Description and breeding of fighting cock breeds

Breeding Features

When forming a parent flock, it is necessary to select roosters that are not too large.
Laying hens should begin to be selected in January. Their hatching instinct is not particularly reliable - it is best to use an incubator. The optimal time for incubating eggs is early January.

The color of the plumage of shamo chicks is very different: it can be either white or black. Sometimes the color can consist of several shades.

The chicks must be kept in a large enclosure, as they are aggressive from birth and mutilate each other. The first fights between roosters begin as early as 2 weeks. At this time, they must be seated, otherwise they may injure each other.

Each one needs a separate cage. In some cases, there may be several cockerels, but you will have to watch them constantly.

It is advisable to vaccinate - shamo chicks are vulnerable to many diseases. What vaccinations need to be done, read the article “About vaccination of chickens: we vaccinate at home.”

Hatching and feeding chicks

For breeding, fighting breeding chickens are formed in early December. Dry combined feed for laying hens and a mixture of grains, 20 g per individual, is an ideal diet during this period. To help ensure a healthy brood, you need to add lighting at the time of hatching. After birth, the chicks are kept on warm bedding (optimally 33 0C). Newborns are fed a combination chicken feed. Vitamins are given along with water once a week. After two weeks, vegetables are added to the diet. After banding, the chicks are transferred to grain fodder for the young. The young animals are walked for several hours a day in a large green paddock. Due to the slow growth of feathers, birds need to be kept clean.

There are several styles in cockfighting. Each of them has its own characteristics:

• straight or mounted - when the rooster sees the enemy, he immediately goes on the attack, hitting directly in the head or chest;
• circled - at first the fight goes calmly, the rooster attacks without undue aggression. After which the chicken begins to run around the enemy. After a while, she suddenly strikes and runs away. Then it circles around the opponent again and attacks again. The bird continues these “circles” until the enemy is completely exhausted. Everyone is accustomed to consider this fighting style to be a good tactic, but it does not work against sent combat;
• sent - the rooster attacks aggressively from the brace. Hit from behind directly to the head;
• thievish - the bird leads a boring fight, constantly trying to avoid hitting its head. Then he tries to play with the enemy, hiding under his wing or falling at his feet. When the opponent has exhausted his strength, the rooster delivers several strong blows to the head.

The bird is fully formed by two years. Suitable for combat from 8 months.

They are released for battle when the chicken masters at least one style. The duration of the fight for which the birds are taken out depends on their skill in fights.

Features of maintenance and feeding

Fighting roosters should be kept in a warm environment because they have sparse feathers. The place should be dry, clean, so that there are no infections and bacteria do not accumulate. Each fighter is given a personal space of 0.5 meters. Otherwise, there will be fights for territory between birds.

The chicks are fed with a pipette filled with egg yolk and milk if the chicks are not eating well. There should be 3 meals a day. The chickens' eating area should be well lit. Adults are fed grain crops, in ground form. They also provide greens, and in winter the lack of greens is compensated for with herbal flour. Well-fed chickens are given black bread, and thin chickens are given millet.

Fighting breeds do not adapt well to cold weather due to their sparse feather covering - they cannot retain sufficient heat. Therefore, breeders of fighting chickens and roosters must ensure that they constantly stay in warm rooms.

It is also very important to monitor the nutrition of fighting birds, because if the menu is not compiled correctly, the birds will not gain the required weight. The main rules are as follows:

• Cereals are considered the basis of nutrition. Their number should reach up to 60%. Before use, some of the grains must be ground, and another part must be given in sprouted form.
• Birds benefit greatly from dairy products, which provide their bodies with essential vitamins and minerals.
• The absence of grass and greenery in winter can be compensated for with grass meal. This is a must for birds, since grass feed should be in their diet all year round.

Features of breeds of fighting cocks and chickens

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

Shamo

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

Shamo

Chickens of the Shamo breed are distinguished by their long, wide skull and “muscular” cheeks. Their elongated neck has a smooth 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 may 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. The small wings and tail are very difficult to pull out, giving the rooster an advantage in battle.
• Chickens of the Shamo breed are smaller in size, but have all the fighting qualities. Dense plumage forms “armor” and protects from wounds. Shamo easily detect the enemy's pressure points and deliver piercing blows.

The average cost of a bird is 3,300 rubles*.

Sumatra

The Sumatra chicken is an ancient indigenous breed that evolved without human intervention. The Indonesian green chicken has been cited as a possible ancestor.

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

Sumatra

Roosters have a small red crest 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, and painted black. The soles are yellow. Females are smaller than males and lighter by 1.5 kg.

Sumatra are aggressive and pugnacious chickens. Despite its non-decorative appearance, it can be very dangerous, so it is suitable only for experienced poultry keepers. Sumatra often attacks poultry and requires separate housing.

These fighting chickens can rise to a considerable height. Therefore, their territory must be fenced with a high fence. Roosters often bully each other and can start a serious fight.

On average, Sumatra costs from 2.5 to 11 thousand rubles*. Eggs are sold for 180 rubles*.

Korean

The Taigo breed comes from Korea, so the 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 is worth, you need to take into account the pedigree and “sports” qualities.

These fighting chickens will not be cheap: a Korean in Moscow costs up to 60,000 rubles*.

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

Korean

Koreans are real gladiators. They jump on top of the enemy and deliver a precise blow to the back of the head. They can attack head-on.

Dakan

The second name is Kulangi. Currently, only enthusiasts breed them. Dakans are native to Central Asia. They were bred through folk selection.

Dakan

They are distinguished by strong bones, massive physique and fleshy paws. Dakans have two color options: black and light salmon. Their feathers fit tightly to the body and protect it from blows. The legs of the kulangi are decorated with sharp spurs. The flattened shape of the skull avoids injury and helps withstand strong impacts. 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. Asian fighting chickens are promising and highly trainable.

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 strong bones. It is distinguished by short but strong legs. Color options: gray, red, brown. The beak remains large and sharp.

Azil

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

Important! Azil needs increased protein nutrition. The average cost of a bird is 4,000 rubles*. The average cost of a bird is 4,000 rubles*

The average cost of a bird is 4,000 rubles*.

What to do if roosters fight each other

There are many ways to try to reconcile restless roosters. By providing the necessary conditions in the chicken coop, over time it will be possible to achieve healthy competition, productive males and full-fledged defenders.

Insulation

Often young roosters who have recently joined the flock become aggressive. Their place has not yet been determined, and they become the subject of attack by strong individuals. As a result, the young male can become aggressive himself and attack everyone he considers dangerous to himself. Isolation will help solve the problem - the owner allocates a separate aviary or chicken coop for the rebel to minimize meetings between warring roosters.

It is not recommended to let him out for a general walk until the aggressor stops behaving warily.

Hunger strike

A starvation diet will help teach a fighter a lesson. Having isolated it immediately after the attack, it is necessary to leave only clean water and not visit the bird for two days. So, the cockerel will not die from dehydration, and will think about its behavior. Since chickens have episodic memory, this will allow the owner to play the role of savior. After 2 days, having entered the enclosure and fed the rooster, you can see that he is glad to meet you and has become more flexible.

