bird
The Swedish Black chicken, also known as Svart Hona, is another fibromelanistic breed with all-black features similar to the Ayam Cemani but better adapted to cold climates.
Key characteristics:
- All-black appearance with shimmers of purple and green in sunlight
- Extremely rare – only about 500 known to exist
- Cold-hardy and continues laying throughout winter
- More affordable than Ayam Cemani despite being rarer
- Well-adapted to Scandinavian weather
9. Orust – Under $100 per bird
The Orust chicken from Sweden’s Orust Island is a critically endangered breed with fewer than 500 birds left worldwide.
Notable features:
- Beautiful black and white speckled plumage
- Excellent foragers adapted to coastal living
- Originally fed on fish scraps by Swedish fishermen
- Produce 150+ eggs per season
- Nearly went extinct but is being preserved by conservation efforts
10. Olandsk Dwarf – $100 per bird
The Olandsk Dwarf is a tiny Swedish chicken that nearly disappeared in the 1980s when their population dropped to just 54 birds worldwide.
Distinctive traits:
- True bantam size (naturally small, not selectively bred down)
- Various colorful speckled feathers
- Cold-hardy and regular egg layers
- Friendly personality making them great pets
- Population has rebounded but still in the hundreds
11. Brahma – $25 per bird
The “King of Poultry,” Brahma chickens round out our list with their impressive size and gentle nature.
Key features:
- Massive size – roosters up to 18 pounds, hens up to 14 pounds
- Gentle giants with friendly personalities
- Excellent dual-purpose birds (meat and eggs)
- Once cost $150 per pair in the 1800s
- Now more affordable but still prized for their size and temperament
Why Are These Chickens So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high prices of these rare chicken breeds:
- Rarity – Many of these breeds have very small global populations
- Unique genetics – Breeds like the Ayam Cemani have rare genetic conditions
- Difficult breeding – Some breeds like the Dong Tao are challenging to reproduce
- Cultural significance – Many breeds have historical or ceremonial importance
- Exclusive qualities – Whether it’s taste, appearance, or egg-laying abilities
- Conservation status – Endangered breeds command higher prices
Summary: The Most Expensive Chicken Breeds
Here’s a quick reference table of the most expensive chicken breeds in the world:
| Rank | Chicken Breed | Price per Bird | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayam Cemani | $2,500 | All-black “Lamborghini chicken” |
| 2 | Dong Tao | $2,000 | Dragon-like legs as thick as a human wrist |
| 3 | Kadaknath | $1,200+ | Black meat with supposed medicinal properties |
| 4 | Bresse | $30-$350 | “Queen of Chickens” with exceptional meat |
| 5 | Deathlayer | $100-$250 | Lays eggs until death |
| 6 | Liege Fighter | $55-$150 | Massive size and muscular build |
| 7 | Pavlovskaya | $75-$86 | Crown-like head feathers |
| 8 | Swedish Black | $85-$100 | Cold-hardy black chicken |
| 9 | Orust | Under $100 | Endangered black and white speckled breed |
| 10 | Olandsk Dwarf | $100 | Tiny naturally small chicken |
| 11 | Brahma | $25 | “King of Poultry” with massive size |
Final Thoughts
While most backyard chicken keepers are content with common breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Buff Orpingtons that cost around $5 per chick, there’s clearly a luxury poultry market for those willing to spend thousands.
Whether it’s for prestige, conservation efforts, or simply the joy of owning something rare and beautiful, these expensive chicken breeds continue to fascinate chicken enthusiasts worldwide.
If you had unlimited funds, which of these magnificent birds would you add to your flock? I personally find the Ayam Cemani absolutely fascinating, though I think my wallet would prefer a nice Brahma instead!
Orust ($100) – A Spotted Scandinavian in the Most Expensive Chicken Breeds
Very hard to find, Orusts are beautifully spotted white and black from their head to their feet. This beauty, combined with their docile and easy-to-handle nature, makes them highly sought after.
Ölandsk Dwarf ($100) – A Swedish Gem
Olandsk Dwarf chickens are true dwarf chickens. This means that they are not a miniature version of a full-size breed as you have with Bantam breeds. They are a landrace breed of chicken which are typically known to be hardy, disease-resistant and adaptable to changes. They are lightweight and display a beautiful combination of red, black, gray, brown and white multicolored feathers.
10 Most Expensive Chicken Breeds In The World
FAQ
What is the most expensive chicken breed?
Ayam Cemani — $2,500 When discussing costly chicken breeds, one breed stands out: the Ayam Cemani. Not only is it the most expensive, but it also possesses exceptional qualities that make it truly unique. The Ayam Cemani is highly valued due to a rare condition called fibromelanosis, which causes an excess of dark pigment.
Are chickens expensive?
These chickens are some of the most expensive in the world. Many of these expensive breeds are in high demand and extremely rare and difficult to find. Although chickens are generally cheap to buy and keep there are some breeds out there that will cost a pretty penny to own.
How much does a chicken cost?
It’s unclear if the dark pigments of these chickens have negative effects on them, but it’s possible that it effects the quality of their eggs. A pair of these chickens is about $5,000 while you can purchase chicks for $50 each. If you want a dozen hatching eggs, you can expect to pay around $160. Average price: $1,250
What are the most expensive chicken breeds in Sweden?
Sweden seems to have a knack for producing some of the most expensive chicken breeds! Among them, the Swedish Black chicken stands out as a popular choice in northern states thanks to its ability to adapt well to the cold climate. These chickens are known for laying eggs even during the winter months.
Are Lamborghini chickens expensive?
When talking about expensive chicken breeds there is one that immediately comes to mind: the Ayam Cemani This breed is nicknamed the Lamborghini of all chicken breeds because of their price, rarity and prestige. The Ayam Cemani chicken comes from Java (Indonesia) and is considered an extremely rare breed.
What is the biggest chicken breed?
Liege Fighters used to be used for cockfighting, so they’re one of the biggest chicken breeds. Roosters are about 12 pounds and 2.5 feet tall. Despite having a frightening name and past, these chickens are friendly toward humans and lay a decent amount of eggs.
Which breed of chicken is most profitable?
Rhode Island Red – Tough and hardworking. They lay well, thrive in different weather, and are good for beginners. Each of these breeds fits well into small spaces, adapts to simple housing, and has a strong market demand.
What is the most expensive piece of chicken?
What is the rarest chicken?
The Ayam Cemani is often cited as the “rarest” or “most expensive” chicken due to its extreme all-black pigmentation, a trait caused by a genetic condition called fibromelanosis. Found in Indonesia, this breed’s black features extend to its feathers, skin, bones, and internal organs. While other rare breeds exist, like the Svart Hona from Sweden, the unique and drastic nature of the Ayam Cemani’s appearance, combined with its mystical reputation and difficulty in breeding, makes it a highly prized and rare specimen.
What chickens lay 300 eggs a year?
Chickens that can lay 300 or more eggs a year include White Leghorns, known for their prolific laying of large white eggs, and Australorps, which can lay a high number of eggs with some hens even setting world records. Other breeds and hybrids such as Golden Comets and Rhode Island Reds can also achieve this high level of annual egg production.