The Kadaknath chicken is a unique and fascinating poultry breed that has captured the attention of poultry supporters around the globe.
In this all-around guide, you’ll discover everything there is to know about Kadaknath chickens, including their history, temperament, eggs, size, appearance, characteristics, and the many benefits of raising andbreeding them.
Whether you’re a experienced poultry keeper or a starter, this article will provide valuable insights and information to help you make the most of your Kadaknath chicken experience.
Contents
Introduction to Kadaknath Chickens
Kadaknath chickens are a rare andexotic breedof poultry native to India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
They are known for their unique appearance, with black feathers, skin, and even bones. This striking feature has earned them the nickname “Kali Masi,” meaning “black flesh fowl” in Hindi.
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Kadaknath chickens are visually intriguing and known for their delicious and nutritious meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.
As a result, they have gained popularity both as a gourmet delicacy and as a healthy alternative to conventional chicken. This chicken breed is similar to theCemani chickenbreed.
History and Origin of Kadaknath Chickens
The history of Kadaknath chickens dates back thousands of years, with documentation of their existence found in ancient Indian scriptures.
The origins of the Kadaknath chicken can be traced back to the Dhar and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh. They are believed to have been domesticated by the Bhil and Gond tribes of Central India (hilly terrain region), who first reared them for their meat and eggs.
Over time, Kadaknath chickens became integral to the region’s local culture, featuring prominently in rituals and occasions. However, the breed has faced challenges, with populations declining due to habitat destruction and overhunting.
However, efforts have been made to conserve and promote Kadaknath chickens recently, with the Indian government even granting themGeographical Indication (GI)status in 2018.
This designation recognizes the breed’s unique characteristics and historical significance, helping to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Lifespan of Kadaknath Chickens
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Kadaknath chickens have a relatively long lifespan compared to other poultry breeds. On average, they can live for up to 12 years, assuming they are provided with proper care and a suitable environment.
However, their productivity in laying eggs and meat production typically declines after 5 to 6 years. As a result, many poultry keepers choose to cull older birds in favor of younger, more productive stock.
Temperament of Kadaknath Chickens
Kadaknath chickens are known to be intelligent and friendly, making them an excellent choice for experienced and novice poultry keepers.
They are generally quite docile and can adapt well to various environments, including urban and rural settings. They love to forage and can find their food if provided the opportunity.
Despite their calm demeanor, Kadaknath chickens can be somewhat flighty, so it’s essential to provide them with a secure and spacious living area to prevent escapes.
However, they can besusceptible to stress, so providing them with a peaceful and stress-free environment is important.
Appearance of Kadaknath Chickens
The most striking feature of Kadaknath chickens is their entirely black appearance. Their feathers, skin, beak, and even bones are all black or dark gray, making them easily distinguishable from other poultry breeds.
This unique pigmentation is due to a genetic condition calledfibromelanosis, which causes the overproduction of melanin throughout the bird’s body.
In addition to their black coloration, Kadaknath chickens have a sleek and slender build, long legs, and narrow bodies.
They possess a small, single comb and wattles, which are also black. In addition, their eyes are usually black or dark brown, adding to their striking and exotic look.
Characteristics of Kadaknath Chicken
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Kadaknath chickens are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them well-suited to various climates and living conditions.
They are hardy and can tolerate extreme temperatures, making them well-suited for rearing in hot and humid climates.
They also resist many common chicken diseases, making them a low-maintenance breed. In addition, they have a strong immune system, which helps them resist common poultry diseases and infections.
This resilience makes them an excellent option for novice poultry keepers who may not have extensive experience in managing chicken health.
Keysmith chickens are also good foragers, which can help reduce feed costs and make poultry keeping more sustainable and self-sufficient.
They are highly prized for their meat, which is tender, flavorful, and low in fat, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.
Kadaknath Chicken Hen Eggs Laying Age, Count, Egg Size, and Egg Color
Kadaknath hens begin laying eggs at around 6 to 7 months, which is later than many other chicken breeds.
They lay an average of 80 to 120 eggs each year. The eggs are small to medium, with a light-brown or cream-colored shell.
It’s important to note that while Kadaknath chickens are mainly raised for their meat, their eggs are also nutritious and can be a valuable addition to your diet.
However, other breeds may bemore suitable if egg productionis your primary goal. They are also considered a delicacy in some parts of India.
Size and Weight of Kadaknath Chickens
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Kadaknath chickens are medium-sized birds, with adult males (roosters) weighing between 2.5 to 3 kilograms (5.5 to 6.6 pounds) and adult females (hens) weighing between 1.5 to 2 kilograms (3.3 to 4.4 pounds). Their slender build and long legs contribute to their unique, elegant appearance.
