Did you know that there’s a whole world of exotic chicken breeds that command surprisingly high prices? From super-rare breeds to prize-winning ornamental birds, we’ve tracked down the 10 most expensive chicken breeds in the world.
The price tags for these highly sought-after chicken breeds can be very variable – the figures quoted are for a top-quality rooster, but hens and chicks can often be more affordable. If you’re keen to add some of these exotic birds to your flock, buying a clutch of fertile eggs is a great way to get started. Just make sure to research their needs first, as some of these high-maintenance birds require very specialized living conditions.
1. Ayam Cemani
- Price: Up to $2,500
- Country of Origin: Indonesia
- Used for: Ornamental, spiritual, and meat
Check out this spectacular chicken! The Ayam Cemani is famous for its striking, jet-black coloring – every part of this chicken is black, including the feathers, skin, bones, and even internal organs. This highly unusual coloring is a result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation called fibromelanosis.
Ayam Cemani chickens are deeply rooted in Indonesian folklore, where they are believed to possess mystical powers and are often used in rituals. This chicken breed is highly sought after by collectors, which, combined with its rarity, drives the price sky-high.
2. Ayam Ketawa
- Price: Up to $2,000
- Country of Origin: Indonesia
- Used for: Ornamental and cock crowing contests
The Ayam Ketawa is also known as the Laughing Chicken, thanks to its distinctive crow that sounds like human laughter! They are considered a symbol of good luck in Indonesia and were once kept exclusively by royalty. Nowadays they are more commonplace in countries around the world, but still attract a spectacularly high price tag.
Fun fact: Contests for long-crowing chickens like the Ayam Ketawa are often held in Indonesia, with a national award for superior crowing awarded to the best rooster!
3. Sulmtaler
- Price: Up to $300
- Country of Origin: Austria
- Used for: Meat and eggs
Sulmtaler chickens are considered a gourmet meat bird in Austria, but they also produce a steady supply of tasty eggs and are easy to rear. The name originates from the remote Sulm valley in Austria, where a few small breeders protected the Sulmtaler from extinction during the First and Second World Wars.
4. Bresse
- Price: Up to $1,000
- Country of Origin: France
- Used for: Meat
The famous French Bresse chicken is highly regarded for its exceptional meat quality, considered by some chefs to be the finest in the world. This delicacy is so highly sought after that Bresse chickens have protected designation of origin (PDO) status to protect the heritage and quality of this traditional French product.
In France, Bresse chicken farmers must comply with specific dietary and living conditions to maintain their gourmet status. They are highly sought after elsewhere in the world and many hatcheries now sell fertile eggs and day-old chicks.
5. Dong Tao (Dragon Chicken)
- Price: Up to $2,000
- Country of Origin: Vietnam
- Used for: Meat
Dong Tao chickens have unusually large, thick legs, which can reach the size of a human wrist, and weigh over two pounds each. They are considered a delicacy in Vietnam, where their legs are often served during the Lunar New Year festivities.
This sought-after chicken breed is not suitable for most backyard chicken keepers – they have specific dietary needs, are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and can be very labor-intensive to rear. Their bulky legs also make laying and hatching eggs difficult, adding to their rarity and price.
6. Serama
- Price: Up to $2,000
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Used for: Ornamental and pets
How adorable are these tiny chickens! Serama chickens are the smallest chicken breed in the world, with some weighing less than a pound. Their miniature stature and unique look make them highly sought after by collectors.
A full-size Serama rooster is the same size as a pigeon, and they are often kept as indoor pets or ornamental birds. But don’t be fooled by their diminutive size – Seramas are bold, confident, and a whole lot of fun!
7. Kadaknath
- Price: Up to $1,000
- Country of Origin: India
- Used for: Meat and medicinal purposes
The meat of Kadaknath chickens is prized for its health benefits and is also used in traditional Indian medicine. These jet-black chickens have a slow growth rate and their delicious meat boasts high levels of protein and a low fat and cholesterol content. These hardy birds are becoming more popular in areas prone to adverse weather due to their resilience and adaptability.
8. Orpington (Lavender or Jubilee)
- Price: Up to $700
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
- Used for: Eggs and ornamental
While Orpington chickens may be a common sight on many homesteads, the rare
9. Swedish Black Hen (Svart Hona)
- Price: Up to $1,500
- Country of Origin: Sweden
- Used for: Ornamental
The ornamental Swedish Black Hen is a distant cousin of the Ayam Cemani and boasts the same striking black coloring. Thanks to their Swedish origins these hardy birds cope well with cold weather but are not the best choice for egg or meat production.
10. Liege Fighter
- Price: Up to $1,500
- Country of Origin: Belgium
- Used for: Originally bred for cockfighting, now ornamental
Liege Fighters were originally bred as fighting birds in Belgium, but luckily they are more likely to be kept as ornamental birds these days. They are often nicknamed the ‘Hawk Buster’, as their large size means they are highly resilient to ariel predators.
An adult Liege Fighter rooster can weigh up to 12 pounds and stand around 30 inches tall – that’s taller than a Beagle or Cocker Spaniel! This expensive chicken breed is quite rare outside of Europe, although suppliers of hatching eggs are becoming more widespread.
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