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Dark genetics meet dependable production in the Turtle & Munch Shadow Layer.

Our Zombie Hybrid, also known as the Shadow Layer, is a developing farm line created by crossing an Ayam Cemani rooster over California White hens. The goal is to combine the Cemani’s dark pigmentation and striking appearance with the California White’s active personality, hardiness, and strong laying potential.

These birds are not a standardized breed. They are a Turtle & Munch hybrid line, which means every hatch can produce something a little different.

Shadow Layers are curious, active, and difficult to overlook. Many inherit the Ayam Cemani’s dark skin, legs, facial features, or feathering while also displaying the alert and energetic nature of the California White.

They are capable foragers and generally appreciate room to explore. With regular handling, they can become personable and engaging members of a backyard flock.

Part of the fun is watching each chick develop. Some become dark and dramatic, while others display white feathering, mottling, contrasting markings, or pigment changes as they mature.

Shadow Layer hens may inherit strong laying potential from their California White mothers. Their actual production will vary because this is a developing hybrid line rather than an established breed with uniform traits.

Eggs are expected to range from white and off-white to cream to brown. 

Individual laying age, egg size, shell color, and annual production may differ from bird to bird.

Shadow Layer chicks are not guaranteed to hatch black.

California Whites commonly carry dominant white genetics, which can cover or reduce the expression of darker feather colors. As a result, chicks from the same pairing may hatch white, gray, black, smoky, spotted, or patterned.

Dark skin, toes, beaks, combs, and facial pigmentation may also vary. Some chicks may begin dark and lighten as they feather, while white chicks may develop black spots or patches over time.

These birds are not autosexing, and color cannot reliably determine whether a chick is male or female.

• Origin:  Turtle & Munch Family Farm
• Purpose:  Eggs, ornamental interest, and backyard flocks
• Temperament: Alert, active, curious, and generally personable
• Egg Color: White, off-white, cream, lightly tinted, or brown
• Annual Egg Production: Variable with the potential for good egg production
• Egg Size: Expected to range from medium to large
• Broodiness: Variable
• Foraging Ability: Very good
• Hardiness: Generally adaptable with appropriate seasonal care
• Feather Color: Variable; may include black, white, gray, smoky, spotted, or mixed patterns
• Skin and Leg Pigmentation: Variable
  

The Shadow Layer is a great choice for chicken keepers who enjoy unusual genetics and do not need every bird to look exactly the same.

They are especially well suited for:

• Colorful and unconventional backyard flocks
• Chicken keepers interested in hybrid genetics
• Families who enjoy watching chicks change as they mature
• Small farms seeking unique laying birds
• Anyone who wants a bird that will be difficult to duplicate

Because this is a developing line, we cannot guarantee final feather color, pigmentation, egg shade, temperament, or laying ability. Each chick is its own genetic combination.

Often called the world's most extraordinary chicken, the Ayam Cemani is prized for its striking appearance and fascinating genetics. Originating from the island of Java, Indonesia, these remarkable birds are known for their rich black feathers, dark skin, black combs and wattles, dark beaks, and even dark muscles and bones. Their unique appearance is the result of a rare genetic trait called fibromelanosis, which causes an abundance of black pigmentation throughout much of the bird's body.

At Turtle & Munch Family Farm, we don't just raise Ayam Cemani because they're rare - we raise them because they're unforgettable. Whether you're building a specialty breeding program or simply want a flock that turns heads every time someone visits your backyard, few breeds create conversation quite like the Ayam Cemani.

Our Ayam Cemani are curious, intelligent, and surprisingly personable. While they may look mysterious, they're generally calm birds that become wonderful flock members when raised with regular handling.

They aren't the chicken for someone looking to fill dozens of egg cartons every week... People choose Ayam Cemani because they're living works of art.

Despite one of the internet's most common myths... Ayam Cemani do not lay black eggs.

Their beautiful eggs range from cream to light tan, and hens typically produce 80 to 120 eggs per year.

If your goal is maximum egg production, there are better choices.If your goal is owning one of the world's rarest and most captivating chicken breeds, you've found it.

One of the things that makes Ayam Cemani so fascinating is that no two birds are exactly alike. While we carefully select our breeding stock for strong pigmentation, fibromelanosis naturally varies from bird to bird. Some chicks may develop minor pigment variation in the toes, mouth, or tongue, while others may show small amounts of feather leakage as they mature. These natural variations are part of working with a living breed and do not diminish the health or personality of the bird.

• Origin: Java, Indonesia
• Purpose: Ornamental, specialty breeding, and backyard flocks
• Temperament: Curious, alert, intelligent, and generally calm
• Egg Color: Cream to light tan
• Annual Egg Production: Approximately 80–120 eggs
• Size: Standard
• Broodiness: Occasionally broody, but not typically dependable setters
• Cold Hardiness: Moderate with appropriate winter care

The Ayam Cemani is perfect for chicken keepers who appreciate rare breeds, beautiful genetics, and birds that are truly unlike anything else.