See also

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Beak debilitation

Debeaking or beak trimming will help protect weaker individuals from attacks by aggressive feathered pets. Inexperienced poultry farmers consider this method to be unnecessarily cruel, but the cut off tip of the beak does not subsequently prevent the rooster from consuming food and drink. At the same time, roosters stop pecking calm birds. One of the common methods of debeaking is the use of hot blades. Laser cutting is also used, but much less frequently due to the high cost. Beak trimming in adults should only be done as a last resort and with the assistance of an experienced professional.

Eliminate irritants

There may be cases of aggressive behavior of roosters due to irritating factors. It is necessary to pay attention to at what moment the male’s mood changes, what provokes him. This could be bright clothes or sudden movements. Sometimes small children show aggression towards chickens, and then roosters towards their relatives.

By carefully observing the behavior of the bird, you can understand what it reacts to so sharply and eliminate the reasons for provoking aggression.

Mirror

By installing a mirror in the chicken coop, the owner will provide the bully with a new “enemy” in the person of himself. The feathered one will begin to fight with the reflection, forgetting about other opponents. This method has 2 significant drawbacks: the rooster can ignore the mirror or, conversely, injure itself too much.

Particularly violent individuals can knock their chest and head off the mirror.

Dye

The main task of the rooster is to ensure order and discipline in the chicken coop. The presence of a bright color makes the leader more attractive. To give bright colors, natural dyes are usually used: brilliant green, henna, basma. They should be applied to the most prominent places: wings, back, neck. This way you will be able to attract the attention of the hens and the rooster will not have time to sort things out with his opponent.

Special glasses

The invention of Chinese farmer Xiao Long was forced. He said there were frequent fights between roosters on the farm, resulting in the death of up to 10 birds a day. He concluded that the birds see each other and this is a challenge for them. Glasses were invented in the form of a small plastic bracket that is attached to the beak. The eyes are covered with plates. The bird can eat and drink, but does not see an object at which to direct aggression. Glasses are not a panacea, they only limit an uncontrollable situation. In a tight, confined space, birds have a heightened sense of touch; they can peck each other’s feathers and down by touch.

Pouring water

Only strong, healthy individuals can tolerate water rearing. The fact is that water treatments are very stressful for birds. The exception is some chickens who like to swim in water at their own request. In other cases, such upbringing can result in a serious illness.

The method should be carried out immediately at the crime scene. As soon as the roosters begin to fight, you need to catch the aggressor and dip him in a container of cold water, pour him out of a bucket or hose him down. The options are not fundamental; it is important to develop a reflex in the bird. As soon as the rooster begins to fight, the educational procedure is immediately repeated. Usually 5-7 repetitions of dousing with water are enough to correct the character of the troublemaker.

See also

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Whack the rooster

Physical punishment is an undesirable method and is used as a last resort when no other influences help. Animal rights activists oppose this method of punishment, arguing that it is violence against our smaller brothers. Experienced bird owners, on the contrary, consider this method effective, since it clearly conveys information to the raging male.

To regulate the reflex, punish the rooster immediately after attacking another. It is important to calculate the force so as not to harm the bird.

Degradation of status in front of chickens

The world of birds lives by its own rules. Among roosters, the most powerful opponent is the one who attacks first. If the owner enters the chicken coop and attacks the rooster first, he will try to escape. The instinct of self-preservation in all living beings comes first. By periodically reminding who is boss in the hen house, the owner will be able to lower the status of the rooster in front of the hens and soften his aggression, turning it into fear of a stronger rival.

Training

The way a fighting bird is trained depends on its ability to fight, that is, to take part in competitive events.

Roosters are usually trained by the breeder himself.

It is important to properly psychologically configure fighting birds. Effective learning requires a special psychological climate and rigidity in education.

To train birds well, it will take a lot of time; the process must begin at nine months of chicken age.

Often the first cockfight is a fight with an opponent in the form of your own shadow. The fighter gains passion and experience. An important thing is to train the beak and claws. To create a fighting spirit, roosters are kept in separate cages or enclosures.

The main methods of combat training are expressed in:

• running on a wheel inside a pen or cage;
• footrests on the back to enhance reaction and alertness;
• in hanging foot weights of 300 or 400 grams.

How to train fighting cocks?

Training fighting cocks is a long process that must begin at 9 months.

The process of training chickens to fight will determine whether they will be able to participate in competitions at all.

It is important that it is not the trainer who prepares the bird, but the owner. The psychological aspect is very important in the training of fighting cocks. The owner must show the bird who is boss

Without this, training will be ineffective

The owner must show the bird who is in charge. Without this, training will be ineffective.

It is a common practice to use a rooster as the first fight - a fight with one's own reflection. Thus, the fighter not only gains experience, but also trains his beak and claws. To develop a fighting spirit, birds are kept alone, away from other birds.

The main methods of training fighting cocks include:

Running on a wheel in a cage. Steps from the back - to enhance reaction and attentiveness. Hanging loads weighing 300-400 g on your feet.

In the video “Training a Fighting Cock” you can see how training for chickens takes place in preparation for fights.

Features of cockfighting

There are four styles of cockfighting:

Direct - during a fight, the bird attacks the enemy and hits him in the chest or head. Circular - the fighter delivers a couple of blows, then runs away and begins to circle around the opponent until he unexpectedly delivers a new blow, after which he runs away again and repeats the maneuver until the opponent is exhausted. Sending one - hits you right in the back of the head with its beak. Thieving - he turns away from blows until he finds the right moment to defeat the enemy. Unspectacular battles, but effective tactics.

It takes a lot of effort to raise a winning fighting rooster. The main thing is to be systematic and keep the bird in optimal conditions for it.

Popular breeds

Kulangi

Kulang chicken breed

This species is very old.

The individual has a rather aggressive and cocky disposition. Representatives of the species do not tolerate cold well.

The individual is characterized by its large size. The average live weight of males reaches 4.5-5 kg, for females - 3.5-4 kg. The level of egg production of these laying hens is not very encouraging - about 100 eggs per year. Based on this, chickens are not particularly suitable for breeding in backyard poultry farms. Oviposition begins at the age of six months.

English

English fighting breed of chickens

Birds are distinguished by the variety of possible colors.

They are unprofitable in terms of their productivity. The weight of males is about 2-3 kg, for females - 1.75-2.5 kg. Eggs weigh 55-60 g. The shell color is yellow or white.

Indian fighters

Indian fighting chicken breed

Representatives of this species have excellent fighting characteristics. India is not the birthplace of chickens. When and how this individual appeared still remains a mystery. Birds are quite picky in terms of maintenance.

These fighting birds have an evil disposition. Often conflicting.

Individuals are typically quite large in size. The weight of cockerels reaches 4.5-5 kg, in hens - 3-3.5 kg. Most farmers raise them as their main source of meat.

Shamo chicken breed

These birds come from Japan. Birds are characterized by good endurance and physical strength. There are 3 types of breed: large, medium, and dwarf.

In individuals of a large species, the weight of males is about 4-5 kg, in females - 3-4 kg.

In medium-sized cockerels, the weight is 3-4 kg, in hens – 2.5-3 kg.

In dwarf representatives, the weight of males barely reaches 0.8-1 kg, in laying hens - 0.6-0.8 kg.

All feathered shamo differ from each other only in size.

Malay

Malayan fighting chicken

The individual belongs to one of the oldest fighting breeds.

The weight of females is 2.5-3 kg, and that of males is 3.5-4 kg. The level of egg laying is within 100-120 eggs throughout the year. The color of the shell is cream. The eggs weigh about 57 grams.

