Rediscovering the Black Java Chicken: History, Homesteading, and Hope for a Critically Endangered Breed

Poultry Nerds Podcast

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In this fascinating episode of Poultry Nerds, Jennifer is joined by Jeanette from The Livestock Conservancy and Deborah from High Ground Farm to shine a spotlight on one of America’s rarest heritage chicken breeds — the Black Java. Thought to be nearly extinct, these beautiful long-backed birds boast rich green iridescent plumage, gentle temperaments, and deep historical roots dating back to the early 1800s.

Deborah shares her firsthand experience raising Java chickens since 1999 and explains why they’re perfect for homesteaders. Jeanette offers expert insight into conservation efforts, census data, and the challenges of keeping this breed alive in the face of industrial agriculture trends.

If you've never heard of the Java chicken — or thought they were extinct — this episode is a must-listen! Discover where to find them, how to raise them, and how YOU can help preserve this incredible piece of poultry history.

📍 Topics include:

• Java chicken origins and unique traits
• Why they’re critically endangered
• Historical role in American agriculture
• The importance of slow-growing, dual-purpose breeds
• Challenges in breeding and show standards
• Conservation efforts and how to get involved

Black Java chicken, Java chicken history, endangered chicken breeds, heritage poultry, homesteading chickens, Livestock Conservancy, slow-growing chicken breed, dual-purpose chicken, Java rooster, poultry breed conservation, homestead farming, APA standard chicken breeds, black feathered chickens, American chicken breeds

🔗 Learn more or join the conservation movement: https://livestockconservancy.org

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