Where to Buy Black Chickens: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding These Exotic Birds

Have you ever seen those stunning jet-black chickens that look like they’ve been dipped in midnight? I’ve been obsessed with these gorgeous birds ever since I first spotted one at a friend’s farm. If you’re like me and want to add some of these rare beauties to your backyard flock, you’re probably wondering where to find them. Don’t worry – I’ve done all the research for you!

What Makes Black Chickens So Special?

Before we dive into where to buy them, let’s talk about what makes these chickens so unique. Black chickens aren’t just regular chickens with black feathers – many of the true black breeds have a genetic condition called fibromelanosis or hyperpigmentation. This causes them to produce extra melanin, which turns everything black – their feathers, skin, internal organs, and even their bones!

The most famous black chicken breeds include

• Ayam Cemani – This Indonesian breed is completely black from head to toe, including their comb and wattles. They have a gorgeous metallic sheen to their feathers that’s seriously impressive.
• Silkie – These fluffy chickens have black skin and bones beneath their soft, furry-looking feathers.
• Chinese Silkie – Very similar to regular Silkies but with different feathering. Some may have dark blue or purple tints.
• Kadaknath – An Indian breed with black meat that’s prized in traditional medicine.
• Black Orpington – These beauties have a gorgeous green sheen to their black feathers.

There are also other breeds that come in black varieties, like Plymouth Rock, Jersey Giant, and Swedish Flower Hen, but they don’t have the same hyperpigmentation as the Asian breeds.

Why You Might Want Black Chickens

I personally think black chickens are worth the extra effort to find because:

1. They look amazing! Their striking black plumage with green or purple iridescence makes them stand out in any flock.
2. Many are excellent egg layers, especially Orpingtons and Silkies.
3. You’ll be helping preserve rare heritage breeds like Ayam Cemanis and Kadaknaths.
4. Lots of black chickens have super docile, friendly personalities – even the roosters!
5. They’re great in hot climates since many originated in tropical regions.
6. In some cultures, black chicken meat is believed to have health benefits and medicinal properties.

Best Places to Buy Black Chickens

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for – where can you actually buy these exotic birds? I’ve rounded up all the best sources

1. Specialty Black Chicken Farms

If you want the highest quality birds, specialty farms that focus exclusively on black breeds are your best bet. One standout option is:

Black Satin Farms – Located in South Alabama and North Florida, Black Satin Farms is America’s largest exclusive breeder of pure black chickens. They specialize in Ayam Cemani and their own American Black Satin breed. According to their website, they have over 5 generations of poultry experience and guarantee their chicks are offspring of double-fibro parents (meaning both parents have the fibromelanosis gene).

As of my research, Black Satin Farms requires in-person pickup of chicks at their farm in Dothan, AL due to USPS shipping issues. You can contact them at (334) 836-9100 to schedule a pickup.

Other specialty farms to check out include:

• Feather Lover Farms (California) – Known for their Ayam Cemanis
• Dark Star Farm (California) – Specializes in Black Jersey Giants

2. Online Mail-Order Hatcheries

If you don’t live near a specialty farm, online hatcheries that ship nationwide are a convenient option:

• Meyer Hatchery – Family-owned hatchery in Ohio operating since 1965. They offer several black chicken breeds including Ayam Cemani, Silkie, Kadaknath, and Swedish Black Hen.
• Cackle Hatchery – Based in Missouri and hatching chickens since 1936. They sell black Silkies, Ayam Cemanis, and Black Orpingtons.
• My Pet Chicken – Connecticut hatchery specializing in rare breeds for backyard chicken keepers. They offer Ayam Cemanis.
• Purely Poultry – California-based with over 100 breeds, including black Silkies, Orpingtons, and Ayam Cemanis.

One tip I’ve learned from experience – order early! These rare breeds sell out super quick, especially during spring hatching season.

3. Local Sources

Don’t overlook local options, which can save you on shipping costs and stress for the birds:

• Local feed stores – Some work with regional hatcheries to bring in chicks seasonally. While they might not have the rarest black breeds, you might find black varieties of Orpingtons or Plymouth Rocks.
• Classified listings – Check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for local breeders selling black chickens. You can often find adults, juveniles, or even fertilized eggs at good prices.
• Poultry swaps and shows – These events are awesome for meeting breeders and chicken enthusiasts in your area. I found my first pair of Silkies at a county fair!

What to Look for When Buying

I made some mistakes when I first started buying black chickens, so let me share what I’ve learned:

• Verify the breed – Some hatcheries sell mixed black chick assortments. Make sure you’re getting the specific breed you want.
• Check for quality – Healthy chicks have bright eyes, are active, and have clean vent feathers. Avoid any that seem lethargic.
• Ask about the parents – For true black breeds like Ayam Cemanis, ask to see photos of the parent birds. Solid black breeding stock should produce solid black offspring.
• Be aware of crossbreeds – Pure black breeds are expensive, so some sellers offer crosses that may show unexpected colors like white patches.
• Understand pricing – Don’t be shocked by the price tag! Purebred Ayam Cemani chicks can cost $50 or more each. If someone’s selling them for $10, they’re probably not pure.

Caring for Your Black Chickens

Once you get your beautiful black birds home, they’ll need some special care:

• Provide plenty of shade – Black feathers absorb heat, so make sure they have shady spots to escape the sun.
• Supplement minerals – Since black chickens’ bones and tissues contain extra melanin, they benefit from additional minerals like calcium.
• Protect their skin – Their black skin can still get sunburned! Apply sunblock to their combs and wattles if needed.
• Keep them dry – Especially important for Silkies, whose fluffy feathers hold moisture.
• Watch for frostbite – For breeds with feathered feet, you might need to trim those feathers in cold weather to prevent frostbite.

Are Black Chickens Worth It?

I’m not gonna lie – black chickens can be more expensive and sometimes more demanding than your average backyard chicken. But in my experience, they’re totally worth it! My Silkies are the friendliest chickens I’ve ever owned, and my Black Orpingtons lay eggs like champs. Plus, the look on visitors’ faces when they see my exotic flock is priceless!

Whether you’re looking for a unique ornamental bird, a productive egg layer, or just want to try something different, black chickens make an amazing addition to any flock. Just be sure to buy from reputable sources who care about the quality and health of their birds.

Have you raised black chickens before? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you know of any other great sources for black chicken breeds, please share them with our community.

Happy chicken keeping!

A black chicken’s cost varies drastically, from the relatively inexpensive Black Star hen ($4-$5) and day-old chicks of other black breeds ($8-$17), to the extremely rare and expensive Ayam Cemani, which can cost $2,500 to $6,000+ for a single bird. Other factors affecting price include the type of black chicken, where it’s purchased, and whether it’s a day-old chick, a full-grown bird, or a fertilized egg.

You can find “black chickens” through specialized suppliers of rare poultry breeds, such as the Ayam Cemani (completely black), Black Silkie, and Black Sumatra, by checking online hatcheries like Cackle Hatchery or specialized farms. For consumption, you can find black meat chicken products, like Silkie or Black Diamond chicken, through online grocery services like Amazon.com or specialty meat suppliers like Marx Foods.

Yes, black chicken meat is generally considered very healthy, offering high protein content, essential vitamins, and minerals, along with antioxidants and a lower fat content than regular chicken. These nutritional benefits are partly due to its higher melanin content, a trait that also contributes to the meat’s unique flavor and firm texture, making it a versatile ingredient in cooking. However, some individuals with sensitive digestion or gout should limit their intake, and consulting a healthcare provider is advisable for those with specific health conditions.