Moscow

The variety is divided into two types - fighting and meat. Chickens are characterized by a rather aggressive character, they are quite strong and also hardy. There are few breeds with such qualities.

Moscow chicken stands out for its good meat productivity data. Average weights for males are about 3.5-6 kg, for females - 2.7-3 kg. The level of egg laying is 100-120 eggs per year. The shade of the shells is usually brownish, they weigh about 53-55 grams.

Uzbek

This individual represents a rather old species.

The average weight of cockerels varies from 4 to 7 kg, for hens - 2.8-3.5 kg. The level of egg laying is about 100-120 eggs per year. The shade of the shell is brownish. Eggs weigh 57-62 g.

Spanish fighting chickens

Photo of fighting Spanish breed of chickens

These birds are relatively small in size. They have a rather aggressive character. Chicken farming is carried out mainly in South America. The average weight of a bird is 1.4-1.5 kg.

Old English dwarf

Old English breed of chickens in the photo

Representatives of birds were created quite a long time ago, in England. The bird has a bold and also proud disposition. These fighting birds are easy to train. The weight of males is 0.75-0.8 kg, females - 0.65-0.7 kg.

Suzdanesian fighting chickens

Sundanese fighting chickens are native to Indonesia. In 1970, they were brought to Europe, and they were bred directly in Holland. The bird is characterized by medium dimensions. The weight of a cockerel reaches 2.5-3 kg, and that of hens 2-2.5 kg.

Azil

This individual is a representative of the most ancient fighting variety. The birds' temperament is quite lively and also aggressive.

Common breeds of fighting chickens

Kulangi (dakans)

Central Asian roosters. They have a strong and massive build. They are emotional, with pronounced leadership qualities, and at the moment of attack they emit fearful fighting cries.

Weight - up to 4.5 kg. For a more detailed description, see the article “Dakan Fighting Cocks”.

English

Brought to England from India. Birds have a strong build, strong and widely spaced legs. Very active and aggressive. Recognized as the most victorious among their own kind.

Weight 3-4 kg.

Indian

A variety of Malaysian chickens. They have a large, flat build, standing upright. And also an overly aggressive character.

Weight 3-4 kg.

Indian dwarf

Roosters of English origin. Short, with a wide and short body. Resistant to external factors, energetic.

Weight 2.5-3.5 kg.

Shamo

The homeland of roosters is the Thai kingdom of Siam. Large, muscular birds with a predatory look. Aggressive, never give up in battles and fight to the last strength.

Weight 3-4 kg.

A full description of the breed is given in the article “About Shamo fighting cocks.”

Malay

Birds of Indian origin. Very tall, up to 75 cm, and muscular. The character is warlike, the look is evil and predatory.

Weight 3.5-4.5 kg.

Moscow

Domestic fighting breed of chickens. They have an almost vertical body, a flat back and a developed rounded chest. Hardy and brave.

Weight 4-6 kg.

Uzbek

Central Asian birds. Massive, with a vertical body, a head flattened on the sides and legs set wide apart. Temperament is aggressive.

Weight 4-7 kg.

Spanish redbros

Roosters of Spanish origin. They have a large muscular body with dense plumage, a large head and developed paws. The character is pugnacious.

Weight 4.5-7 kg.

Old English dwarf

The homeland of roosters is England. The bird is medium-sized, muscular with wide, strong wings. The character is quarrelsome and pugnacious.

Weight 2-2.5 kg.

Azil

Indian breed. Birds of medium height with an angular torso and short legs. Strong, with a pronounced warlike character.

Weight 2-2.5 kg.

Lari

The homeland of birds is Afghanistan, Iran. The roosters are of medium size and muscular build. The character is warlike, they make deft jumps.

The difference is that the meat of a young individual tastes like pheasant. Weight 1.5-2 kg.

Yamato

Japanese breed. Roosters are small, with a low-set, wide body. The massive breastbone is visible on the chest. Hardy, grumpy character.

Weight 1.5-1.7 kg.

Belgian

Bred in Flanders. The bird is large with a horizontal back and an undeveloped tail. Strong and courageous.

Weight 4-5.5 kg.

Belgian dwarf

Homeland - Germany. Roosters have powerful bones and an elongated body shape. Stable, mobile, able to withstand the strongest blows.

Weight 0.9-1.2 kg.

Lutticher

Bred in Belgium. The bird is large, muscular, with an elongated posture. Grumpy, often gets into fights.

Weight 3.8-4.6 kg.

Vietnamese

Homeland - Vietnam. Roosters have a massive and squat build. Feature: very thick, stable paws.

Weight 5.5-7 kg.

Specifics of cultivation

When raising roosters and chickens, a number of requirements must be observed. It is recommended to maintain an optimal temperature in the chicken coop. It should be +14-18 degrees.

It is recommended to monitor these indicators in winter and early spring. During this period, females lay eggs. If you do not provide them with suitable conditions, you should not count on the appearance of productive offspring.

It is worth ensuring that there are no drafts or excessive dampness in the poultry house. Japanese birds do not tolerate cold weather well. Despite their physical strength, they need to maintain temperature conditions.

In order for birds to develop normally, it is recommended to give vent to their aggression. If birds are constantly indoors, they will become very aggressive. This will lead to constant fights and injuries.

Roosters are trained in an open area. It is worth putting up a fence first to prevent other birds or animals from entering the aviary.

It is strictly forbidden to house birds of other breeds with Shamo roosters. Even calm chickens often suffer from attacks from these birds.

In addition, when breeding Shamo roosters, it is worth considering the following features:

It is recommended to systematically clean the enclosure. Be sure to clean floors and perches

Washing drinking bowls and feeders is of no small importance. The poultry house is periodically treated with antiparasitic drugs. It is worth monitoring the appearance of birds. It is recommended to pay special attention to the condition of the feathers. Perches should be placed at a relatively low height

This will help avoid injury to birds. It is recommended to adhere to the light regime. This is especially true during oviposition. Daylight hours should be at least 16 hours. When severe aggression appears in birds, they should be examined for diseases. It is recommended to isolate roosters that are too violent.

Descriptions of chicken breeds for meat and egg production for breeding at homeRead

Pros and cons of fighting cocks

The advantages of fighting birds are physical strength and endurance, which can be used when breeding offspring from ordinary chickens. Such pets can give their owners a gambling and spectacular hobby and good income.

The downside of this breed: with improper or incorrect nutrition, or an irregular training regimen, the rooster will turn out to be a weak opponent.

The moral and ethical side of this issue still remains controversial. But if you play honestly, without using doping and with maximum protection for your pets, the cruelty of such battles can be reduced to almost zero.

Origin and characteristics of fighting chickens

There is a theory that absolutely all varieties of chickens originated from the Bank breed, originally from Central Asia, and fighting chickens are no exception. They became militant not due to human efforts, but as a result of the natural need to protect themselves and their space.

Having put the ability to defend territorial rights on the conveyor belt, enterprising farmers in each region acquired their own fighting breed, so there are many subspecies of aggressive birds.

The Bankivka chicken is the ancestor of all chicken breeds existing in the world.

Some scientists suggest that chickens became ferocious due to the meager diet on which ancient peasants kept them. The lack of useful elements and unbalanced nutrition made the meat of birds tough and dry, so it was practically not consumed as food. To find a use for domesticated creatures, they were used exclusively for combat purposes. A little later, the focus shifted to the magnificent colors of the plumage, and active breeding of ornamental breeds began. Then the turn came to meat, egg and meat-egg varieties.

