Do you know a rare chicken breed may have a price of thousands of dollars? But why do people love to own them? It is because of their aesthetic value.
What makes a chicken breed so much more expensive than average backyard chickens? Their rarity, unique body shape, color, size, and many other aspects make them different regular options.
Hundreds of chicken breeds are available in the world, including over 500 “fancy breeds.” But what is the most expensive chicken breed?
If you have a craving to collect unique chicken breeds to enrich your collection, you have landed on the right spot. Keep reading to learn about your dream chicken breed.
10 Most Expensive Chicken Breeds in the World
Many poultry enthusiasts have a hobby of collecting rare chicken breeds. These chicken breeds are pretty different than regular ones.
The followings are the top 10 chicken breeds with a higher price tag than common birds.
01. Ayam Cemani
This chicken breed is one of the most expensive chickens. But why is it so expensive?
They have a rare condition known as fibromatosis. Its mutant fibro melanistic genes and black hyperpigmentation cause excessive dark pigmentation on its body.
This uncommon chicken breed originated from the island of Java, Indonesia, in the 12th century. Everything is black: their feathers, skin, bones, and internal organs.
Interestingly, their blood color is deep red, which looks like almost black blood. People take it as a good luck charm. Earlier, people used to use Ayam Cemani for ritual ceremonies.
According to several fact checks, there are no more than 3,500 Ayam Cemani chickens available globally.
Males have an average weight of 4.4-5.6 pounds, whereas females have around 3.3-4.4 pounds.
They lay around 60 to 100 cream-colored eggs per year. Their average lifespan is 6 to 8 years.
An adult Ayam Cemani has a price of at least $200. But it can be as high as $2,500 per bird. Their egg price is $10 to $20 per piece.
02. Dong Tao
Do you know what the best thing about Dong Tao is? They are a symbol of status. Earlier, people from royal families as well as mandarins used to raise them as a luxury item.
Dong Tao chickens originated in Vietnam. This decorative breed has a dramatic look. They are often served on special occasions, such as Tết and Vietnamese New Year.
This chicken breed has a distinct, burly physical structure with scale-covered thick and sturdy legs. People believe the bigger their lumpy legs, the tastier they will be.
Roosters from Dong Tao chickens have an average weight of 5.5 to 6 kg. On the contrary, hens weigh about 4.5 kg on average.
They lay only 80 to 120 tinted white small to medium eggs annually. Their average lifespan is around 5 to 8 years.
The price of an adult Dong Tao chicken can be anywhere from $1250 to $2000. You can only get them from Vietnam. A half dozen of eggs can cost around $51 to $55.
03. Liege Fighter
Do you want to protect your chicken and your flock from predators and other animals? If so, Liege Fighter appears to be the best choice.
Their aggression, fierce appearance, and giant size make them a popular option. Surprisingly, it is friendly toward people.
They originated from the capital of Liège in Wallonia, in eastern central Belgium, in the late nineteenth century. People also call them Luikse Vechter.
This giant game chicken breed is specifically used to use for cock-fighting. Liege Fighter can be as tall as 30 inches, which is twice that of regular American game fowls.
Their average weight is 8 to 12 pounds. They generally live 5 to 8 years. Luikse Vechter lives around 150 white or cream-colored eggs per year.
The price of an adult Liege Fighter can be anywhere from $100 to $150+. Even their chicks can cost around $50 to $100. A half dozen of eggs have a price tag of $48 to $50.
04. Deathlayer
Are you looking for a chicken that lays eggs till its last day? If so, Deathlayer chicken is one of the best choices.
They are so consistent in egg production that laying seven eggs each week is pretty typical for them.
Deathlayer chicken originated in Westphalia, Germany, in the 18th century. In Low German, people also call it ‘Daudtleijer,’ meaning ‘Long-term Layer.’
Females have an average weight of 3.3 kg to 4.5 kg, whereas males weigh around 4.5 kg to 5.5 kg.
Deathlayer lays around 200 to 350 medium to large-sized white eggs per year. Like other hens, their egg production may decrease in stressful conditions.
Their average lifespan is 5 to 8 years. They start laying eggs when they reach 18 weeks of age and continue it for 4 to 5 years.
The price of a Deathlayer chick can be around $100—one dozen of eggs costs $120. But adult chickens are unavailable for sale despite the high demand for them.
05. Orust Chicken
Rare chickens have a high price tag. Orust Chickens are one of the rarest breeds in the world.
Their total population is less than 4,000. That’s why they are known as a critically endangered chicken breed.
Orust Chicken originated in Sweden from the Orust and Tjörn islands. But what is so special about this chicken breed?
Most people are amazed at their exotic good looks. Their astonishing black and white mottled feather pattern creates a unique appearance.
Female chickens have an average weight of 1.5 kg, whereas male chickens weigh around 2 kg.
They lay around 150 to 250 small to medium-sized white eggs per year. Their average lifespan is 6 to 8 years.
