Incubating Ayam Cemani Eggs: What to Expect
If you’ve decided to hatch your own Ayam Cemani eggs, patience and careful monitoring will be key to success. These eggs, like those of other breeds, require a stable incubation environment with a temperature of around 99.5°F and humidity levels of about 50-55% for the first 18 days. One challenge with Ayam Cemani eggs is their slightly lower fertility rate, so it’s a good idea to start with more eggs than you ultimately expect to hatch.
Turning the eggs regularly—at least three times a day—helps prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. As hatching day approaches (typically around day 21), humidity should be increased to around 65-70% to aid in the chicks’ ability to break free from the shell. The hatching process can take up to 24 hours from the first pip to complete emergence, so it’s important to be patient and resist the urge to help unless absolutely necessary.
Once hatched, Ayam Cemani chicks need warmth, clean water, and high-quality starter feed to thrive. They may start off a bit fragile, but with proper care, they will grow into the striking black-feathered birds they are meant to be. Watching these rare and beautiful chicks develop is a rewarding experience for any poultry enthusiast.