Some of these breeds are solely black, while several other color varieties can be found. We have gathered together every black chicken breed out there.
Most importantly, these breeds are excellent for keeping as backyard chickens, so continue reading to discover the perfect black chicken for you…
The Langshan is a sizable ebony chicken that can weigh up to 7lb.
During the 1800s, these birds were initially referred to as Croad Langshans in honor of Major Croad, the individual who first brought them to England. Over time, the breed has evolved into four distinct types – Croad, Modern, Australian, and German.
The differences in types lie in the standards for conformation. All varieties of Langshans and Croad are black and can be easily found in both the US and the UK.
Although this breed is amiable and gentle, do not anticipate them to embrace you.
12. Crevecoeur
Unfortunately, the Crevecoeur is another heritage breed that is in a critical state of endangerment.
This black chicken can be almost completely obscured by the comb that it has on its head and beard. The wild crests on its head and beard make it easily recognizable.
They were initially bred for their delicate white flesh as they are not productive egg producers.
She is extremely calm and will handle being confined well.
If you are interested in contributing to conservation endeavors, perhaps you could consider incorporating black Crevecoeurs into your group.
2. Java
The Java chicken is the second most ancient breed of American origin.
They were raised using chickens imported from the Far East.
Java coffee has fallen prey to the fast food trend, due to the emergence of industrialized chicken farming. This particular breed of hen grows at a slow pace, leading to its widespread presence on numerous farms and pastures in the past. However, it has now been disregarded by the poultry sector.
However, she is the ideal hen for a homestead.
Their inclination to sit on eggs is also recognized, and they typically lay approximately 3 sizable brown eggs per week. Hens can handle being confined, but they do prefer to roam freely and are skilled at finding food.
She can possess black or ebony and white plumes that glisten green in the sunshine.
In general, this is a calm and gentle hen that requires conservation and makes an excellent choice for a backyard chicken.
13. La Fleche
The La Fleche is a historic breed of chicken.
They were initially found in the 1400s in the village of La Fleche, close to Paris.
This chicken is completely black and has a fascinating crest.
Hens are not great egg layers. Their behavior is feral and undomesticated, and they are not very docile due to the history of their landrace.
Generally, they are not a tame species and are primarily kept as a show bird.
7. Breda
The Breda is truly a unique specimen.
In the United States, there are only a few breeders and even in their home country (the Netherlands), they are considered scarce.
Unfortunately, this particular breed is widely regarded as being in a critically endangered state globally.
In the United States, the lineage of this particular breed is inconsistent. Although once highly favored during the era of the Civil War, their popularity eventually waned, leading to their eventual extinction within the country.
Bredas are chickens that have a distinctive way of walking, described as paddling. They have feathered feet, similar to vultures’ hocks. Additionally, they have a beak resembling that of a crow and do not have a comb. It can be said that Bredas are unusual-looking chickens.
Of course they possess black plumage, nevertheless this can occasionally be accentuated with white feathers as well.
They are a timid variety, nevertheless once they develop trust in you they are delightful.
They will remember that they are a heritage breed, so they will grow slower and won’t reach their full stature until the second year.
9. Minorca
The Minorca originates from the Spanish island of Minorca.
It is believed that the breed was brought to the island when the Moors conquered it nearly 3000 years ago.
These chickens are extremely resilient and adaptable to hot and harsh environments. They are not in danger of extinction, but this particular chicken has a black and bright red comb.
Additionally, the hens are exceptional egg producers!
8. Orpington
The original Orpingtons were black in color.
This was an intentional decision to conceal the black carbon and overall filth in the air during the late 1800s.
Soon after their creation they became an enormous success as an egg layer that could also be a good sized table bird.
They are never in a hurry unless there is food involved. The Orpington is the epitome of a docile and content fat fowl on an English farm.
Chickens are amazing egg producers and can lay 4-5 sizable brown eggs per week.
These large, cuddly, and soft birds are raised to be held and petted, making them a prime target for kids to snuggle and hold. They won’t be a bit long. This black chicken is a docile and calm breed, which makes it a good choice for neighbors in close, urban settings. Overall, they are not overly noisy.
5. Jersey Giant
Jersey Giants originate from the state of New Jersey and were selectively bred to compete with Turkeys.
Recently, backyard breeding has become popular and this breed has gained popularity as well, despite not being widely recognized.
You will discover this breed in three distinct shades, but black is the most prevalent.
In the span of one week, the chickens will produce approximately 3 extra-large brown eggs; however, these chickens were initially bred for their meat, serving a dual purpose.
The Giants Jersey overall is very friendly and easygoing. This black chicken can be kept in an urban setting without worrying about upsetting the neighbors, as they are not noisy. They love free-ranging, although they can tolerate confinement well and thrive in cooler climates.
