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There is a plethora of incredible chicken breeds ranging from cheap to expensive and somewhere in between. In addition, certain breeds are raised for egg production, while others are known for their delicious meats.
Most chicken breeds cost between one and five dollars when purchased as chicks. Here is a look at the most expensive chicken breeds.
1. Ayam Cemani
The Ayam Cemani is a rare chicken breed from the Indonesian island of Java. They are beautiful black chickens, and even their bones are black. Many components of Ayam Cemani, including the blood, are widely used in traditional medicine and religious rituals.
They live between six-to-eight years and are roughly $2500.
2. Kadaknath Chicken
Originating from India, the Kadaknath chicken is one of the rarer black chicken breeds. They are expensive primarily due to their dark appearance and delicious dark meat.
It is also believed by most that this chicken has notable healing qualities, such as treating pulmonary disorders. They cost a significant $2500 each.
3. Dong Tao Chicken
The Dong Tao chicken originates from Vietnam and is known for having the most delicious meat of any breed, with the thickest legs. However, the demand is so high that the breeders can’t keep up.
In the past, the Dong Tao chicken was saved only for royal feasts, as these chickens are rare, and the taste is unique.
A Dong Tao chicken can cost between $1250-$2000 and are only available in Vietnam.
4. Olandsk Dwarf Chicken
The Olandsk Dwarf chicken originates in Sweden. At one point, only 50 of these chickens lived on the planet, making them even rarer than the Orust.
These chickens are very friendly and get along with other breeds, as well as other animals. A chicks average cost is $100.
5. Deathlayer Chicken
The Deathlayer chicken is known for the hens laying eggs until their last day alive, unlike most breeds that only lay eggs for a maximum of three years. As a result, they are very high-yield producers, making them a popular first choice when purchasing laying hens.
Hens can lay around seven eggs each week. Deathlayer chickens originate from Germany, and chicks will cost about $100 each.
6. Liege Fighter Chicken
The most aggressive breed on this list is the Liege Fighter chicken. Unfortunately, they were often the breed chosen for co*ckfighting due to their nature. The roosters are large, weighing up to twelve pounds and growing over two feet tall.
Although they are considered very aggressive, they are also known for favoring their owners. They range between $100-$150 per chick.
7. Swedish Black Chicken
Swedish Black chickens get their name from their entirely black appearance. Fibromelanosis, a condition causing the body to produce darker pigment excessively, causes coloration.
Their feathers are known to have reflections of purple and green in the sun. Swedish Black chickens have adapted well to the cold and are one of the most popular types of chicken in northern states.
They even lay their eggs throughout the wintertime. Unfortunately, their rarity has caused the price to grow higher and higher. Chicks cost $100.
8. Orust Chicken
The Orust chicken is a breed close to extinction, making them one of the rarest types of birds to attain. They are native to Sweden and naturally have a pleasing spotted black-and-white appearance.
A single egg typically sells for about ten dollars. The chicks are between $30-$60.
9. Bresse Chicken
The Bresse chicken is tough to attain unless you live in Bresse, France. They are known for their excellent meat quality. Bresse chickens are available in many colors, including white, grey, black, and blue. Chicks are $30.
Popular Reading: Egg Prices Soaring: Why Raising Chickens in Your Backyard May Be the Solution
10. Sussex Chicken
The Sussex chicken originates from England and is the ideal breed to allow free range of the farm. They have a very calm temperament. In addition, their speckled appearance will enable them to camouflage well from any predators in the area.
These chickens are especially expensive because they are known to lay eggs throughout the winter and are impeccable meat and egg producers. A chick costs $25.
Expensive, But Worth It
These ten most expensive chicken breeds are not your average farmyard bird. From their unique appearances to their high-quality meat and egg production, these chickens come with a hefty price tag.
The cost may seem steep, but for those passionate about raising rare breeds or looking for the best meat and egg producers, these chickens are worth the investment.
They are a testament to the diversity of chicken breeds and the dedication of breeders and farmers worldwide who continue to preserve and cultivate these remarkable birds.
Whether you’re a chicken enthusiast or just curious, it’s fascinating to learn about the variety and value of these ten most expensive chickens in the world.
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Davin Eberhardt
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.