Kadaknath Baby Chicks Appearance and Cost
Kadaknath chicks are born with black downy feathers and beaks, and their dark pigmentation intensifies as they grow. Both hens and roosters havea single-type comb.
As this is a rare and unique breed, Kadaknath chicks can be pricier than those of more common chicken breeds. The average price of Kadaknath chicks cost around $1 each.
Prices can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the breeding stock and the availability of chicks in your area.
Kadaknath Rooster Vs. Hen
Some differences between Kadaknath roosters and hens can help you distinguish between the sexes.
Roosters usually have a single comb and wattle, long tail feathers, and a more pronounced spur on their legs than hens do.
Kadaknath roosters tend to be more vocal and exhibit more territorial behaviors, such as crowing and guarding their flock.
Roosters from Kadaknath have muscular bodies, while hens have a circular body. The hens are quiet and love to forage near their owners.
Benefits of Raising and Breeding Kadaknath Chicken
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1.Unique and attractive appearance:The striking black coloration of Kadaknath chickens makes them an eye-catching addition to any poultry flock.
2.Nutritious and delicious meat:Kadaknath chicken is a popular choice for health-conscious consumers because of its high in protein, low in fat, and distinctive flavor.
3.Adaptability and hardiness:Kadaknath chickens are well-suited to various climates and living conditions, making them an excellent choice for novice and experienced poultry keepers.
4.Disease resistance:Their strong immune system helps Kadaknath chickens resist common poultry diseases and infections. However, proper immunization is most important.
5.Efficient foraging:Kadaknath chickens are skilled foragers, which can help reduce feed costs and contribute to a more sustainable poultry-keeping system.
Problems Associated with Raising Kadaknath Chicken
- Late egg-laying age:Kadaknath hens begin laying eggs later than many other breeds, which can be a disadvantage if egg production is your primary goal.
- Moderate egg production:Kadaknath chickens lay a moderate number of eggs yearly, so they may not be the best choice for those seeking high egg yields.
- Flightiness:Kadaknath chickens can be somewhatflighty, requiring a secure and spacious living area to prevent escapes. They need open and long runs to forage and play.
- Higher cost:As a rare and unique breed, Kadaknath chickens can be more expensive to purchase and raise than more common breeds.
Health Benefits of Kadaknath Chicken Meat – Culinary Benefits
Kadaknath chicken meat is highly prized for its delicious taste and numerous health benefits. It is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for those trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Additionally, Kadaknath meat contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to contribute to overall health and well-being.
Culinary enthusiasts appreciate the unique flavor and tender texture of Kadaknath chicken meat, which can be used in various dishes, from traditional Indian cuisine to modern fusion recipes.
The meat is also known to cook quickly and evenly, making it a versatile and convenient ingredient for home cooks and professional chefs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kadaknath Chicken
What is special about Kedaknath chicken?
Kadaknath chicken is a unique breed known for its entirely black appearance, delicious and nutritious meat, and adaptability to various climates and living conditions.
What to feed Kadaknath chicken?
Kadaknath chickens can be fed a diet similar to other poultry breeds, consisting of a balanced mixture of grains, proteins, andgreen vegetables. They are also efficient foragers, which can help reduce feed costs.
Also read:Complete guide on feeding chickens.
Why is Kadaknath chicken black?
The Kadaknath chicken’s black coloration is due to a genetic condition called fibromelanosis, which causes the overproduction of melanin throughout the bird’s body.
Where to get Kadaknath chicken?
You can purchase Kadaknath chickens from reputable breeders or online poultry marketplaces. Choose a reputable source to ensure you’re getting healthy, high-quality birds, and do your research.
Where can I buy Kadaknath chicken?
You can purchase Kadaknath chicken from reputable breeders or online poultry marketplaces. Research a reputable source to ensure you get healthy, high-quality chicks and chickens.
How to identify pure Kadaknath chicken?
Pure Kadaknath chickens can be identified by their black appearance, including their feathers, skin, beak, and bones. You can also consult an experienced poultry keeper or veterinarian for assistance in identifying pure Kadaknath chickens.
Conclusion – Why Kadaknath Chicken is a Unique Breed
Kadaknath chicken is a unique and fascinating breed, known for its striking black appearance, delicious and nutritious meat, and adaptability to various environments.
Whether you’re an experienced poultry keeper or just starting your journey, raising Kadaknath chickens can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
With their numerous benefits and intriguing history, it’s no wonder that Kadaknath chickens have captured the hearts and imaginations of poultry enthusiasts worldwide.
