Ayam cemani chicken has pitch black feathers, beak, skin, organs and even bones

THIS rare chicken from Indonesia is completely black — from its beak, feathers and comb to its skin, bones and even organs.

The weird-looking ayam cemani is thought to bring good luck. Picture: Cemani Farms

THINK you know what a chook looks like?

You may not have seen one quite like this before.

This extraordinarily rare chicken is completely black — from its beak, comb and feathers to its skin, bones and even organs.

The bird is completely black — right down to its organs and bones. Picture: Cemani Farms

Ayam cemani has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Picture: Cemani Farms

The unusual ayam cemani is thought to originate from Java and Sumatra in Indonesia.

The pitch-black bird is believed to have mystical powers and is often used for sacrifice and rituals.

Others think it brings good fortune and luck. The Chinese have used it in traditional medicine for centuries.

It was exported to Europe in the 18th century by sailors from the Dutch East India Company, and interbred to become the Swedish Black chicken.

The Indonesian bird is thought to bring good luck. Picture: Cemani Farms

The rare creatures are highly sought-after by collectors. Picture: Cemani Farms

The pure breed was reintroduced to the Netherlands in 1998 by another Dutchman in 1998, and quickly spread around Europe and the USA.

There are only thought to be around 3500 of its kind in existence.

The ayam cemani’s unique appearance makes it much sought-after by collectors and breeders.

This high demand, coupled with the creature’s rarity, has pushed prices up to more than $2000 per bird, making it one of the most expensive chickens in the world.

There are only around 3500 of the species in existence. Picture: Cemani Farms

The birds can fetch $2000 each. Picture: Cemani Farms

“The cemani is not only considered a sacred chicken but a special and exotic one too,” says breeder Wira Kusumah from Cemani Farms in Indonesia. “There are those who believe eating cemani meat can cure diseases.

“Even as this belief in the unseen thins, they are still collected by international and local breeders.

“We breed the ayam cemani because they are very rare and have a greater value than any other chicken.”

The black flesh colour is a complex genetic trait known as fibromelanosis.