Curious about a breed that exudes elegance and mystique? Ever wondered what lies behind the mesmerizing allure of the Black Diamond Chicken? The Black Diamond chicken is a marvel to behold, as it looks similar to the rare Ayam Cemani. If you are curious about these birds, this Black Diamond Chicken Breed Guide will provide you with some valuable insights. Let’s explore this breed so you can decide if the Black Diamond chicken is right for your backyard.
Black Diamond Breed Overview
Take a look at an overview of this breed’s characteristics:
| Origin | USA |
| Weight | 5.5-7 pounds |
| Feather Color | Black and brown |
| Egg Production | 3-4 eggs per week |
| Egg Size & Color | Large, light brown or cream-colored |
| Broodiness | Moderate |
| Beginner-Friendliness | High |
| Hardiness | High adaptability |
| Foraging | Excellent |
| Temperament | Curious, docile, and self-sufficient |
Origin of the Black Diamond Chicken
The origin of the Black Diamond Chicken is rooted in the careful breeding and selection of various chicken breeds. One of the major influences in its genetic makeup is the Ayam Cemani, a highly prized breed known for its all-black appearance. However, the development of the Black Diamond Chicken goes beyond simply incorporating Ayam Cemani genetics.
The breed was meticulously crafted by Danny Eiland, a seasoned poultry geneticist and the former owner of S&G Poultry. With a deep understanding of poultry genetics, Eiland followed a method he refers to as “The Mixing Pot” when creating the Black Diamond Chicken. This approach aimed to preserve the essential characteristics of Bantam Silkies, such as their black skin, five toes, and soft feathers, while introducing other traits from different breeds, including the Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red.
By carefully selecting and crossing various breeds, Eiland ensured that the Black Diamond Chicken maintained its unique appearance and retained the desirable features of the Bantam Silkie. The result is a visually striking breed with a sprinkling of brown feathers on its predominantly black plumage, making the Black Diamond Chicken a remarkable addition to any flock or homestead.
Physical Characteristics of the Black Diamond Chicken Breed
The physical characteristics of the Black Diamond Chicken make it a standout breed. With its black feathers and a sprinkling of brown, it possesses an alluring and distinctive appearance. The black coloration is not limited to the feathers but extends to the skin, connective tissues, muscles, organs, and even bones due to the presence of the fibro melanosis gene. This unique genetic trait gives the Black Diamond Chicken its striking black pigmentation throughout its entire body.
In addition to its mesmerizing coloration, the Black Diamond Chicken has an average body weight ranging from 5.5 to 6 pounds, with roosters typically weighing slightly more than hens. The breed displays black skin, shanks, comb, wattles, and tongue, further accentuating its captivating appearance. Comb types may vary among different breeds within the Black Diamond lineage.
Personality and Temperament of Black Diamond Chickens
Black Diamond Chickens possess a curious and docile temperament, making them a joy to have in a flock. They are known for their enthusiastic and active foraging behavior, which contributes to their self-sufficiency. These birds thrive when given the freedom to roam and explore, happily indulging in bugs and vegetation.
As such, you can expect some resistance to confinement; these chickens love their space.
While they enjoy playing within the flock, they may display some shyness around humans. However, with gentle handling and regular interaction, they can become accustomed to human presence and develop trust over time. In other words, you do not have to worry about Black Diamond chickens becoming aggressive.
Black Diamond Egg Production and Broodiness
Looking for chickens that are going to keep your family well fed? Black Diamond hens have an average egg-laying capacity of up to 200 eggs per year; that is about 3-4 eggs per week. However, it’s important to note that this number can vary depending on individual factors such as diet, health, and environmental conditions.
Now what about broodiness? For those who are unaware, broodiness refers to a hen’s instinct to incubate eggs and raise chicks. The Black Diamond breed is a low to moderate chance of going broody. In other words, your Black Diamond ladies are not going to go broody often, but there is always a chance they may one day decide they want a clutch of their own. If you want to reliably raise Black Diamond chicks of your own, you may need another more broody hen to act as the mother.
Raising Black Diamond Chickens
Raising Black Diamond Chickens is a straightforward process due to their hardy and adaptable nature. These birds are known for their resilience and can easily acclimate to different environmental conditions. Their ability to free-range is a valuable trait as they can utilize their natural foraging instincts to find food sources such as worms, insects, and vegetation. While they excel at foraging, it’s important to provide a well-rounded diet that includes grains and supplemental feeds to ensure they receive optimal nutrition.
These birds do not have any special dietary needs. What they do require is a balanced diet that has premium commercial chicken feed at the core. On average, a single Black Diamond chicken consumes approximately 1/4 to 1/3 pound of feed per day. Adjust the quantity based on the number of birds you have.
Remember to always provide access to clean, fresh water for your Black Diamond chickens. Clean and refill their waterers regularly to ensure they stay hydrated.
Basic chicken husbandry practices apply when raising Black Diamond Chickens, including providing appropriate housing, access to clean water, and safeguarding them from predators. Black Diamond chickens do not require excessive space, but providing adequate room for their comfort and well-being is important. In the coop, allow a minimum of 4 square feet of space per bird. This ensures they have enough room to perch, nest, and move around comfortably. In the chicken run, provide at least 10 square feet per bird to allow for exercise and foraging.
Aside from that, Black Diamond chickens are low maintenance. You will need to monitor their health and ensure they have been vaccinated against conditions like Marek’s Disease. Otherwise, they are healthy and do not have any known hereditary health problems.
Are Black Diamond Chickens Good For Homesteaders?
At the end of the day, choosing chicken breeds that meet your needs and look good out in the yard are essential. For homesteaders, Black Diamond chickens can’t be beat. Their self-sufficiency, adaptability, and low-maintenance nature make them well-suited for homesteading environments. Black Diamond chickens also have wonderful foraging abilities that allow them to supplement their diets with other food sources, thereby reducing feed costs. This is good for pest control. Furthermore, with an average of 200 eggs per year, that is more than enough to contribute to your egg supply.
Also, you cannot overlook the aesthetic appeal of these beautiful birds. Their plumage, which can be black or brown with copper or blue lacing makes them highly attractive. Since they are docile and calm, they also work well in smaller yards.
Final Thoughts on the Black Diamond Chicken Breed
The Black Diamond chicken breed is a visually striking and versatile breed that brings beauty and practicality to any homestead or backyard. With its black feathers, black skin, and dark pigmentation, it stands out as a captivating addition. The breed’s self-sufficiency and adaptability make it well-suited to various environments, while their enthusiastic foraging nature adds to their appeal. Black Diamond hens provide a steady supply of light-brown to cream-colored eggs, and their docile and curious temperament adds to their charm. Whether for ornamental purposes or practicality, the Black Diamond Chicken is a wonderful choice for those seeking a unique and adaptable breed.
Valerie has been content writing since 2016 for websites and companies all around the world. A traveler, dancer, martial artist, Valerie loves gathering experiences and wisdom. Her travels have taken her to over 20 countries, and she hopes to see more of the world soon.
