Domestic Animal Breeds

10 Chicken Breeds that have Glossy Black Plumage

With the many color variations and patterns in the different chicken breeds, it can be quite difficult to choose. Some breeds have over ten or twelve different color and or color combinations and patterns.
In this article, we look at 10 of my most favorite all black feathered breeds of chickens.

OUR TOP 10 CHICKEN BREEDS SPORTING RICH BLACK PLUMAGE

  1. Sumatra


    2. The Sumatra is known to come from Sumatra but can also be found in the wilds of Borneo and Java. They come in many different colors but the one that is favored by most breeders of these chickens is the black variety. They have glossy black plumes covering their entire bodies ending in a waterfall of flowing tail feathers. Their skin and bones are also black with a deep red face, wattles and comb. They are very rare these days and were once bred as fighting cocks. They are not very friendly birds and are quite aggressive. They are mainly kept for show and ornamental purposes as they are very poor layers of medium white eggs. They lay on average 1 a week and they do not make good table birds either. Their meat has been known to be tough and rather wild tasting.Read More

  2. Ayam Cemani


    3. The Ayam Cemani is a very rare, very expensive to buy a breed of chicken. They can fetch up to $2500 each or $5000 plus a mating pair. This chicken originates from Java where it was once considered to be a sacred bird. It has been used in many rituals through the ages. Like the Silkie and Sumatra, the Ayam Cemani too have black skin and bones. But this breeds wattles, comb, eyes, beak and organs including its heart are black too. Although its blood is not black it is really a dark red making it appear so. Another purely ornamental breed that is not a good layer of eggs which are small to medium cream colored. They are not good meat birds either!Read More

  3. Minorca

    4. The Black Minorca has a red face and white ear-lobes. These black glossy plumed beauties are the largest of the Mediterranean breed and the friendliest of this class. They are large to heavy sized chicken that can weigh up to 7 lbs. for the males and 6.5 lbs. for the females. Although they do not make good table birds they are very good layers of large to extra-large white eggs.Read More

     

  4. Langsham


    5. The Black Langsham is an endangered breed that is very rare these days. They have feathered legs that feathering stops just above the toes making them look like they are wearing leg warmers. These chickens have a calm graceful air about them. They are not available from normal poultry outlets and are mainly found at hatcheries that specialize in rare/heritage breeds of chickens. They are a dual-purpose breed that has a very good quality of meant and lay a lot of medium sized brown eggs every week.Read More

  5. Silkie

    6. silkies-black
    The Black Silkie usually has a black skin and bones too. These tough little fluffy bantams are a delight to any flock making excellent pets for kids. They are tough little birds and they are good brood hens and foster moms for other chickens’ chicks. They are a great addition to any size flock and have such wonderful natures. Their feathers do need a little bit extra attention and care though especially if they are walking around in damp or muddy conditions.Read More

  6. Australorp


    7. You cannot go wrong with a pretty Black Australorp or two in your flock. These beauties are basically the Australian version of the Orpington chicken breed. They have the sweetest nature and can be a bit shy at times. But they do love attention and if hand reared you will not find a more loyal pet. They also lay a very good amount of Large to extra-large brown eggs a week. In fact, it is one of these ladies that hold the world record for the number of eggs laid in a year. They also make a very good table bird with the highest quality of meat. Read More

  7. Jersey Giant


    8. The Black Jersey Giant is one of the most gentle, calm easy-going chicken breeds. They are one of the biggest breeds of chickens. They do need a slight larger coop and run but other than that they are really easy to keep. They make such good pets and are really good layers of extra-large brown eggs. They are also a very good table bird. They do not mind the cold weather but do not like the heat and they take to a confined run without a problem.Read More

  8. Orpington


    9. These English chickens are really good layers of large light brown eggs. They are also quite a good meat bird. They are also a compliment to any flock as they have friendly natures are adaptable and easy to handle. The Buff color is the most common but the Black Orpington is truly beautiful with their layers of fluffed out feathers!Read More

  9. Black Shumen


    10. The Black Shumen is a breed that is very rare these days. It originates from Bulgaria in the Shumen region. It looks a lot like the Minorca only it has red ear-lobes. It is quite an old breed and lays a good amount of medium to large white eggs. It will lay around 150 to 160 a year.

  10. Swedish Black


    11. The Swedish Black looks a bit like the Ayam Cemani in that share the same mutation that makes their bones, skin and feathers to be completely black. But these chickens are smaller and look more like a domestic fowl than a game fowl. It is said that the Swedish Black is also a lot rarer than the Ayam Cemani. They also are better egg layers and they have a much better temperament than the Ayam Cemani having adapted to the role of the domestic chicken. 

    If you are new to owning chickens, looking to starting out before making a choice of chicken breed it is best to have a clear vision as to what you are wanting to get out of owning chickens. Are you looking for fresh eggs, a pet, etc? For advice on keeping chickens see our “The first-time chicken owners starter guide”.

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