While some challenges are associated with raising them, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Overall, Kadaknath chickens are a breed worth considering for anyone interested in poultry farming.
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FAQs
What is the color of Kadaknath egg? ›
Kadaknath is an Indian breed of chicken, which is completely black in colour and indigenous to Madhya Pradesh. Kadaknath eggs are a rare variety of eggs, which are richer in protein than compared to regular eggs and have a high nutritive value.
What color is Kadaknath chicken meat? ›Kadaknath, also known as Kali Masi, is a black-coloured chicken breed. Not only is the flesh black, but most of its organs and bones are dark as well.
Are Kadaknath eggs black or brown? ›Unlike the regular poultry chicken, Kadaknath Chicken also known as Black Chicken is completely black in colour. Right from the flesh to the blood, nerves to feathers and even the eggs by this chicken are black in colour.
What is the characteristics of Kadaknath meat? ›Kadaknath meat had more protein and less fat, moisture and ash content than broilers (p < 0.01). Furthermore, it was richer (p < 0.01) in 11 amino acids, including those which are known to impart a sweet and umami taste, than the meat of broilers (3 amino acids).
What is the quality of Kadaknath egg? ›This breed has good fertility (80 to 85%) and hatchability (83 to 90%) status. Eggs are small in size (42 to 45 g) but have good shell quality (10.47% shell) with light brown to brown coloured shells, and low yolk to albumen ratio (0.51).
Are Kadaknath eggs white? ›The eggs of Kadaknath are creamy white in colour.
How do you identify Kadaknath eggs? ›The roosters weigh 1.8–2 kg (4.0–4.4 lb) and the hens 1.2–1.5 kg (2.6–3.3 lb). Kadaknath hens' eggs are brown with a slightly pink tint; they are poor setters and rarely hatch their own brood. Eggs weigh an average of 30–35 g (1.1–1.2 oz).
Is Kadaknath meat tasty? ›How does Kadaknath Chicken Taste? Compared to other chicken, it has a gamey taste, and the gravy prepared using this chicken contains an intense, lasting flavour. Moreover, it is not just the meat of this breed that is popular; Kadaknath chicken eggs are also in great demand.
Is black chicken meat actually black? ›The chicken flesh itself is a dark bluish-gray or even black, and the bones are black as well. But the meat really doesn't taste different by nature; it's just chicken. The one difference, however, comes from the way the birds are raised.
Is Kadaknath egg better than white eggs? ›The Kadaknath eggs are as nutritious as the chicken itself is. The eggs contain a higher amount of proteins (25.47%) compared to white chicken eggs. The eggs are found effective against headaches, asthma, kidney issues, iron deficiency, and quick recovery after delivery.
Are black eggs normal? ›
Black chicken eggs aren't a thing. Unless you color them that way, which is often what we've actually seen circulating on social media, with that being said, there's a reason this rumor got started. Even though the eggs aren't black, the birds are (and they're just as impressive as those fake black chicken eggs).
Are black eggs natural? ›Black chicken eggs do not exist unless you transform them with color, which is obtainable. Having seen a lot of them circulating on social media, there is a reason this rumor got started. Despite the eggs are not black, the chickens are ( they are just as beautiful as those fake black chicken eggs).
How long do you boil Kadaknath eggs for? ›Once the water comes to a boil, cover the pan with a lid and remove the pan from the heat. Do not lift the lid. Set a timer for the type of boiled egg you want, from 4 minutes to 12 minutes.
What are some fun facts about Kadaknath? ›The Kadaknath breed contains approximately 10 times higher iron content when compared with the ordinary chicken breed. In fact, higher iron content is the main reason behind its black skin colour and even blood colour. The eggs laid by the hens of this breed are also quite popular.
What is the benefit of Kadaknath meat? ›Kadaknath meat is also believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle besides possessing aphrodisiacal properties. The eggs of the Kadaknath, also dubbed 'Diet Eggs', help alleviate severe headaches, fainting spells, asthma and nephritis. Its meat and eggs are also believed to benefit patients with tuberculosis.
How many eggs does Kadaknath lay? ›| Particulars | Kadaknath |
|---|---|
| Egg laying/month | 11-12 |
| Annual egg laying | 120 |
| Average egg weight | 40 to 45 grams. |
| Egg color | Brown |
This is a Non-vegetarian product.
Is Kadaknath egg vegetarian or non veg? ›Yes ! Eggs are Vegetarian ! Kadaknath Chicken and Eggs. get to know the details.
What is the difference between white and black eggs? ›Overall, there is no difference between egg colors. An egg's color is the result of natural pigments being added to the shell when the egg is forming inside the hen. The color of eggs that hens lay is determined by her breed.
