Fighting roosters

Fighting cocks are distinguished by their large size, aggressiveness and endurance. They can be recognized by their muscular body, powerful chest, long, clawed legs and spectacular plumage. The chickens' neck is long and curved, ending in a small head.

Fighting roosters are born warriors. They have a tendency to compete. They are not only hardy, but also smart. The best representatives of the species are famous for their cunning and quick reaction.

Why do they contain

The birthplace of cockfighting is Ancient Persia. The first mentions of them date back to the third millennium BC. Over time, they spread throughout Greece, Rome, reached America and Europe. Fighting chickens came to Russia in the 18th century and quickly gained popularity. Their competitions were a favorite pastime, but Alexander II signed a decree to end them.

The second wave of popularity came in the 90s of the 20th century. Currently, battles are taking place in Moscow and a number of other cities. Distributed in Central and Southeast Asia. In Russia, there is an article on cruelty to animals, but it does not prohibit such spectacles. Poultry farmers call fighting a sport and train "athletes" according to a special program.

Breeders of fighting breeds insist on their benefits for the poultry industry. Selecting birds for a fight, they reject weak and overly aggressive individuals. The best representatives of the species are allowed to breed. On the basis of fighting breeds, industrial types of chickens were bred. In addition, they have a spectacular appearance and are often kept for the soul. Another reason for breeding is the opportunity to make money on bets.

How individuals are selected

An exemplary fighting cock must have a strong beak, strong legs and a broad chest. Excessive aggressiveness is considered a disadvantage. Modern combat is focused on developing cunning and stamina, and is not an unnecessarily bloody spectacle.

Both females and males can take part in the competition. Fighting chickens are not inferior to roosters in strength and agility. To get into the ring, they must have a strong bone, muscular chest, strong legs and beak. Females are also prone to aggression.

There is an opinion that fighting qualities are inherited. If a breeder decides to breed hens for the ring, he must take care of purebred sires. Particular attention should be paid to females. The chicks inherit its pros and cons. Chickens raised with their mother are in good health and develop well.

Fighting chicks develop a competitive spirit by the age of two weeks. Then the fights are suspended and repeated two months later. During this period, you need to control the fry. Aggressive cockerels are isolated for several days to protect balanced birds. Three-month-old chickens are prone to intestinal diseases, colds and refusal to eat. Therefore, you need to conduct a course of antiviral and anthelmintic drugs.

Training begins at the age of 7 months. The juveniles are seated in different cages and begin to practice. Their diet should be rich in protein foods: meat, eggs and nuts. Vitamins are obtained from fruits and vegetables. Trainings are held daily.

Fighting cocks are active in autumn and winter. Seasonal molting begins in spring and summer, which prevents them from participating in competitions. Young, "transitional" (up to two years old) and old individuals are allowed to fight.

Features of breeds of fighting cocks and chickens

There are many fighting breeds nowadays. Oddly enough, not all of them are aggressive. There are purely decorative species that can get along even with common chickens. If a breeder decides to make money on bets, he should choose birds with an "explosive" temperament. The most popular pugnacious breeds are Shamo, Sumatra, Taigo, Dakan and Azil.

Shamo

Translated from Japanese "shamo" means "fighter". Shamo fighting cocks are divided into three categories: large, medium, dwarf. The difference between them is only in size.

Chickens of the Shamo breed are distinguished by their long, wide skull and "muscular" cheeks. Their elongated neck has a gentle curve. The chest is powerful, well developed, protruding forward with a "bare bone". The color palette is varied: white, gray, black and spectacular color combinations. The most common colors are gray and black. The neck, legs and tail can be red, orange, and brown. The legs and beak are bright yellow.

• Rooster Shamo is an excellent fighter. Long, strong fingers give the bird stability, and sharp spurs inflict wounds on the enemy. Small wings and tail are very difficult to pull out, which gives the rooster an edge in battle.
• Chickens of the Shamo breed are smaller, but have all the fighting qualities. The dense plumage forms "armor" and protects from wounds. Shamo easily detect the enemy's pain points and deliver stabbing blows.

Sumatra

Chickens of the Sumatra species are an ancient aboriginal breed that developed without human intervention. The Indonesian green chicken is named as a possible ancestor.

The fighting Sumatran chicken is usually colored black. Feathers are cast blue or green. The breeding forms are distinguished by blue, white and copper feathers. The head is painted in carmine color.

Roosters have a small red comb and double sharp spurs. The birds' "faces" are purple with red earrings. The beak is slightly curved downwards, strong and sharp. The legs are long, strong, colored black. The soles are yellow. Females are smaller than males and lighter by 1.5 kg.

Sumatra are aggressive and pugnacious chickens. Despite its decorative appearance, it can be very dangerous, therefore it is suitable only for experienced poultry breeders. Sumatra often attacks poultry and requires separate maintenance.

These fighting chickens can climb to a decent height. Therefore, their territory must be protected with a high fence. Roosters often bully each other and can have a serious fight.

Korean

The Taigo breed is native to Korea, so birds are traditionally called Koreans. This is a rare and expensive species: one egg costs from 10 to 12 thousand rubles *. To calculate how much an adult costs, you need to take into account the pedigree and "athletic" qualities.

Taigo are painted black with a green tint. They have a thick and spreading tail. Paws are white or yellow.

Koreans are real gladiators. They jump onto the enemy from above and deliver an accurate blow to the back of the head. They can attack head-on.

Daqan

The second name is Kulangi. Currently, they are only bred by enthusiasts. Daqans are native to Central Asia. They were bred by folk selection.

They are distinguished by strong bones, massive constitution and fleshy paws. Dakans have two color options: black and light salmon. Their feathers fit snugly to the body and protect it from blows. The legs of the kulang are decorated with sharp spurs. The flattened shape of the skull avoids injury and helps withstand heavy impact. The beak is short, sharp, slightly curved.

The breed is known for its wild and cocky disposition.Dakan is a formidable opponent in the ring. Fighting Asian chickens are promising and well trained.

Azil

Azil is an Indian fighting cock. One of the most popular breeds. In Europe he is known by the nickname "Raja".

Azil is a medium sized bird with a strong bone. Differs in short but strong legs. Color options: gray, red, brown. The beak is sufficiently large and sharp.

Azil is well trained and successful in the ring. His stamina allows him to participate in several battles in a day, most of which he will win. The peak of physical fitness occurs at the age of two.

How to develop the beneficial properties of roosters

Despite their endurance and tendency to aggression, fighting breeds need regular training. Before starting classes, the earrings and comb are removed from the rooster: this raises the fighting spirit.

Exercise includes:

• Strengthening the muscles of the legs. The bird is thrown, imitating a jump on an opponent.
• Pendulum movement. The rooster is directed from the left hand to the right.
• Treadmill. The bird is placed in a wheel or drum that is driven by their weight. This trainer resembles a squirrel and hamster wheel.
• Neck workout. The rooster rotates and nods up and down.
• Sparring. The bird, dressed in a beak and lugs, trains strikes in conditions close to fighting. The battle can be fought against both a live opponent and a rubber punching bag.

Usually fighting cocks respond well to "training". However, they can also be self-willed: be lazy, capricious, show excessive aggressiveness. To choose the best rooster from among the fighters, which will bring first place, you need to evaluate the activity and appearance. A promising bird has a smooth, shiny plumage, starts with a half turn and is always eager to fight. You don't have to worry about such an “athlete”.

* Prices are as of summer 2018.