10 Most Expensive Chicken Breeds in the U.S.

PHOTO: Ayam Cemani completely black chicken. Photo by Charlotte B.

If you’ve ever wondered what the most expensive chicken breeds in the U.S. are, you’re not alone. These rare and luxurious birds are prized for their stunning plumage, unusual genetics, and sometimes even their eggs.

Chickens, like many Instagram-worthy farm animals, can be quite expensive and bougie. Old Macdonald’s Farm might have been more lucrative if he had just focused on raising rare and exotic poultry. The National Chicken Council claims, “The chicken industry in the United States is one of the most successful sectors in agriculture.” But when it comes down to price per bird, the highest profit comes from looks and rarity, rather than their productivity or value in meat and eggs.

Breeders and hatcheries are selling more per animal because of the rare and exotic qualities buyers are seeking. As with every industry, the more established the breeding program is, the higher the prices will be. The genetics, feedback from customers and pictures of multi-generations the breeder has produced are what determine how established a breeding program is.

The fascinating world of fancy chicken breeding is not new. The National Agricultural Library reports, “The goal of successful poultry breeding has shifted through time. The first chickens were bred for their ability to perform activities that had little to do with food production. Skinner’s history of breeds identifies chickens used for cockfighting as being historically the most valuable until the early nineteenth century (1974). Chickens bred for their appearance and performance in poultry exhibits were also more valued than the lowly birds used for meat and eggs.”

Top 10 List of Most Expensive Chicken Breeds

Today’s market prizes these 10 breeds as the most expensive, exploring what qualities are driving up the prices for buyers. While value is a sliding scale depending on where you shop and when, these are notoriously ranked as expensive.

1. Ayam Cemani ($800 – $3,000) – The World’s Most Expensive Chicken?

The Ayam Cemani is an all-black bird prized due to a rare condition called fibromelanosis, which causes an excess of dark pigment resulting in jet-black feathers, skin, flesh, organs and bones. The black color is 10 times the melatonin as other chicken breeds. Unsexed eggs can be purchased for $45 with a minimum of 12. Juveniles (6-12 weeks) $800 and adults are sold for $1,200-$3,000. With a nickname, “The Lamborghini Chicken,” you know it’s going to be expensive.

2. Kadaknath ($2500) – India’s Contribution to the Most Expensive Chicken Breeds

These chickens are often confused with Ayam Cemani because of the black feathers from head to toe. However, Kadaknath’s have a varying pigment of black. They also differ in size, temperament, egg production and meat production. Many are jet black, but the breed also incorporates penciled and golden.

3. Dong Tao ($2,000) – The Dragon Chicken

This breed is rare and hard to find. The demand rarely matches the need. Dong Tao’s are prized for their easily recognized large legs and feet, which is easy to see why people call them the “Dragon Chicken.”

4. Deathlayer ($250) – A Prolific Layer

Moving from the thousands price range to the hundreds, Deathlayers are the leaders for being the most expensive chicken breeds. This dramatic name comes from their ability to lay eggs until their dying day. Also sought for their striking appearance they charm with their black babydoll eyes, beautiful feathers and can be silver or gold varieties.

5. Liege Fighter ($150) – A Muscular Marvel

Liege fighters are a large and muscular Belgian gamecock breed of chicken that was originally bred in the 19th century for fighting. They were bred to be powerful enough to overpower other fighting breeds and to fight using natural spurs instead of sharpened metal gaffes. Nowadays they are a great flock protector and generally friendly with their owners.

6. Ölandsk Dwarf ($100) – A Swedish Gem

Olandsk Dwarf chickens are true dwarf chickens. This means that they are not a miniature version of a full-size breed as you have with Bantam breeds. They are a landrace breed of chicken which are typically known to be hardy, disease-resistant and adaptable to changes. They are lightweight and display a beautiful combination of red, black, gray, brown and white multicolored feathers.