They are an excellent choice for:

• Rare breed enthusiasts

• Ornamental backyard flocks

• Small family farms

• Specialty breeding programs

• Anyone who wants a conversation piece with feathers

Dark beauty meets colorful possibility in the Turtle & Munch Crypt Keeper.

The Crypt Keeper is an experimental Turtle & Munch hybrid project created by crossing an Ayam Cemani rooster over selevyed coloredegg-laying hens. Our goal is to produce distinctive birds that combine dark pigmentation with the potential for blue, green, olive, or tinted eggs.

Because Crypt Keepers are not a standardized breed, every hatch brings its own combination of feather color, pigmentation, personality, and egg-laying genetics.

Crypt Keepers are curious, active, and completely unpredictable in the best way. Many inherit dark features from their Ayam Cemani father while displaying unique feather patterns and coloring from the maternal line.

Chicks may develop black, gray, brown, gold, red, smoky, or patterned feathers. Some remain mostly dark, while others develop contrasting markings or feather leakage as they mature.

With regular handling, Crypt Keepers can become personable flock members. They are generally active foragers and enjoy having room to explore.

Crypt Keeper hens have the potential to lay blue, green, olive, cream, or tinted eggs. However, egg color cannot be guaranteed because it depends on the specific genetics inherited from both parents.

Egg size, laying age, and annual production will also vary. Many should become useful backyard layers, but this line is being developed for its combination of appearance and egg-color potential rather than maximum production alone.

No two Crypt Keepers are expected to look exactly alike.

Dark skin, legs, beaks, combs, and facial pigmentation may vary. Some chicks may hatch almost entirely black, while others may show lighter faces, toes, bellies, or feather markings. Their appearance may continue changing through each juvenile molt.

Crypt Keepers are not autosexing. Feather color, skin pigmentation, and chick-down patterns cannot reliably determine sex at hatch.

• Origin:  Turtle & Munch Family Farm
• Purpose:  Eggs, ornamental interest, and backyard flocks
• Cross: Ayam Cemani over selected colored egg layers
• Type: Developing hybrid project
• Temperament: Alert, active, curious, and generally personable
• Egg Color: Potential for blue, green, olive, cream, or tinted eggs
• Annual Egg Production: Variable with the potential for moderate egg production
• Egg Size: Expected to range from medium to large
• Broodiness: Variable
• Foraging Ability: Very good
• Hardiness: Generally adaptable with appropriate seasonal care
• Feather Color: Variable; may include black, gray, brown, gold, red, smoky, or patterned combinations
• Skin and Leg Pigmentation: Variable

The Crypt Keeper is a great choice for chicken keepers who enjoy dark birds, colorful egg baskets, and the surprise of watching hybrid chicks develop.

They are especially well suited for:

• Colorful backyard egg baskets
• Unconventional and ornamental flocks
• Chicken keepers interested in hybrid genetics
• Families who enjoy watching chicks change as they mature
• Small farms seeking unique laying birds
• Anyone who appreciates a chicken that cannot be easily duplicated

Because Crypt Keepers come from a developing hybrid project using genetically diverse colored egg layers, we cannot guarantee final feather color, pigmentation, egg shade, temperament, or laying ability. Every chick inherits its own unique combination of traits. 

Known for its graceful build and long, flowing tail, the Phoenix is one of the most striking ornamental chicken breeds. It was developed in Germany using long-tailed birds imported from Japan and other carefully selected breeds.

Phoenix roosters are especially impressive, with sweeping saddle feathers and tails that may grow several feet long. Unlike the Japanese Onagadori, Phoenix chickens molt normally, so these feathers are eventually shed and regrown.

At Turtle & Munch Family Farm, we raise Phoenixes because they bring beauty, movement, and personality to the flock. Few chickens attract attention quite like a mature Phoenix rooster.

Phoenix chickens are alert, active, and curious. They are excellent foragers and enjoy having room to explore and perch. They can also fly better than many heavier breeds, making secure fencing or a covered run important.

With regular handling, Phoenixes can become calm and comfortable around people. They are best suited for keepers who appreciate ornamental breeds and can provide enough space to protect their long feathers.

Phoenix hens lay approximately 52 to 126 small or medium cream-colored eggs per year. They are fair seasonal layers rather than high-production birds.

Some hens become broody and can be attentive mothers.

Tail length and quality depend on genetics, age, nutrition, housing, and feather care. Clean, dry living areas and smooth perches help prevent breakage and damage.

Phoenixes should receive a complete, balanced poultry feed. Growing males may need additional protein while developing their tails.

Natural variation is expected. Not every rooster will develop the same tail length or fullness, even with excellent care.

