Jul 21, 2015

7 steps of successful game fowl breeding

(Photo is of DW Shuffler trio. The DW Shuffler is a premium NFS bloodline of RB Sugbo GT.)

Breeding gamefowl is one of the many challenging aspects of the Sport of Kings. Numerous books and articles have been written on the subject and they all contain something of value. Over the past several decades, it is my belief that the understanding of basic genetics has helped the modern breeder maintain and improve some of the great families of gamefowl that have been passed down through the generations.

Maintaining and improving bloodlines is the primary goal of cockers. Some would say that cockfighting is practiced to provide an avenue for gambling or to satisfy a primitive bloodlust. After 25 years with gamefowl, I can say that the core of cockfighting is about the perpetuation of an ancient, noble and beautiful feathered gladiator by breeding the best to the best. Cockfighting is about holding in our hands the descendents of the same birds that our ancestors held in their hands while admiring the same qualities and puzzling over the same mysteries. Finally, cockfighting is about standing in awe of nature, which has instilled an incredibly deep survival instinct in every living creature.

Just a few more notes before we jump into the subject… I am not a professional breeder. I have never created my own bloodline that whipped all the big boys,although I have bred some pretty good roosters. However, like all cockers, I have some opinions on the subject and a friend asked me to write them down. I have no chickens for sale and no axes to grind. I just enjoy getting some information out there for the beginners to think about. My opinions are based on a combination of basic genetics, my own personal experiences with breeding gamefowl, and a little common sense.

An effective breeding program is a process that requires a systematic approach. I consider the process equivalent to a road that leads to a particular destination. A cocker can choose the vehicle (bloodlines) and the route (specific breedingtechniques) to take. However, a map should be drawn out before the journey starts and it should be consulted from time to time to make sure the original destination seems to be getting closer. Sometimes the destination may change,so a breeder has to remain open minded and flexible. The road is definitely bumpy, but it can be very scenic and enjoyable.

I have identified some important components to any successful breeding program.The following steps, hard work and a little luck will help a gamefowl breeder produce quality gamefowl.

The 7steps of successful gamefowl breeding

1. Establishing specific goals for the breeding program.

2. Identifying and obtaining foundation bloodlines

3. Selecting superior individuals within the bloodlines to breed

4. Setting up the broodpens: choosing breeding strategies

5. Progeny testing:evaluating the success of the program

6. Managing the broodfowl to optimize their productivity and the health of their offspring.

7. Record keeping:keeping it accurate

Breeding Concepts and Considerations