Raising them is pretty easy as they are a free-ranger breed. They can easily survive even in intensive climate conditions.
An adult chicken can cost around $100 or more. Orust chicks have a price tag of $30 to $60. A single egg can cost approximately $9 to $10.
06. Bresse Chicken
Here comes another rare chicken breed, which originated in the former province of Bresse in France around 500 years ago.
Many people take it as a symbol of the French flag due to its feather color combination of blue, white, and red.
This rare chicken breed is well-known as France’s best-tasting meat chicken. People often call them the “Queen of Chickens.”
Their unique genetic lineage causes an entirely different flavor and texture in their meat. Compared to traditional chicken breeds, their bones are pretty dainty and thin.
When roosters become mature, they have an average weight of 6 to 7 pounds. In contrast, hens weigh around 4 to 5 pounds on average.
Bresse Chickens are pretty good at egg production. They can lay around 200 to 280 medium to large-size cream-colored eggs per year.
The price of a Bresse chick is around $30 to $35. But adult chickens are mostly unavailable for commercial selling.
07. Olandsk Dwarf
Are you looking for a completely natural chicken breed? This chicken breed is a true dwarf chicken. It originated from a small island called Olands in Sweden.
There were only 50 Olandsk Dwarf chickens available globally thirty years ago.
But scientists have worked hard to develop a higher number of this breed genetically, and they have become successful. However, they are still available in a limited number.
This naturally developed chicken is rare and uncommon. They have a small body structure with colorful feather patterns. Raising them is easygoing due to their cold-hardy nature.
This small-sized chook is not raised for meat production. The average weight of a rooster is 1.3 to 2.2 pounds. In contrast, hens have an average weight of 0.5 to 0.8 pounds.
Their average lifespan is approximately 5 years. Olandsk Dwarf lays around 200 to 250 smallish white eggs per year.
This chicken breed can cost around $100. But only smaller ones are available. Adult Olandsk Dwarf is not available for sale.
08. Pavlovskaya
Do you want to raise a diversified chicken breed? Pavlovskaya chickens originated in Russia in the 18th century.
Their rigid standard for authenticity makes them one of the rarest chicken breeds worldwide.
This pure-bred chicken has unique feathering on their feet. They look simply stunning and exotic.
Pavlovskaya chickens are available in various colors, such as red, silver, white, black-gold, gold, fawn, etc.
This ancient Russian chicken breed is available in only a few numbers.
Female chickens have an average weight of 3-4 pounds, whereas male chooks weigh about 4 pounds.
Pavlovskayas lays around 70 to 100 medium-sized tinted or white eggs per year. Their average lifespan is 5 to 8 years.
This highly cold-hardy chicken breed can survive easily in extremely cold conditions.
The price of an adult Pavlovskaya chicken can be anywhere from $85 to $95. A single egg will cost around $10. You have to pay approximately $45 to $50 to buy an unsexed chick.
09. Serama Chicken
Small-sized chickens have a separate fan base. Serama chickens are one of the smallest chicken breeds.
They originated from the Malaysian state of Kelantan in the 1970s. Their attractive feathers look so beautiful. People also love their V-shaped posture.
This great pet bird has a friendly nature, making it perfect for house pets. They are hardy nature and not prone to get affected by various health issues.
Serama chickens have an average height of 6 to 10 inches. The weight of roosters is about 370 to 540 grams, whereas females weigh approximately 230 to 540 grams.
They lay around 200 to 250 small-sized, white, or dark brown eggs. Each one weighs around 14 to 18 grams.
Their average lifespan is 4 to 5 years. But with proper care, they can live up to 6 or 7 years.
The price of Serama chickens can be anywhere from $30 to $100+, depending on their bloodline. But female chooks are a bit more expensive than males.
10. Swedish Black
This chicken breed is well known for its naturally friendly and relaxed temperament. People love their cream-colored eggs.
They originated in Sweden in the 1800s. But it was first originally recognized from Mozambique. They are also called Svart Hona.
Swedish Black chicken is a rare breed. According to the National Poultry Census in Sweden, their actual population is around 500 to 550.
Swedish Black chickens have completely glossy black skin. Their facial skin, beak, and meat-everything are black.
Roosters have an average weight of 2 kg, whereas hens weigh around 1.5 kg.
This rare breed lays around 150 to 250 cream-colored eggs. Egg sizes may vary. But most are large.
Their super fertile eggs have an average hatching rate of 98%. Swedish Black chickens live around 6 to 8 years.
A Swedish Black chicken will cost at least $100. Their eggs also have high demand. They have a price tag of $13 per piece.
Summing UP
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, More than 1600 different chicken breeds are available globally.
Some are so rare that they are only found in a particular country or even a specific location. Rare chicken breeds cost around 10 to 100 times higher than regular options.
I have already discussed the top 10 most expensive chicken breeds. If you have any collection of rare breeds, feel free to share their lifestyle, characteristics, and other things with us!