Why Indian chicken eggs are white? ›White eggs are laid by white-feathered chickens while the brown ones are laid by brown-feathered chickens. The reason behind why there are more white eggs than brown ones in the market is that breeding and raising white-feathered chickens is much cheaper.
What colour are black chicken eggs? ›
Ayam Cemanis are the blackest chicken breed, as they are completely black inside and out. They lay cream coloured eggs.
How much cholesterol is in Kadaknath egg? ›Kadaknath Eggs, Cholesterol: 0.73 to 1.37%, 9.32 g.
Are Kadaknath eggs good for cholesterol? ›Kadaknath eggs are an ideal nutritive food, especially for old people and high blood pressure victims, since the cholesterol content is lower.
Does Kadaknath have cholesterol? ›Low In Cholesterol
White meat has 13 to 25% cholesterol typically, kadaknath chicken, on the other hand, has only 0.73 to 1.05% so it can be a boon for heart and blood pressure patients.
IS THE CHICKEN'S BLOOD REALLY BLACK? No. “Black blood from ayam cemani chickens is a myth,” Jamal says. And according to GreenFire Farms, the chicken's “blood color is always red.
Is black chicken meat better? ›Health benefits.
Research suggests that the dark meat of black chicken breeds like the Kadaknath provides a rich source of carnosine. Carnosine is a protein-building compound that has antioxidant properties, so eating black chicken meat may be a healthier choice than white meat.
The chicken's black meat is priced between Rs 700- Rs 1,000 per kilogram.
What chicken lays blue eggs? ›There are two breeds in the blue egg laying world currently accepted by the American Poultry Association — Araucanas and Ameraucanas.
What is the blackest chicken in the world? ›A scientist explains how it came about. The Ayam cemani chicken may be the most deeply pigmented creature on earth. Not only are the bird's feathers, beak, comb, tongue, and toes a striking, blue-ish black, but so are its bones. Even the chicken's meat looks like it has been marinated in squid ink.
Are Ayam Cemani eggs black? ›Egg Color, Size & Laying Habits: People often ask do Ayami Cemani chickens lay black eggs? No, they actually lay cream-colored eggs with a slight pink hue.
Is black egg safe? ›
Century eggs prepared in traditional ways are generally safe to consume. However, there have been incidents of malpractice in century egg production that causes eggs to be contaminated.
What is the most nutritious chicken egg? ›Pasture-raised eggs (also known as pastured eggs) are by far the best eggs to buy, but make sure you at least get free range. The grade of eggs refers to the actual quality of an egg's shell, whites, and yolk. From best to worst, the grades are Grade AA, Grade A, and Grade B.
Which chicken egg is the best? ›Leghorn chickens are probably one of the most well-known purebred chicken breeds who are excellent layers. While Leghorns come in many recognized varieties, the white Leghorn is by far the most popular and is the best egg laying variety.
Do black eggs taste different? ›Also known as century egg, hundred-year egg, thousand-year egg, skin egg, and black egg, the preserved egg is served in the most humble of establishments through to restaurants with three Michelin stars. “It tastes like egg on the palate, with a creamy and succulent flavor.”
Do black chicken eggs taste different? ›Regardless of these common beliefs, the short answer is no. All chicken eggs are made the same on the inside. Egg tastes only change because of a hen's diet and the egg's freshness.
Do dark eggs taste different? ›People often describe duck egg yolks as tasting creamier than chicken egg yolks. Overall, duck eggs and chicken eggs taste similar. However, the flavor of duck eggs may be more intense than that of chicken eggs. Duck eggs tend to be 50–100% larger than chicken eggs.
What culture eats black eggs? ›Century eggs (Chinese: 皮蛋; pinyin: pídàn) are very popular in China and Hong Kong alike, but also served in Chinese restaurants around the globe.
Why are Japanese eggs black? ›Kuro-tamago, literally “black eggs,” are regular chicken eggs boiled in Owakudani's natural hot springs. The sulfur in the water turns the eggshells as black as charcoal.
What color can eggs be naturally? ›For example, Leghorn chickens lay white eggs while Orpington's lay brown eggs and Ameraucana produce blue eggs. An Olive Egger, a chicken that lays olive green eggs, is the product of a cross between a hen and rooster that are from a brown egg and a blue egg laying breed.
What temperature do Kadaknath eggs hatch at? ›The temperature should be between 37-38°C (99-102°Fahrenheit). The humidity of the incubator needs to be adjusted which should be around 40-50%. Identify the fertile eggs, the age of eggs should be 7-10 days, older eggs will not hatch.