• Origin:  Developed in Germany from Japanese long-tailed chickens 
• Purpose:  Ornamental, exhibition, specialty breeding, and backyard flocks 
• Temperament: Curious, alert, intelligent, and generally calm
• Egg Color: Cream to lightly tinted
• Annual Egg Production: Approximately 52–126 eggs
• Egg Size: Small to medium
• Adult Weight: Roosters approximately 5 1/2 pounds; hens approximately 4 pounds
• Broodiness: Some hens become broody and make good mothers
• Hardiness: Moderate cold-hardiness with appropriate winter care; Generally good heat-tolerance when provided with shade and fresh water

Phoenixes are a wonderful choice for ornamental flocks, specialty breeding programs, rare-breed enthusiasts, and chicken keepers who want a truly memorable bird.

They may not be the best fit for small enclosures or anyone focused primarily on egg production. Their active nature and long feathers require additional space and care, but their beauty makes the effort worthwhile

Developed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts during the late 1800s, the Rhode Island Red was created to be a hardy, productive, dual-purpose chicken. Its deep red plumage, dependable egg production, and ability to adapt to different climates have made it one of America’s most recognizable breeds.

At Turtle & Munch Family Farm, we raise Rhode Island Reds because they are practical, resilient, and full of personality. They are a strong choice for first-time chicken keepers and experienced flock owners alike.

Rhode Island Reds are active, curious, and confident birds. They are excellent foragers and typically adjust well to both backyard and farm environments.

Hens are generally calm and personable, especially when handled regularly. Their confidence can occasionally make them assertive within a mixed flock, while some roosters may become territorial as they mature.

Rhode Island Red hens are dependable layers of large brown eggs. Depending on the individual bird and bloodline, hens may produce approximately 200 to 300 eggs per year.

Many begin laying around five to six months of age and continue producing through changing weather better than some less-hardy breeds.

Broodiness varies. Heritage-type hens are more likely to become broody, while production-focused strains have often been selected to lay more consistently.

• Origin: Rhode Island and Massachusetts, United States
• Purpose: Eggs, meat, breeding, and backyard flocks
• Temperament: Active, confident, curious, and generally calm
• Egg Color: Brown
• Annual Egg Production: Approximately 200–300 eggs
• Egg Size: Standard
• Adult Weight: Roosters approximately 8½ pounds; hens approximately 6½ pounds
• Broodiness: Occasionally broody,  dependable setters
• Cold Hardiness: Very good, although large combs may need frostbite protection
• Heat Tolerance: Good with shade and plenty of fresh water

Rhode Island Reds are an excellent choice for chicken keepers who want a hardy, productive bird with plenty of personality.

They are especially well suited for:

• First-time chicken keepers
• Family farms and backyard flocks
• Homesteaders seeking dependable egg production
• Mixed-breed flocks
• Free-range or pasture-based setups
• Anyone looking for a practical dual-purpose breed

Their confident personalities can occasionally make them pushy with quieter breeds, so flock dynamics should always be monitored.

Every hatch is a mystery, and that is exactly what makes our Barnyard Mix so much fun.

Turtle & Munch Barnyard Mix chicks come from a diverse flock of roosters and hens representing various breeds, colors, and laying backgrounds. Because multiple roosters and hens contribute to these hatches, parentage cannot be identified for individual chicks.

These are not a standardized breed or developing line. They are true barnyard surprises, and no two hatches are expected to look exactly alike.

Barnyard Mix chicks offer a little bit of everything. A single hatch may produce black, white, red, gold, gray, blue, patterned, feather-legged, clean-legged, crested, or completely unexpected birds.

Their personalities can be just as varied. Some may be calm and cuddly, while others are active, independent, or naturally curious. Watching them grow and change is part of the experience.

Barnyard Mixes are perfect for chicken keepers who care less about pedigrees and more about raising healthy, interesting birds with plenty of personality.

Barnyard Mix hens have the potential to become useful backyard layers, but their production will depend on the genetics they inherit.

Eggs may be white, cream, tan, brown, blue, green, olive, or somewhere in between. Egg size, laying age, annual production, and shell shade cannot be guaranteed.

A chick’s feather color does not reliably predict the color of the eggs she may eventually lay.

Because these chicks come from multiple roosters and hens, we cannot guarantee breed combination, mature appearance, size, temperament, pigmentation, egg color, or laying ability.

Chicks may change considerably as they mature. Down color can disappear, new patterns may develop, and unexpected traits can appear after juvenile molts.

Barnyard Mix chicks are not autosexing and are sold straight run unless otherwise noted.

Barnyard Mix chicks are a great choice for chicken keepers who enjoy variety and do not need to know exactly what each chick will become.

They are especially well suited for:

• Colorful backyard flocks
• Families who enjoy watching chicks develop
• Chicken keepers who love surprises
• Small farms and homesteads
• Mixed egg baskets
• Anyone who values personality over pedigree

They may not be the right choice for someone seeking a specific breed standard, guaranteed egg color, predictable adult size, or breeding-program genetics.