Fighting breeds are the pride of folk selection

Appearance of fighting chickens

Based on the names, we can conclude that chickens of this variety are widespread: Malay, Indian black, English, Central Asian kulangi, Moscow - almost every corner of the planet has become involved in the breeding of fighting chickens

Since only males take part in fights, all the attention of breeders was focused on improving their athletic qualities, leaving the physical development of chickens to chance. The following body parts were targeted by breed improvement specialists:

• rib cage;
• paws;
• head.

They are the strategically important elements of the battle.

For the owners of the feathered army, it was very important to achieve a vertical position of the body

To win, the rooster had to have the following characteristics:

1. Head. In order to reduce the likelihood of injury, it should be small in size, but with a thick frontal bone that can withstand strong blows from an opponent.
2. Rib cage. It is desirable that the muscles be well developed, and the skeleton must be strong enough.
3. Limbs. Since roosters jump long distances during the fight, the legs for jumping must be long and strong.
4. Brow ridges. Well defined eyebrows give an intimidating look.
5. Earrings. They are the weak link of the exterior and therefore must be removed. This procedure makes birds less vulnerable.
6. Beak. The main weapon of the male must be as strong as steel.
7. Plumage. Short and dense feathers are more difficult to tear out during a fight, therefore, individuals with a long protective cover cannot participate in battles.
8. Character. Unscrupulous and cowardly specimens are subject to culling.

The task was difficult, but over centuries of practice, breeders succeeded in many ways.

Malayan fighting chickens

Modern fighting chickens look like this:

• small head;
• massive brow ridges;
• atrophied comb and earrings;
• strong beak;
• vertical orientation of the body;
• downed physique;
• elongated neck;
• muscular, protruding chest;
• strong limbs;
• short, close-fitting plumage to the body.

English fighting cock

Fighting chickens are absolutely different from their peaceful domestic relatives, both in character and in plumage color and exterior. Warlike birds weigh, depending on gender and breed, from 0.5 to 7 kg, and their life expectancy ranges from 10 months to 3 years.

Egg production

The shamo hen can produce up to 60 eggs per year. For laying hens, it is necessary to create the most comfortable conditions to activate egg laying in late winter and early spring. This is the only way to collect eggs for incubation, and then place a hen on them or lay the eggs in an incubator.

Due to their unbridled temperament, chickens of this breed are very mobile and active. They are not very suitable as quons, since they do not have the patience to sit on the eggs until the logical conclusion of the process - the hatching of the chicks.

If you nevertheless decide to use these particular hens for hatching, you need to do this in complete isolation, where nothing distracts the hen from her maternal duties. A large shamo duck, due to its restlessness and hyperactivity, can crush eggs. Since eggs from chickens of this breed are already quite rare, it is advisable not to take risks and entrust the reproduction of chickens to an incubator.

When choosing an incubator for your home, pay attention to devices such as “Laying Hen”, “Ideal Hen”, “Cinderella”, “Blitz”.

How to train fighting birds

Main parameters

Fighting cock fights are a profitable form of entertainment. But at the same time it is a cruel sight.

Until the beginning of the 19th century, the battle continued until the death of one of the rivals. Later, a more gentle rule was introduced - the ability to stop the fight in case of severe bodily injury.

The first stage in preparing the event is the correct choice of the breed of fighting rooster. You can prepare a bird for battle only when it reaches nine months of age.

Before training begins, the rooster's wattles and comb are removed to stimulate aggression and to prevent injury during exercise.

The main direction in training is to develop jumping ability, strength, endurance, and precision in striking the enemy in a fighting cock.

1 training method

Goal: development of abilities focused on air combat - jumping and striking at the same time.

The roosters are forced to run in a wheel until their strength runs out. At the same time, the bird is constantly being tripped from behind, which develops its ability to escape a blow while jumping.

2 training method

Goal: the ability to fight on a hard surface. By lightly pressing on the back, the rooster is forced to walk on bent legs to train their endurance.

To develop muscle mass and endurance, a load weighing up to 400 g is tied to the rooster and forced to run in a circle or squat.

To force him to sit down, the owner presses the rooster by the withers with his hand, and he involuntarily sits down. This exercise is repeated until the bird gets tired.

Before training, the fighting cock's muscles are warmed up by rubbing with a sponge dipped in warm water. At first, a mirror is placed in front of the bird to develop aggression, perseverance and the ability to attack.

The main rule: training of fighting cocks must be regular and carried out by one owner. During classes, contact between the trainer and the rooster must be constantly maintained.

Appearance and characteristics

The descriptions of most species are similar. The body is strong, the legs and neck are long, the head is small. The feathers are located close to the skin. The chest protrudes forward.

The comb and wattles are removed or atrophied. The beak is strong, the claws are strong. The character is aggressive, fearless. Weight from 0.5 to 7 kg.

Azil fighting chickens

Azil fighting chickensAzil is an Indian breed that came to Europe in 1860, suitable only for sport.
If they are crossed with other species, their fighting qualities are lost. Chickens weigh up to 2 kg, roosters 2 or more kg. Aggressive regardless of gender. In the ring they prefer a thieving style.

There are two subspecies of azil:

• Reza – weigh approximately 3 kg;
• Madras and South Indian - weight up to 6 kg.

The body is oval, the head is small, and there are no earrings. The legs are strong and have spurs. The color is often bright red. These birds are easy to train and love their owner.

Belgian fighting chickens

Homeland - Belgium (XVII century), weigh more than 4 kg. The physique is large, the muscles are dense. The character is not very vicious, the roosters are hardy. They are picky eaters and love food with protein.

Vietnamese fighting chickens

Vietnamese fighting Another name is Ga Dong Tao. This is a rare breed, bred in the villages of Vietnam, and is not found anywhere else.

Currently, this species is used not as a fighting breed, but as a meat breed. Legs are popular and are considered a delicacy.

Malayan fighting cock

The birthplace of the breed is Central and Asia Minor. The Asian's head is small and flattened on the sides. The beak is curved. The back is wide, the legs are high.

Malayan chickens weigh up to 3 kg, roosters from 3.5 or more.

Moscow fighting chickens

There are two types of Moscow chickens: meat and fighting. They weigh about 3 kg, roosters from 3.5 to 6 kg. The birds are hardy and vicious. The body is wide, the head is small with a small crest.

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The beak is strong and curved. The color is often red.

Uzbek fighting chickens

The Uzbek breed is old. It was bred by selecting aggressive roosters. The body, neck and legs are long, the head is medium, and the tail is short. The color is different. Chickens weigh 2.8-3.5 kg, roosters - 4-7 kg.

Lari

Laris are clever opponents. Their legs are spaced apart. Weight about 2 kg, average height. Used exclusively for sporting purposes.

The neck is thick and large. This breed needs constant training so as not to forget fighting techniques.

Lutticher chickens

Lutticher The birthplace of the breed is Belgium (Lutticher). The birds are large, with well-developed muscles, average weight 4-5 kg. The claws are strong and sharp. The character is embittered.

Tuzo

The birthplace of the breed is Japan. The body is graceful and small. The muscles are toned, the shoulders are narrow. The head is wide and round. The weight is small (about 1.2 kg), but the birds are dexterous, aggressive and fearless.

Sumatran

The head is small with a red crest. The beak is strong, short, curved. Roosters have double or triple spurs with which they strike.