How to marinate Kadaknath chicken? ›
Heat oil in a pan and add onions, ginger garlic paste, green chillies, turmeric paste, cumin powder, garam masala. Mix everything well. Following this, add other herbs and spices like turmeric, pori powder, red chilli powder etc. Stir until the masala is cooked well.
How many months to boil eggs? ›03/4How long to boil an egg
For a less runny but semi solid egg yolk with a slightly firmer white, boil the egg for eight minutes. For a soft yolk and firm albumin, boiling the egg for ten minutes should do the trick. For a fully hard-boiled egg with a firm yolk and firm albumin, boil the egg for twelve minutes.
Whereas it takes a year for a Kadaknath cockerel to reach 1.5 kg and reaches a maximum weight of about 2.0 kg; the bird has a lifespan of about 12 years.
What is the highest price of Kadaknath? ›Kadaknath Chicken product price ranges from 25 to 10,000.0 INR and minimum order requirements from 1 to 1,000.
What is the story of Kadaknath chicken? ›Kadaknath meat is famous for its black colour, known as Black meat chicken. It comes from the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh in India. This chicken is known as 'Kali masi' which means the fowl with black meat. This chicken breed is reared by the local tribe of the Jhabua district.
What is the diet of Kadaknath? ›Prior to 2 months, birds can be fed prestarter broiler feed along with maize crumbs. Post 2 months, they can be given a 20% protein diet. Based on the weight and age, you can start with broiler feed and then with regular feed. This breed needs minimum care and can feed on seeds, grass, leafy vegetables etc.
Is Kadaknath chicken organic? ›WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KADAKNATH CHICKEN AND NORMAL CHICKEN? Kadaknath eggs & chicken nutrition plays a very large part of recovery, growth and general fitness. Kadaknath eggs are unfertilized, 100% organic containing best nutrition and almost no fat, its egg white purest form of protein.
What is the difference between Kadaknath chickens and Ayam Cemani chickens? ›Kadaknath
The most obvious difference is the comb. Ayam Cemani has pointier combs. Kadaknath chickens come in other colors, while Ayam Cemani only comes in black. The Kadaknath is a world-famous black meat bird.
1000 /- Nashik Street Food.
Which bird egg is black? ›The Cayuga Duck Produces Black Eggs (Sometimes)
The Cayuga Duck, another gorgeous blackbird, can lay black eggs at the beginning of the season, but the eggs become white in color as time passes. The duck's genetics may also play an essential role in its ability to lay black eggs early in the season.
Which egg is better black or white? ›
The color of the egg shell does not indicate a better quality of egg. In fact, there is no distinguishable difference between brown eggs and white ones when it comes to taste and nutrition.
What is the rarest egg in the world? ›The egg of an Elephant Bird is a seldom seen specimen. Rarer still are examples with complete and intact shells like the present lot. Fewer than 40 such eggs populate public collections around the world. One reason for the rarity of these eggs would have been their culinary appeal for the human settlers of Madagascar.
What are Chinese black eggs? ›Century eggs are a traditional Asian dish featuring eggs that have been preserved for a long period of time in a curing mixture. Although they appear dark in color, they are rich in flavor and considered a delicacy.
Which eggs are best to eat in India? ›-Free-range: 'Free-range' eggs are laid by chickens who have access to the outdoors. So these chickens will have a higher quality of life, which will improve the nutritional value of their eggs.
What bird lays purple eggs? ›Copper Marans are the most common purple egg layers. Copper Marans lay some of the most stunning dark brown chocolate-y eggs, so adding a few of these ladies to your flock will really add interest to your colorful egg basket.
What bird has blue eggs? ›What Birds Lay Blue Eggs? Curious yet? The most common species known for laying blue eggs are Blue Jays, American Robin Birds, Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Blue-footed Booby, House Finches, Common Myna, Magpie, Emus, Snowy Egrets, Great Tinamou, to name a few.
What bird lays pink eggs? ›Salmon Faverolle. Originally from the French commune of Faverolles in Northern France, Salmon Faverolles produce beautiful pink-tinted eggs, about 4 per week or up to 200 eggs per year. True to their name, these birds have salmon-colored plumage which is made up of layered light brown and light honey feathers.
What is a black diamond chicken? ›The Black Diamond Chicken is a black-feathered chicken with a sprinkling of brown feathers. Their Silkie heritage keeps them on the smaller side, with hens growing to approximately 4.5 pounds and roosters 5.5 to 6 pounds.
What chicken has black meat? ›The Ayam Cemani chicken is steeped in mysticism and prized in its native land of Java for its magic blood. It is rather unusual, having entirely black feathers, black comb, black skin, black meat, black internal organs, and even black bones.