The 12 Most Expensive Chicken Breeds in the World

Chickens are known for many things, like great backyard pets or prolific egg layers, but hardly for being expensive. Most chicken breeds are easy on the wallet and cost a few dollars at most. However, some chicken breeds cost a couple of hundred dollars with a hefty price tag reflecting their rarity. Expensive chicken breeds can be prized possessions for some people, and they often take pride in showcasing them in poultry shows. 

12. Kadaknath

Average Price: $20 to $100

Originating from India, the Kadaknath Chicken is a rare breed with entirely black flesh and bones. Kadaknath Chickens are available in three varieties: golden, jet black, and penciled. They are most popular in India but have begun to gain popularity worldwide. This chicken breed is highly adaptable and relatively easy to care for. You can expect to spend between $20 to $100 per bird, with adults being more expensive.

11. Serama

Average Price: $20 to $100

The Serama is the smallest chicken breed in the world and an ideal backyard pet. The hens weigh between 8 to 19 ounces, while the roosters are slightly heavier. Serama Chickens produce miniature eggs that are about five times smaller than regular-sized chicken eggs. Not only are they the smallest chicken breed, but also one of the most expensive. Serama Chickens cost between $20 to $100.

10. Bresse

Average Price: $30 to $100

Bresse Chickens are medium-sized and primarily raised for meat and egg production. They are a prized French breed with stunning plumage in either white, grey, black, or blue. Their long blue legs set them apart from other chicken breeds. Bresse Chickens are highly sought-after, and adults usually cost up to $100. Chicks are cheaper at only $30 to $50.

9. Pavlovskaya

Average Price: $50 to $100

Pavlovskaya Chickens are one of the oldest Russian breeds and almost went extinct at one point. This rare chicken breed has a comical appearance with tufts of feathers on their head that resemble human hair. Another unique feature of this rare breed is their feathered feet. Adult Pavlovskaya Chickens generally cost $100, but chicks cost about $50.

8. Orust

Average Price: $60 to $100

The Orust Chicken is an incredibly rare breed originating from Sweden. This chicken breed produces unique eggs called “orusta”. At one point, approximately 500 Orust Chickens were left in the world. Recent breeding efforts have helped increase their numbers to 3,000. If you are lucky enough to find Orust chicks for sale, you can expect to spend $60 or more.

7. Silkie

Average Price: $10 to $120

With fluffy plumage and a sweet personality, the Silkie is a highly sought-after chicken breed. Silkie Chickens have a unique down-like plumage with a silky texture. Much like the Swedish Black Chicken, Silkies have black flesh and bones. Another unique characteristic of this breed is their five toes instead of the usual four on each foot. Silkie Chickens are expensive, with show-worthy adults costing over $100. However, backyard Silkies are a measly $25.

6. Liege Fighter

Average Price: $45 to $150

The Liege Fighter is one of the largest chicken breeds with an average height of 30 inches. They were developed in Belgium for fighting and meat production but are rare worldwide. Despite their large size, Liege Fighter Chickens are friendly and love to be around people. All of these characteristics make them an expensive chicken that costs up to $150.

5. Swedish Black

Average Price: $30 to $200

Swedish Black or Svart Hona Chickens are rare ornamental chickens known for their entirely black plumage, flesh, and bones. Their unique coloration is from a genetic mutation that affects pigmentation, as they are not a different species of chicken. The cost of a Swedish Black Chicken varies according to their age and gender. Pullets or hens usually cost $100 or more, while roosters are $70, and unsexed chicks $30.

4. Olandsk Dwarf

Average Price: $90 to $200

The Olandsk Dwarf Chicken is a small, rare Swedish breed. They are prolific egg layers and highly adaptable to various climates. This breed is tiny at only 7 to 8 ounces, so it’s difficult to believe the hens produce over 250 eggs a year. Olandsk Dwarf Chickens typically cost more than $100, with young females (pullets) priced up to $200. Hatching eggs are usually cheaper at $8.

3. Ayam Ketawa

Average Price: $40 to $400

The Ayam Ketawa is an Indonesian chicken nicknamed the “laughing rooster”. They are named after their unique vocalizations that sound like human laughter. Only royal families could own this chicken breed up until recently. As a result, Ayam Ketawa cost more than most average chicken breeds. Sexed juvenile and adult Ayam Ketawa Chickens cost about $100 to $400 each, while unsexed chicks are cheaper at only $40 to $100.

2. Dong Tao

Average Price: $1250 to $2000

The Dong Tao is a large Vietnamese ornamental chicken with a striking appearance. This highly rare chicken breed is about three times larger than standard breeds and weighs up to 13 pounds. The hens have predominantly white plumage, whereas roosters are red, white, and black. Dong Tao Chickens are valued for their specialty meat, with juveniles and adults priced between $1250 to $2000.

1. Ayam Cemani

Average Price: $2500 

The Ayam Cemani is the world’s most expensive chicken breed usually sold for $2500. An adult pair of Ayam Cemani Chickens can cost up to $5000. The chicks seem to be the most affordable and unsexed chicks cost anywhere between $100 to $300. Aside from being rare, the Ayam Cemani Chicken’s appearance adds to their cost. Ayam Cemani Chickens are medium-sized with unique jet-black plumage and vibrant green iridescence.

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