The tail is bushy, they are bred as decorative. They are aggressive and attack meat and egg breeds.

Yamato

Yamato The breed was bred by Japanese breeders to entertain emperors and lovers of cockfighting. Birds fight with any opponent, as they are hardy and aggressive.

Yamato is small in size, weak plumage, fleshy muzzle. The color is wheat or wild. Roosters have a wide, egg-shaped body. Legs are medium muscular.

Breeds

Many public representatives are opponents of cockfighting. However, the breeders respond in their defense that this helps the development of the economy. At the moment, there are a huge number of breeds that, in addition to fighting, are used for other purposes.

During cockfights, birds are selected, as a result of which only the strongest individuals remain. They are left for later breeding.

Roosters participating in fights are also divided into weight and age categories - young, transitional (up to two years) and old.

Azil

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It is considered one of the most famous breeds. The homeland of the Azil breed is India - in ancient times, this was the name given to all individuals of fighting breeds.

Azil is divided into two types:

• Reza are birds whose weight varies from 2 to 3 kg;
• Kulangi, Madras and South Indian types are large chickens weighing up to 6 kg.

Breed Features:

• strong, with short strong legs;
• medium height;
• the plumage is rigid and fits tightly to the body;
• quarrelsome character even in hens, and not just in roosters;
• this individual has a short body, but powerful shoulders;
• short, high wings;
• wide back;
• tail down;
• the stomach is underdeveloped.

Azil is considered an excellent fighter, who, however, becomes attached to his master.

It is formed and reaches maturity by the second year of life. The most common option is variegated red. There are also gray colors, black and white, piebald and others.

A rooster weighs from 2 to 2.5 kg, a chicken from 1.5 to 2 kg. Egg weight – 40 g, color – cream and light brown. Chickens can lay up to 50-60 eggs per year, which is not much. The rooster's ring size is 3, and the hen's is 4.

This type of fighting cock needs constant competition, because without it it languishes. To increase the effectiveness of training, these birds are kept under strict discipline.

Roosters and chickens are given a balanced diet. They need constant walking, massage and gymnastics for the neck and head, training (running, somersaults and squats).

Azil is bred in Asia and Latin America, and in Russia they are found, for example, in Dagestan.

Elephant chickens

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It is considered a rather rare breed of bird that lives in Vietnam and is almost impossible to find outside the country. Their other name is Ga Dong Tao.

The name of the breed speaks of its place of origin, because “Ga” is a chicken, and “Dong Tao” is a large Vietnamese village where cockfighting has always been practiced.

Breed Features:

• very loose, “raw” physique;
• heavy weight (roosters reach up to 7 kg, and chickens - up to 5.5 kg);
• nut-shaped comb;
• color wheat, black, fawn;
• the neck and wings are short;
• the body is wide, the plumage is rigid;
• The main feature is its massive scaly legs.

Previously, the breed was classified as a fighting breed, but now it has more significance as a meat and decorative breed. Once upon a time, elephant chickens were bred specifically for cockfighting.

The unusual legs of this breed do not at all interfere with its movement and, moreover, are not the result of any disease. The girth of an adult rooster's paw can reach the thickness of a child's wrist. Elephant chickens have 4 toes, and they are poorly developed.

Breeding and keeping such chickens in European countries is a very difficult task. In order to bring a specimen from Asia, the breeder needs to go through a large number of problems - the right conditions in the incubator, protection from diseases, an insulated chicken coop, additional food in the cold season.

Elephant chickens do not show aggression towards their own kind, but towards people they are timid, distrustful and do not want to make contact.

To keep birds, they need a large aviary, and to quickly gain weight, they need increased nutrition and constant free access to greenery. The chickens themselves can seek out and eat the worms.

On average, chickens lay up to 60 eggs per year. The shell is cream-colored.

Yamato

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This breed originated from Japan. These birds are exclusively fighting birds and are not bred on farms for other purposes.

Breed Features:

• Yamato are small, with an upright posture and a fleshy face;
• the plumage is scanty, like almost all fighting breeds;
• the neck is slightly curved, medium in length;
• The chest is wide and well rounded;
• the wings are wide and short, the shoulder blades protrude and bare wing bones can be seen;
• the beak is strong and curved;
• comb podlike;
• pearl-colored eyes;
• legs can be either short or medium length;
• the ears are well developed;
• the color can be wheaten or wild.

Certain difficulties may arise with breeding this breed, because Yamato fertilize worse than other fighting breeds, and they have low egg production. Plus they have a difficult character, which also adds difficulties.

They need a small lawn for walking, and they need to be kept in a dry and frost-free room.

In order for the individuals to be meaty, it is necessary to give them sufficient quantities of animal and vegetable protein.

Birds become fully grown by the age of two, and it is then that the distinctive characteristics of the breed can be observed.

Indian fighting cocks

A fairly ancient breed, which was artificially bred by crossing several breeds (Malay and English breeds were used) specifically for fighting.

Breed Features:

• there are strong and powerful limbs, which they successfully use during battle;
• the body is large, but at the same time medium in height;
• feathers are hard, smooth;
• short wings;
• the head is medium in size, the earrings are poorly defined;
• strong beak;
• the tail is voluminous and short.

The color of the Indian breed is mainly yellow or white, but sometimes you can find brown, black and even blue.

Among their advantages:

• large size and powerful paws;
• chickens are good brood hens;
• good fighters;
• used for crossing;
• delicious meat.

Disadvantages:

• they prepare for battle for a long time;
• painful;
• unstable;
• low egg production;
• restless and aggressive.

Due to the high incidence of disease in these birds, frequent inspections are necessary to prevent infection of the brood. For the Indian fighting breed, ticks and lice beetles are very dangerous.

It is also important for them to provide warm shelter to ensure high-quality egg production and prevent diseases. The basis for a new brood is selected in December.

Insemination occurs with the help of a rooster from the most recent brood due to the high quality of fertilization present in it.

Indian fighting chickens are not easy to find in Russia. They are in the village of Kurovo and Tambov.

Old English fighting breed

As you can guess from the name, England is considered the birthplace of this breed. These roosters have been bred there since the mid-nineteenth century.

There are two subspecies - dwarf (fighting) and oxford (exhibition). Preference is given to dwarfs because their body structure is more suitable for fighting.

Breed Features:

• medium size, strong muscles;
• Long neck;
• the chest is wide;
• legs are long;
• the tail is large, slightly spread and raised;
• wings are sweeping with truncated feathers;
• Roosters have an upright posture and a quarrelsome character;
• egg production is low - up to 50 eggs;
• chicken weight – up to 2.5 kg, rooster weight – 3 kg;
• Color varies from wheaten to black and bluish.

All Old English roosters can mat with each other, which is why they are kept either with hens or separately. Representatives of this breed are unlikely to have brittle bones or clumsiness.

They are unpretentious eaters, but they need a lot of free space for muscle development and exercise. They can take part in battles starting from one year old, and if they are given decent care, they compete for several years.

Shamo

Translated from Japanese, “shamo” means fighter. One of the most popular types of fighting cocks in the world. The breed itself is divided into 3 subspecies - large, medium and dwarf. Their differences are only in weight.

Breed Features:

• muscular cheeks;
• long curved neck;
• wide head;
• muscular chest that protrudes forward with bare bones;
• very hardy.

This species is very resistant to diseases and infections, but they still need special care. Shamo is fed food high in protein. For walking, birds must be provided with a large free area.

