What is a Mystic Onyx Chicken? A Complete Guide to History, Care, and More

Imagine a chicken so striking that people actually stop in their tracks just to take a second look. That’s exactly what happened the first time I saw a Mystic Onyx chickens. I was at a local farm, minding my own business, when one of these jet-black birds strutted by, its feathers gleaming in the sunlight like polished obsidian. “What is that?” I blurted out, completely caught off guard.

The farmer chuckled and said, “That’s a Mystic Onyx. Pretty wild, huh?”

And wild it was. The bird’s dark, almost magical appearance felt like something from a different world—like a creature you’d expect to find in a storybook rather than in a coop. Naturally, I had to learn more, and that’s what led me down the rabbit hole of Mystic Onyx chickens. Now, after years of being around them, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned with you.

From their fascinating origins to tips on care and breeding, this guide will take you through the ins and outs of raising Mystic Onyx chickens, sprinkled with a few of my own experiences. Whether you’re just curious or thinking of adding these beauties to your flock, you’re in the right place.

1. What is a Mystic Onyx Chicken?

A Mystic Onyx chicken is a stunning, all-black breed known for its sleek, glossy feathers and even darker features, including skin, bones, and internal organs. Originally bred for both meat and eggs, they quickly gained attention for their striking looks and hardy nature. These birds are not just a visual spectacle; they’re also known for their friendly, docile temperament, making them a great addition to any backyard flock. I personally found them easy to care for, and their eggs? A delightful bonus! Curious yet? Let’s dive deeper into their unique history next.

2. The Origins and History of Mystic Onyx Chicken

The Mystic Onyx chicken may look ancient, but it’s actually a modern breed. It was developed in the United States by crossing Ayam Cemani and Silkie chickens. Breeders wanted a bird that combined the striking black color of the Ayam Cemani with the friendly, calm nature of the Silkie. The result? A stunning, all-black bird with a unique temperament.

Though they look exotic, Mystic Onyx chickens are bred for everyday use. They’re hardy and can adapt to different environments, making them great for small farms or backyard coops. I remember being surprised when I found out these birds weren’t an ancient or rare breed. Their popularity grew quickly due to their beauty and ease of care. For a relatively new breed, they’ve already made quite an impression in the chicken-raising world.

3. The Characteristics of Mystic Onyx Chicken

Mystic Onyx chickens are more than just beautiful—they’re known for their unique traits that make them stand out in any flock. From their striking appearance to their friendly temperament, these chickens offer a blend of both style and practicality. Let’s explore their most notable characteristics.

3.1 Appearance

The Mystic Onyx chicken stands out with its dramatic, all-black appearance. From feathers to skin, even down to its bones, this bird is as dark as they come. Their plumage has a glossy, almost iridescent sheen, especially noticeable when sunlight hits it just right. It’s easy to mistake them for something straight out of a fantasy novel. I remember seeing one for the first time and being captivated by how striking and otherworldly it looked. Their jet-black color isn’t just skin deep—it extends to their comb, wattles, and legs as well.

3.2 Size

Mystic Onyx chickens are medium-sized birds, but they carry a certain elegance. Hens usually weigh around 4-5 pounds, while roosters can reach up to 5-6 pounds. Despite their size, these birds are quite hardy. They adapt well to different environments, which is why I found them perfect for my backyard setup. Whether it’s cold winters or hot summers, they seem to manage just fine.

3.3 Temperament

What really won me over with Mystic Onyx chickens is their temperament. They’re incredibly docile and friendly, making them great for anyone new to raising chickens. I’ve always found them to be curious, often coming up to me as I enter the coop, but they’re never overly aggressive. They get along well with other chickens, which makes integrating them into a mixed flock fairly easy. If you’re looking for a chicken that’s low-maintenance and gentle, Mystic Onyx is a solid choice.

3.4 Egg Production

In terms of egg production, Mystic Onyx chickens lay a decent amount of medium-sized brown eggs. They typically produce around 200 eggs per year, which may not be the highest among chicken breeds, but it’s still a solid output for a bird that’s often more admired for its looks than its laying capacity. I’ve noticed that while they aren’t egg-laying machines, the charm of having these mystical birds in your flock is worth it. Plus, their eggs are delicious and healthy!

3.5 Feeding

Mystic Onyx chickens, like most breeds, thrive on a balanced diet that includes a mix of grains, vegetables, and protein. A high-quality chicken feed, available at most feed stores, is essential to their overall health. You can also supplement their diet with fresh greens like spinach or kale, and grains such as corn or wheat. They love to forage, so if you let them free-range, they’ll happily hunt for insects, worms, and seeds, which can help diversify their diet naturally.

However, there are certain things to avoid feeding them. Never give your Mystic Onyx chickens processed foods, raw beans, or anything high in salt and sugar. Avocado, chocolate, and onions are also dangerous for chickens and should be kept away. I learned this the hard way when I once tossed leftover avocado to my flock, not realizing it was toxic. Fortunately, nothing bad happened, but it taught me the importance of knowing what’s safe and what isn’t for these beautiful birds.

3.6 Lifespan

Mystic Onyx chickens have a fairly typical lifespan for backyard chickens, averaging around 6 to 8 years. With proper care, they can live longer, making them a long-term addition to your farm or coop. I’ve found them to be quite resilient birds, especially if they’re kept in clean, predator-free environments with a balanced diet.