7. Swedish Black ($100) – A Fibromelanistic Fowl

The knockoff version of the Ayam Cemani might just be the Swedish Black moving this lower on the list of the most expensive chicken breeds. All physical features of the bird are black, although there can be a purple/greenish tint spotted in the sun. They are smaller and more cold-hardy than the Ayam Cemani. Despite the differences, it is still a fascinating and expensive bird.

8. Orust ($100) – A Spotted Scandinavian in the Most Expensive Chicken Breeds

Very hard to find, Orusts are beautifully spotted white and black from their head to their feet. This beauty, combined with their docile and easy-to-handle nature, makes them highly sought after.

9. Pavlovskaya ($86) – Russia’s Feathered Rarity Among the Most Expensive Chicken Breeds

If crests are a trait you like, these birds will be sure to interest you. They have a beautiful crest and lace-like markings. They are very cold-tolerant (being from Russia). They have a great history where they have been brought back from extinction, which is something many enthusiasts enjoy participating in preserving. They lay very few eggs a year, making them more valuable.

10. Serama ($77) – The World’s Smallest Yet One of the Most Expensive Chicken Breeds

Coming in last on the list of most expensive chicken breeds, Seramas are the smallest chickens in the world. A full-grown rooster is about the size of a pigeon. They are friendly and can be trained. They handle heat extremely well, as they are tropical birds. Their tiny stature and huge tails make a very intriguing look.

serama chicken breed — Serama chicken in the garden. Photo by Athok Fadhlin

🐔 Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Expensive Chicken Breeds

❓What is the most expensive chicken breed in the world?

The Ayam Cemani is often considered the most expensive chicken breed in the world. Known for its all-black appearance—including feathers, skin, and internal organs—it can sell for thousands of dollars due to its rarity and exotic appearance.

❓Why are some chicken breeds so expensive?

Chicken breeds become expensive due to a combination of factors: rarity, unique physical traits, cultural significance, limited geographic availability, and breeding difficulty. Some also have unique meat or egg qualities that add to their value.

❓Are expensive chicken breeds harder to care for?

Not necessarily, but some of the most expensive chicken breeds may have specific care requirements due to their genetics, climate sensitivity, or physical characteristics. Researching each breed’s needs is essential before adding one to your flock.

❓Can you buy expensive chicken breeds in the U.S.?

Yes, many of the world’s most expensive chicken breeds—such as Ayam Cemani, Swedish Black, and Serama—are available in the U.S. through specialty hatcheries, breeders, or poultry expos. Import regulations and breeder reputation are important to consider.

❓Do expensive chicken breeds lay better eggs?

Not always. Some expensive breeds, like the Deathlayer, are known for consistent egg production, while others, like the Serama or Dong Tao, are more ornamental and produce fewer eggs. High price doesn’t always mean high egg output.

❓Are rare chicken breeds good for backyard flocks?

Many rare and expensive breeds can be good for backyard flocks, especially if you enjoy ornamental or heritage breeds. However, their high value and sometimes limited availability mean they may require more protection and attention.

Why the High Price?

Rarity, physical features and access to these birds are among the top reasons they are priced so high. If you are in the market to start investing in these types of chickens, here are a few shopping tips from top breeder, Chrissy Scheulen at Paragon Ridge Ranch:

Know your goals. Are you breeding or showing birds? Are you looking for dual purpose or sustainability? What features interest you?
Research your breeder. Make sure it is a reputable source who has been working on their program for a while. Breeders should be culling for traits to get to the best of the best.
Shop smaller breeders. Commercial hatcheries and big box farm stores breed for quantity not quality.
Check online farm hatcheries, farmers markets and online sell groups.
Research the genetics of the parents.
Ask for photos of the birds and their environments.
Read customer feedback and reviews.

This article about the most expensive chicken breeds in the U.S. was written for Hobby Farms and Chickens magazines. Click here to subscribe.