You cannot crossbreed - mixing of blood is not allowed.

There are only a few farmers in Russia who breed this breed.

Belgian fighting chickens

This breed appeared in the 17th century, bred in Belgium. The character is distinguished by stamina and endurance, and the birds themselves are considered prolific. Young birds, in comparison with other difficult breeds, do not cause great inconvenience.

Breed Features:

• large, strong bird;
• wide-set, long, bony legs with prominent ankles;
• poorly developed tail;
• the average weight of a chicken is up to 4 kg, a rooster is up to 5.5 kg;
• wings short, adjacent;
• small ears;
• high-set eyes;
• The color is most often blue.

When raising birds, they need to be fed food enriched with protein, and for good muscle development, the young animals need a large amount of grain.

Malayan fighting chickens

Their history began more than three thousand years ago. The homeland is, of course, considered to be the Malay Archipelago and India. The birds arrived in Europe in the 19th century.

Breed Features:

• grow up to 90 cm;
• the shoulders are set very high, the skin is translucent, the wings are convex;
• the skull is wide, the nape line is sloping;
• eye color - from pearl to yellowish;
• the comb is wide, nut-shaped;
• the plumage is scanty and hard, they fledge slowly.

The birds are considered to be insensitive and very hardy, but due to the incubation period, which begins very early, they must be protected from cold and dampness.

Breeding:

• breeding stock is formed at the beginning of winter and is fed with feed mixture and grain mixture;
• During hatching of eggs, additional lighting is required;
• in the first days, the chickens are kept in a place where the air temperature is at least 33 degrees;
• The chicks are fed with special feed and given vitamins with water once a week;
• after a couple of weeks, dandelion, lettuce, and green onions begin to be produced in small quantities;
• It is important to regularly disinfect the premises.

Lari

Lari fighting chickens came to us from Afghanistan and Iran and are considered the best among fighting birds. Among breeders, this breed may also be called the Iranian Azil due to its similarity to this breed.

Features of Lari:

• a chicken can weigh up to 1.5 kg, and a rooster can weigh up to 2;
• the average number of eggs laid by chickens is 80-100;
• the breed is not considered productive on the farm, so their main goal is to participate in fights;
• very warlike character;
• need regular training to avoid loss of fighting shape;
• The bird's head is small and fits tightly to the body;
• beak tightly compressed, hooked;
• legs – strong and muscular, widely spaced;
• the color is dominated by white and variegated colors;
• the feathers are sparse, without down, and the tail is tapered to the end with a sharp cone;
• the neck is thick and long.

In winter, like all other birds, lari need constant warmth due to their thin and sparse feather cover. If this point is observed, and there are no drafts, then the chickens begin laying eggs.

Laris reach maturity by the age of two years, but can compete in competitions as early as 8 months.

They eat a varied diet, in small portions and often. In their habitat, hygiene standards must be strictly observed.

Kulangi

An ancient breed of chickens that was bred in Central Asia. Black roosters are called Dakans.

Breed Features:

• small head flattened at the sides;
• sharp, short and powerful beak;
• vertically placed torso;
• pink face;
• long muscular neck;
• a small nut-shaped comb, which is less developed in roosters than in chickens;
• strong, wide-set legs, yellow in color, with black pigmentation;
• salmon coloring;
• aggressive character;
• easy to train;
• tolerates hot climates calmly.

English fighting cock

The English fighting cock originates from India, but the British have done so much to improve and modify this breed that they consider it exclusively theirs.

Breed Features:

• graceful and proud posture;
• the head is long and flat (a chicken has a smaller head);
• big eyes, perky look;
• red erect comb;
• the body protrudes forward, the neck and chest are raised upward;
• the back of the head is steep and wide;
• the wings are large and powerful, they fit tightly to the sides;
• the plumage is hard and shiny;
• the tail is long and beautifully curved;
• the thighs are muscular, abundantly covered with feathers;
• the fingers are long and spread out, which gives the bird good support and stability;
• raises legs high when walking;
• weight of a rooster – up to 3 kg, chicken – up to 2.5 kg;
• egg production - up to 80 eggs per year;
• The birds are meaty, but the meat is very tough.

Chickens are good brood hens. During this period they are calm and careful. If all conditions for breeding are met, the chicks fledge fairly quickly.

The transformation into a young rooster takes place within six months. If you feed them intensively, they are able to gain weight very quickly.

Moscow fighting chickens

The Moscow breed originated from the English one. Various historical sources write that the first roosters from England were brought to Moscow by Count A.G. Orlov.

In general, the Moscow breed has retained the characteristics of its parent, but nevertheless, under the influence of climatic and other conditions, it has changed to such an extent that it can be perceived as a separate breed.

Features of Moscow fighting chickens:

• small head;
• broad shoulders and torso;
• This breed does not have earrings or does have them, but they are very small;
• Long neck;
• the beak is short but powerful;
• long, strong legs;
• rooster weight – up to 6 kg, chicken weight – up to 3 kg;
• egg production - up to 120 eggs per year;
• The color can be different, but most often it is red.

Lutticher

Their original history dates back to the 16th century. The predecessors are considered to be the Malay breed with a pea-shaped comb. The breed appeared in its final form in Belgium in the 19th century. In Germany, Lütticher was officially recognized in 1983.

Breed Features:

• large muscular chickens;
• strong claws;
• broad shoulders;
• straight posture;
• grumpy character;
• weight of a rooster – up to 5 kg, chicken – up to 4 kg.

Tuzo

Like most fighting chickens and roosters, Tuzo also originated from Asian countries. Despite the fact that Tuzo appeared in Japan back in the 16th century, birds of this breed came to Europe only after the Second World War.

Breed Features:

• very small, with well-developed muscles of the bird;
• body oval, elongated;
• voluminous wings;
• rooster weight – up to 1.2 kg, chicken weight – about 1 kg;
• color black with a greenish tint;
• the head is small, the neck is long;
• tail braids are long and even;
• long and powerful legs;
• hot-tempered and aggressive character;
• loud voice;
• able to learn easily;
• egg production – up to 60 eggs.

Sumatran chicken breed

Despite the fact that this breed is declared as a fighting breed, more often it is still used as a decorative one.

Breed Features:

• there are double and triple spurs in roosters;
• aggressive character;
• weight of roosters – up to 3 kg, chickens – up to 2 kg;
• egg production – up to 50 eggs;
• very thermophilic;
• small head;
• the neck is covered with feathers;
• the face and earrings are purple;
• strong beak, slightly curved towards the end;
• flat chest, sunken stomach;
• powerful tail plumage in roosters;
• a small nut-shaped comb;
• color black with green or blue reflections.

Belgian dwarf

The breed is exclusively a fighting breed and is not bred on farms. Country of origin: Germany.

Breed Features:

• straight posture;
• broad shoulders;
• gloomy facial expression;
• moderately scanty plumage;
• body of medium length;
• the head is wide and long;
• the chest is wide and not protruded forward;
• face purple-red;
• the stomach is narrow, retracted;
• wings of medium length;
• long, strong fingers;
• small splayed tail;
• weight of a rooster – up to 1.2 kg, chicken – up to 1 kg.

Dwarf Indian breed

Despite the name, the birthplace of this breed is considered to be England in the 19th century. The original breeds are large Indian fighting and dwarf Malay and English. These birds have high meat production and high egg production.