1. Ayam Cemani
When you envision a dark-colored hen, it’s likely that you envision this particular one.
The Ayam Cemani is completely black.
This breed has been blessed with a gene called melanistic, which produces a high amount of melanin, resulting in black skin, feathers, bones, and organs.
In their homeland of Indonesia, rituals are often used, including the ability to speak with spirits, as it is believed that they have magical powers.
They have only recently been introduced to the western world in the 1990s.
Since then, they have gained immense popularity in the United States, and their price can reach up to $200 per chicken.
Every year, they generate approximately 80 eggs that are creamy in color. Prior to commencing again, they will lay approximately 30 eggs or so and then pause laying for a period. Nevertheless, they are not particularly proficient at producing eggs. They lay their eggs in a cyclical manner.
4. Australorp
The Australorp was developed using Orpingtons.
The Australians wanted even more eggs laid by chickens; however, they were well received. The Orpingtons were shipped from Australia to the UK back in the 1800s.
After several years of hard work, they successfully developed the Australorp.
Australorps are available in various colors, but the most famous variant is black.
If you reside in proximity to neighbors, it is imperative that they maintain a tranquil demeanor. Additionally, they are amenable to being lifted and transported, thus anticipate their gentle and affable nature. As you develop a rapport, they will reveal their remarkable and charismatic traits, despite their initial timidity.
If you are looking for a black-feathered chicken that has the capacity to lay a substantial number of eggs, then this specific breed is suitable for you.
Australorps are exceptional egg producers and can lay around 4-5 eggs per week.
Read our article Australorp: egg production, colors, traits and more for additional details.
3. Sumatra
The Sumatra fowl originates from the islands of Indonesia, encompassing Java, Borneo, and Sumatra.
They can still be discovered there in the present time.
In the United States, this entirely black chicken is primarily kept as a decorative or show bird.
The males exhibit long flowing tails and a majestic demeanor, while hens are smaller and do not possess the flowing tails.
Regrettably, they are not very outgoing with individuals and their behavior is better suited to the personality of a game bird.
10. Cochin
The majority of Cochins are available in a buff shade, although you can also come across them in birchen (black and white).
They are an adorable and affectionate fowl.
The outbreak of Victorian hen fever gave rise to the Cochin breed. During that era, they gained immense popularity among poultry enthusiasts and it is said that Queen Victoria herself held a great fondness for them. These chickens were gifted to Queen Victoria, who had a deep passion for raising poultry, and they have a distinguished and royal lineage that can be traced back to the 1840s.
The original Cochins appeared significantly distinct from the modern-day Cochins.
They were taller and less fluffy.
However, the Victorians repeatedly crossed the Cochin river with unfamiliar breeds and resulted in the chicken we observe nowadays.
Cochins are a collection of plumes from head to toe.
Handling two children simultaneously can be too much for parents, which can overwhelm them. However, it seems that the children prefer spending time on their owners’ laps or cuddling instead of engaging in any other activities.
You can discover Cochins in either standard or bantam dimensions, but they are all equally as soft and fluffy.
6. Silkie
The Silkie is an extremely unique chicken.
They are typically retained for their appearance or for company.
This truly makes them a melanistic breed, a mystical delicacy. They possess black skin similar to the Ayam Cemani and the Silkie, encompassing their organs and muscles.
Despite being a subpar egg producer, she is content to incubate any eggs and will successfully hatch and nurture them.
Silkies should be dried off or blown dry with a hair dryer if they become soaked. They are highly prone to this vulnerability in cold and wet weather, as their feathers do not possess the capability to interlock. While black is quite prevalent, Silkies can be found in various colors.
In general, they are incredibly friendly and make ideal lap chickens for anyone. Learn more about Silkies in our comprehensive guide here.
11. Svart Hona
Originating from Swedish, Svart Hona essentially represents a dark poultry. It is thought that the original Svart Honas were imported from Indonesia.
She is one of the rare melanistic chicken breeds, indicating that all her body parts are black.
The mystery of why this little hen has not gathered more here in the US is not known. This breed gets along very well with humans and is very friendly. They make great mothers to chicks and can lay 2-3 eggs per week.
Generally, they are a tiny avian species and only have a weight of approximately 3lbs.
Which Is The Best Black Chicken For You?
Some of the mentioned species here are fairly uncommon and require preservation and reproduction.
Others, such as the Orpington, are ideal backyard chickens that are suitable for the majority of individuals.
The ideal breed will rely on the reason behind acquiring black chickens.
Some ebony chickens are amiable and lay a plethora of eggs, while others will choose to be solitary.
If new poultry enthusiasts are not found to carry on the work of conservation, several breeds of farming will face extinction in the near future due to the tremendous amount of genetic diversity lost over the last fifty years.
Please share your favorite breed with us in the comments section below…