3.7 Mystic Onyx Chicken Price

One of the first things people ask about Mystic Onyx chickens is their price. Given their unique appearance, you might expect them to be pricey, but they’re relatively affordable compared to other rare breeds. Depending on the seller and location, Mystic Onyx chickens usually range from $10 to $30 per chick. I remember being pleasantly surprised when I purchased my first few—they were a beautiful addition to my flock without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for something unique without the high cost, Mystic Onyx chickens are a great option.

4. Quick Characteristics Table of Mystic Onyx Chicken

Characteristic	Details
Appearance	All-black feathers, skin, and bones
Size	Hens: 4-5 lbs, Roosters: 5-6 lbs
Temperament	Friendly, docile, and curious
Egg Production	About 200 medium-sized brown eggs/year
Foraging Ability	Excellent foragers, active
Lifespan	6-8 years with proper care
Feeding	Balanced chicken feed, grains, greens
Price	$10-$30 per chick

This table gives you a quick overview of what makes Mystic Onyx chickens so special, making it easy to see if they’re a good fit for your flock.

5. The Breeding of Mystic Onyx Chickens

Breeding Mystic Onyx chickens is relatively straightforward, especially if you’re already familiar with raising chickens. They are a cross between the Ayam Cemani and Silkie breeds, designed to bring out the stunning black appearance and friendly temperament. To maintain these traits, it’s important to select healthy breeding stock with strong black plumage and good temperament.

When breeding Mystic Onyx, ensure that your roosters and hens are kept in a clean, stress-free environment. They’re excellent natural breeders, but you can also use an incubator to hatch eggs if needed. From my experience, hatching Mystic Onyx eggs isn’t much different from other breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, or Silkies. However, it’s always a surprise to see their jet-black chicks emerge, a sight that never gets old. Watching these little black beauties grow up, with their unique characteristics, is truly rewarding.

6. My Personal Experience of Mystic Onyx Chicken

As someone with years of experience raising various chicken breeds, I can confidently say that Mystic Onyx chickens have been one of the most fascinating additions to my flock. Their calm nature, stunning appearance, and ease of care make them a joy to have around. Watching their jet-black feathers shimmer in the sunlight never gets old, and their foraging skills have helped keep my feed costs down.

7. Care and Maintenance of Mystic Onyx Chickens

Provide a Clean Coop: Keep the coop dry, well-ventilated, and clean to prevent respiratory issues. Regularly remove droppings and replace bedding for optimal hygiene.
Balanced Diet: Feed Mystic Onyx chickens a quality layer feed supplemented with grains, vegetables, and protein-rich treats. Avoid processed foods and toxic items like onions or avocado.
Fresh Water: Ensure your chickens always have access to fresh, clean water. This is especially important during hot weather to prevent dehydration and overheating.
Protection from Predators: Install strong fencing and secure the coop at night to protect against predators like foxes, hawks, and raccoons, which can harm your flock.
Free-Range Space: Allow the chickens to forage in a safe outdoor space. Free-ranging provides natural exercise and lets them hunt for insects, seeds, and plants.
Regular Health Checks: Perform routine health inspections to check for parasites, like mites or lice, and signs of illness. Prompt treatment keeps your flock healthy and productive.
Routine Egg Collection: Collect eggs daily to maintain cleanliness and encourage regular laying. Uncollected eggs can get damaged or eaten by other chickens, reducing overall production.

8. Frequently Asked Questions of Mystic Onyx Chickens

What color eggs do Mystic Onyx lay?

Mystic Onyx chickens typically lay medium-sized brown eggs. While their black appearance is striking, their eggs are a standard brown color, much like other common breeds.

Is the Mystic Onyx a true breed of chicken?

No, the Mystic Onyx is a hybrid breed created by crossing other breeds like Ayam Cemani and Silkie. It’s known for its distinctive black appearance and friendly temperament.

What color eggs do Mystic Marans chickens lay?

Mystic Marans chickens, often confused with Mystic Onyx, lay dark brown, almost chocolate-colored eggs. This color is one of their standout features, unlike the lighter brown eggs of the Mystic Onyx.

What is the rarest, most expensive chicken?

The Ayam Cemani is considered one of the rarest and most expensive chickens. It’s prized for its all-black appearance, much like the Mystic Onyx, but comes with a higher price tag.

What is the difference between Mystic Onyx and Silkie?

While both breeds have black feathers, Silkies are known for their soft, fluffy plumage and often have a calm, almost docile temperament. Mystic Onyx chickens, by contrast, have sleek, shiny feathers and are more active.

Do all Mystic Onyx chickens have 5 toes?

No, not all Mystic Onyx chickens have 5 toes. This trait is more commonly associated with Silkie chickens, one of the breeds used in creating Mystic Onyx, but not all inherit it.

Are Mystic Onyx chickens good layers?

Mystic Onyx chickens are decent layers, producing around 200 medium-sized brown eggs per year. While not prolific layers, they are steady and reliable producers.

9. Closing Thoughts

Raising Mystic Onyx chickens has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my years of chicken keeping. Their striking beauty and friendly demeanor make them stand out in any flock, but they’re more than just a pretty face. From their decent egg production to their easy going nature, Mystic Onyx chickens bring a little magic to the backyard. I’ve enjoyed watching them roam freely, hunt for bugs, and show off their unique feathers. If you’re looking for a breed that’s both captivating and practical, Mystic Onyx chickens are a wonderful choice.

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