Breed Features:

• rooster weight – up to 4.5 kg, chicken weight – 2-3 kg;
• color ranges from white to pheasant brown;
• the body is short and wide;
• short stature;
• wide chest;
• strong curved beak;
• the head is small, short and wide;
• eye color from pearl to light yellow.

Uzbek

This individual represents a rather old species.

The average weight of cockerels varies from 4 to 7 kg, for hens - 2.8-3.5 kg. The level of egg laying is about 100-120 eggs per year. The shade of the shell is brownish. Eggs weigh 57-62 g.

Spanish

These birds are relatively small in size. They have a rather aggressive character. Chicken farming is carried out mainly in South America. The average weight of a bird is 1.4-1.5 kg.

Suzdanesian

Sundanese fighting chickens are native to Indonesia. In 1970, they were brought to Europe, and they were bred directly in Holland. The bird is characterized by medium dimensions. The weight of a cockerel reaches 2.5-3 kg, and that of hens 2-2.5 kg.

Types and rules of cockfighting

There are 3 types of cockfighting:

• Match. Pairs of opponents are determined. The rooster with the most victories is declared the winner.
• Royal battle. All participants enter the ring, the survivor is declared the winner.
• Welsh fight. During the first battle, 8 pairs fight simultaneously. In the second round, 4 winners fight, then the two remaining males fight.

The winner was the rooster that survived the fight.

Cock-fights

All participants were grouped by age groups:

• young (up to one year);
• pereyarki (males older than a year who have moulted 2 times);
• tretyaks (three-year-olds);
• old (over 3 years old).

Young birds were released for fighting in October, adults - in November.

Previously, a victory was counted after the death of one bird. Today the rules have changed. A participant can be picked up at any time during the fight, including if he is seriously injured.

Features of the fighting style

There are 4 styles:

• direct - the bird flies up to the opponent and hits him in the head;
• circling – one participant circles around the opponent to exhaust him, then hits him;
• sent - blows are applied to the back of the head;
• thievish - birds take cover, run under the wing or at the feet of an opponent.

Cockfighting has been a favorite folk spectacle since ancient times. Roosters for fighting began to be bred several thousand years ago.

Both in those days and now, cockfighting captivates and captivates people in many countries. Such competitions are often held in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Dagestan.

Rooster competitions attract many fans of this sport, bets are placed on the birds, and the fighting roosters themselves are very expensive, the price can reach several thousand dollars.

One of the most common breeds of fighting cocks is Azil.

The birthplace of this breed is India. In ancient times, the word Azil was used to refer to all fighting chickens. This ancient breed was brought to Germany in the 19th century. In Europe, chickens of this breed are called “Rajah”.

From the history of cockfighting

In Russia, the passion for cockfighting appeared in the mid-19th century, so at the poultry exhibition in 1878, the most popular exhibits were fighting chickens. After the exhibition, the Moscow Society of Poultry Fans was founded, and then the Russian Poultry Society - the founders were the popularizers of cockfighting.

However, this hobby was short-lived; at the first All-Russian Congress of Poultry Farmers, it was decided that cockfighting, as a sport and a measure for improving domestic poultry farming, was not desirable and did not deserve development and encouragement.

And already at the beginning of the 20th century, in many countries of Europe, America and Russia, cockfighting was banned in the context of the movement against cruelty to animals. However, they are still carried out in France, Spain, in the countries of Asia and Latin America, where fighting chicken breeds are preserved and continue to be improved. And they even distinguish roosters by their fighting style, which can be:

A direct fight is essentially a direct attack and a “no holds barred” fight, where the cocks rush at each other and deliver chaotic blows to the chest, head and body.

During a circle fight, the roosters walk in a circle and try to strike from behind.

A back-and-forth fight is characterized by blows to the back of the head.

A thieving fight is considered less spectacular; the main advantage of roosters using this tactic is that they are good at avoiding a blow and try to strike as if on the sly.

In countries where cockfighting was prohibited, fighting breeds were gradually developed, and its bright representatives served as the basis for breeding other subspecies, and were completely assimilated with meat and egg breeds.

And now numerous descendants of fighting chickens all over the world provide people with excellent tasty meat and high-quality eggs.

DAKAN – A BIRD WITH CHARACTER

Cockfighting is still popular in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and the southern part of Kazakhstan. This tradition goes back centuries. The bird was mainly kept by family clans, passed down from generation to generation.

How the fighters were trained, what they were fed with - everything was kept secret, and even more so they did not sell good poultry to anyone.

Fighting birds came to Central Asia along the Silk Road from the countries of India, China, and Persia and received the name Urushkok Khuroz, which means “cocky rooster.”

I have been training the fighting breed of Dakan chickens for many years.

Dakan breed

Only the strongest, strongest and healthiest individuals who have won several battles are always selected for the tribe. Dakans are very strong, muscular, tall birds with dense plumage, long legs, and an almost vertical body. The dak-na's neck is long and sinewy, the head has a small nut-shaped crest, and the brow ridges are strongly developed. The bird's beak is strong, curved downwards, and it is by working with it that the fighter conducts the main attack on the opponent. The weight of roosters is 5-7 kg (some individuals reach 8-9 kg), chickens - 3-5 kg. Chickens are not known for their high egg production; the eggs are beige in color and often have an elongated, spindle-shaped shape. Based on the color of their plumage, they distinguish black dakans, red-black (closer to the wild color) and golden-brown (catfish).

Despite the fact that this bird is a fighting bird, I can say that it is friendly towards humans, is easy to train, and also remembers its owner’s voice well. Voice commands are honed during training sparrings. For physical training of birds, entire exercise programs have been developed that are aimed at strengthening the muscles of the legs, wings, neck, as well as developing endurance, breathing, stability and coordination. There are even special trainers for fighting birds - treadmills and running wheels.

The fighting bird's diet is special; it necessarily includes meat, eggs, nuts, raisins, corn, and pomegranate seeds. Such nutrition gives the necessary strength and energy.

The appearance of the fighting bird is also important. As you know, extreme heat can cause chickens to molt. During this period you have to be especially attentive to your birds. During molting, chickens are more timid, they are chased by their relatives, and they often get little food. Therefore, it is best to feed molting birds separately and add feed sulfur, fish and meat and bone meal to the diet. By the way, such additives are also useful for agricultural chickens. You just need to remember that fish-containing food transfers its taste to the egg.

History of origin and distribution

Fighting chickens are the oldest representatives of the chicken world. India, China and Persia are considered the birthplace of birds. And the ancestors are Indian wild chickens, domesticated in the 4th-3rd millennium BC. e. Initially, chickens were used only for cockfighting.

Later in 700 BC. e. fighting breeds of chickens were brought from India to Babylon. In 450-500 BC e. Cockfighting spread to Greece, where it became a favorite pastime of the aristocracy. From Rome, chickens were brought to Belgium, England, and Western European countries.

In Britain, fighting was recognized as a national sport. In 1835, by decree of the Queen, fighting was banned in the British Isles.

There is a version that the bird appeared in Britain without the intervention of the Romans. In 54 BC. e. Y. Caesar, telling about the customs of the British, notes that chickens are kept for performances and fun.

The most popular breeds of fighting cocks

Today, quite a few species of these birds are known, but some of them are the most ferocious and aggressive. Breeders keep fighting birds not only to earn good money. Those people who organize fights also earn decent money on bets.

