Chickens are one of the most common domesticated animals around the world. However, there are a few breeds of chicken that are incredibly rare and prized for their unique appearance, temperament, or egg-laying abilities. In this article, we will explore some of the rarest chicken breeds in the world, their characteristics, and where to find them.
Ayam Cemani
The Ayam Cemani is the rarest chicken breed in the world, originating from Indonesia. It is prized for its unique all-black appearance, including its feathers, beak, and internal organs. The Ayam Cemani has a friendly and docile temperament, making it a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers. The breed is also known for its high levels of antioxidants found in its black skin, which is considered a delicacy in some cultures.
Due to their rarity, Ayam Cemani chickens can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per bird. They are not commonly found in local feed stores or hatcheries, but there are several online sources that you can use to find breeders and hatcheries, such as the American Poultry Association and the Livestock Conservancy.
Onagadori
The Onagadori is a breed of chicken from Japan, known for its long, flowing tail feathers that can grow up to 20 feet in length. They have a wild and untamed appearance, and are often kept as ornamental birds rather than for egg-laying or meat production. The breed is incredibly rare, with only a few hundred birds left in Japan and very few outside of Japan.
Due to their unique appearance and rarity, Onagadori chickens can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars per bird. It can also be difficult to find breeders and hatcheries that specialize in this breed, making them a truly rare and special bird.
Serama
The Serama is a breed of chicken from Malaysia, known for its small size and friendly temperament. They are considered the smallest breed of chicken in the world, with males weighing only 8-12 ounces and females weighing 6-8 ounces. The breed is prized for its docile nature and easy handling, making it a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers.
Serama chickens come in a variety of colors and feather patterns, and can be quite rare and expensive depending on the quality of the bird. They are not commonly found in local feed stores or hatcheries, but there are several online sources that you can use to find breeders and hatcheries.
Swedish Flower Hen
The Swedish Flower Hen is a breed of chicken from Sweden, known for its unique feather pattern and docile temperament. The breed has a mix of white, black, and rust-colored feathers, creating a beautiful and eye-catching appearance. They are also known for their friendly and easy-going nature, making them a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers.
While the Swedish Flower Hen is not as rare as some of the other breeds on this list, it is still a relatively uncommon breed in the United States. They can be more expensive than some of the more common breeds of chicken, but are still relatively affordable compared to some of the rarer breeds.
Sultan
The Sultan is a breed of chicken thought to originate from Turkey, known for its unique appearance and docile temperament. They have a distinctive appearance, with a large crest on their head, fluffy feathers on their feet, and a small body size. The breed is not commonly kept for egg-laying or meat production, but rather as an ornamental bird due to their unique appearance. Sultans can be difficult to find, as they are not commonly bred in large numbers.
Dutch Bantam
Dutch Bantams are tiny and very popular in the Netherlands, where they were first developed. They are a true bantam breed, meaning they are not derived from any larger breeds. They are very lively and are great foragers. They come in various colors, including black, white, and silver.
La Fleche
La Fleche chickens are an old breed that has been around since the 1600s. They are native to France and are known for their black feathers and distinctive V-shaped comb. They were once a popular meat bird in France, but their numbers have declined over the years. Today, they are considered rare and are often kept for ornamental purposes.
Redcap
The Redcap is an old breed of chicken that originated in England. They are a very active breed and are known for their distinctive red crest. They were once a popular breed for egg production, but their numbers have declined over the years. Today, they are considered rare and are often kept for ornamental purposes.
Crevecoeur
The Crevecoeur is another old breed that originated in France. They are named after a small town in Normandy, where they were first developed. They are known for their jet-black feathers and their V-shaped comb. They were once a popular meat bird in France, but their numbers have declined over the years. Today, they are considered rare and are often kept for ornamental purposes.
Aseel
Aseels are an ancient breed of chicken that originated in India and Pakistan. They are known for their muscular build and aggressive temperament. They were originally bred for cockfighting, but today they are often kept for ornamental purposes. They come in a variety of colors, including black, red, and white.
Chicken breeding has a long history and has resulted in many unique and rare breeds. While some of these breeds have declined in popularity over the years, they still have a dedicated following of breeders and enthusiasts. If you are interested in raising chickens, consider one of these rare breeds as a unique addition to your flock.