This is the oldest breed of fighting roosters and is very popular among farmers. This bird is native to India; in Europe such chickens are called Raja. They are distinguished by their strength and endurance, which allows them to carry out several battles in a row, and in most cases winning each one.

These chickens are distinguished by their strong build, medium height and short but powerful legs. Characteristic features of appearance include small pointed ears, a large beak, and color - red, brown or gray. Azil fighting cocks reach their peak at the age of 2 years. Food should contain a lot of proteins and vitamins.

Fighting chickens of this breed are excellent fighters, however, they show friendliness towards the owner, recognize him by his voice, and sense his mood. Birds of this species are created for fighting; without regular fights, it becomes lazy. In battle, the rooster is very smart and cunning, and often manages to deceive the enemy. The owner of Azil must have a strong character, fighting chickens must be kept in military conditions, and then they will show results.

These birds are distinguished by their unique fighting style. Breeders consider these fighting cocks to be among the most skilled opponents. There are few who are able to fight on equal terms with a representative of this species. If you follow all the rules of care and maintenance, you can regularly win tournaments and competitions.

These fighting chickens need to be constantly trained as they quickly lose their shape. The main feature of this breed is their widely spaced legs, which greatly help them in battle.

They have a cocky character and prefer to show their strength in front of weak individuals.

When buying chickens, you need to look at their external characteristics, as defects are common: lethargic, barely standing on their feet. Males should not be kept together, they are very aggressive and, in this case, a fight cannot be avoided. In battle, Lari roosters are very graceful and strong, and it is extremely interesting to watch their movements.

Appearance of fighting cocks

Usually all fighting birds are similar to each other. They have a strong body, long legs and neck. Their plumage is also unique - the feathers are located close to the chest. To accurately strike, nature provided them with strong beaks and sharp claws.

Their character also corresponds to their type of activity - they are aggressive, brave and daring. Weight may vary, but usually does not exceed 7 kilograms.

Azil fighting chickens

These individuals first came to Europe in 1860. They were created exclusively for sport. Therefore, if you cross them with other breeds, the birds will lose their fighting qualities. The weight of roosters can reach 6 kilograms. The plumage is bright red and easy to train. They are not picky about food at all.

Vietnamese fighting

More often these birds can be found under the name Ga Dong Tao. However, the bird is quite rare; it is bred exclusively in Vietnam and today is more valued as a meat bird than as a fighting bird.

Malayan fighting

The homeland of the bird is Asia, or rather its Middle and Small parts. Their strong body allowed them to become excellent fighters. Roosters reach a size of 3.5 kilograms.

Moscow fighting chickens

This breed is divided into two subspecies - fighting and meat, each of them fully corresponds to its name. The weight of birds can reach 6 kilograms. The birds are vicious and hardy, and most importantly, they have the appropriate body.

Uzbek fighting chickens

One of the oldest fighting breeds. For its breeding, only aggressive roosters were used. The color can be very different, as for weight, some roosters can reach 7 kilograms.

Lari

They know their job very well and become clever competitors. They reach a fairly small weight of up to 2 kilograms. Therefore, they are bred exclusively for sporting purposes. However, the bird needs constant training.

Tuzo

The homeland of these birds is Japan. They have a neat, graceful body. However, the body is very fit, which makes them good fighters. The character of Tuzo roosters is aggressive; the owner will have to work hard to raise him into an excellent fighter.

Features of fighting chickens

All fighting breeds of chickens have some features that help defeat the enemy in battle. So, the birds have a vertical posture, a muscular body, massive paws with sharp spurs, a strong sharp beak, and a massive chest. In addition, all feathered fighters are united by their aggressive nature and endurance.

As a rule, fighting breeds of chickens are intended only for entertainment. Breeders train chickens from an early age so that they can later make money from cockfighting. By its nature, the fight between birds is cruel and unprincipled. It's like sparring between heavyweight boxers or fighting without rules. The birds fight each other until the strongest one wins.

Today, cockfighting is banned in Europe due to cruelty to animals, but underground clubs continue to exist. Once the young rooster is ready to fight, fighting takes place in the ring.

There are four known styles of fighting birds, depending on their behavior during an attack. It is produced in birds during regular training.

• Straight style. Seeing the enemy, the bird, without much maneuverability or stealth, swoops down on the opponent and hits him right in the head.
• Circle style. The feathered one does not strike immediately. The rooster circles around its victim, gradually exhausting it. Only then does the fight itself begin.
• A messy type of fighting. Here, the feathered fighters strike mainly from behind, aiming directly at the back of their victim’s head.
• There are also birds that use a stealthy style of fighting. They try to protect their head from blows, hiding it under the enemy’s wing or going to their feet. Usually this tactic brings success with regular training.

Purpose of cultivation

As a rule, fighting birds are bred specifically for cockfighting. The meat of such chickens is not eaten. The impossibility of growing broiler fighting animals is due to their muscular body. When heat treated, the meat of fighting birds will be tough.

Chickens are taught fighting qualities at an early age. One way to prepare a feathered fighter is constant training. If the breeder has not yet mastered the methods of training chickens, a video will come to his aid. Experienced cockfight organizers willingly share their bird training secrets

It is important to take the process of preparing an individual seriously, as this will allow you to release a good fighter into the ring and earn a decent amount of money from him

How do cockfights work?

Age of roosters

Fights are held in groups of age categories: young birds under 1 year old, young birds 1–2 years old, third birds 2–3 years old and old birds over 3 years old.

Young roosters, as a rule, fight in October, the rest - in November.

Before the battle, the rooster is dressed in special armor: artificial spurs and beak caps made of metal and bone, and foam leggings.

Basic rules for fighting

For the battle, a round arena with a diameter of at least 6 meters, with a mesh fence, is selected.

The age of participants recommended for fighting is from 1 to 2 years.

The duration of the first round is 20 minutes, all subsequent rounds are 15 minutes. The break between contractions is 60 seconds. The duration of the battle is from 40 to 90 minutes.

Any participation of owners in the ring to help the roosters is prohibited. Any actions (for example, removing feathers from the eyes and beak, holding the rooster during a break) can only be carried out by the judge or his assistant.

A draw in the fight is recognized if the roosters have stopped the fight for more than 2 minutes, are blinded, but do not leave the ring.

The participant is declared defeated: if the rooster leaves the arena, the fallen bird does not rise after the count of 10 or loses consciousness.

If the roosters for some reason refuse to fight, they are pushed against each other. If the battle does not take place, defeat is recognized by the calmest participant who did not want to engage in battle.

The judge's decision is final.

Types of fights

Match – pairs of opponents are established in advance. Victory is awarded to the rooster with the most wins.

Royal - all birds are released into the arena at the same time, the last participant who survives or has received fewer injuries wins.

Welsh fight - first 8 pairs of roosters fight, then the winners in rounds 1 and 2. The final fight is between the two remaining roosters.

Fighting styles

According to the style of cockfighting, cockfights are divided into 4 types.

Direct - the rooster quickly attacks the opponent and hits him with blows to all parts of the body.

Circular - the bird walks in circles around the enemy, trying to wear him down, and only then hits him, often from behind.

Poslishy - distinguished mainly by blows from the back to the back of the head.

Thieving - the fight is built on dodging blows, trying to deceive the enemy.

He considers the last type of combat to be the most spectacular, and the most valuable among fighters are individuals who simultaneously possess several fighting techniques.