Last Updated on January 14, 2025 by Pauline G. Carter
American Game Chicken Breed is one of the most beautiful breeds of chicken available. The United States is the origin of these game-breed chickens. American Game Chicken was raised for cockfighting, but to this day, it’s also been raised traditionally.
The multi-color game chicken is statically used for Ornaments and Show purposes with the rarity of malnutrition deficiency. It played a big part in American history, and many politicians used it to raise American game fowl chickens as a symbol of physical and moral fortitude.
American Game Chicken is lined by various breeds like Spanish strains, Sumatra breed, Old English Gamefowl, Irish Game, Oriental Gamefowl, and other European breeds.
American Game Chicken has strains like Albany, Butcher, Claret, Hatch, Kelso, Roundhead, Sweater, and White Hackle. With the support of societies like the American Gamefowl Society, it’s been protected for years now.
American Game Chicken Breed Profile
| Country of origin: | United States |
| Primary use: | Ornamental |
| Weight: | Male: bantam: 850 g Female: bantam: 765 g |
| Temperament: | Hardy |
| Recognized Varieties: | Birchen, Black, Black Breasted Red Blue, more |
| Egg production (lifetime): | 500 |
| Egg color: | Brown |
| Egg size: | Medium |
| Comb type: | Single |
Characteristics of The American Game Chicken
As a multicolored breed, American Game Chicken can be found in Black, Brown, Red, Gold, Blue, Pumpkin, White, Brown-red, Red quil, Silver duck wings, Golden duck wings, Black Breasted Red, etc. Colors. With smooth and small wattles and earlobes, a single five-pointed comb is red. Single comb, Pea comb, and single-pea comb are the comb combinations that can be found in this breed of chicken. The long thick sickle feathers are the sign that it’s a full-grown Cock.
The American game hen lays medium-sized brown, cream, or white-colored eggs. From mid-spring to late summer and further till early fall, American Game Chicken hens lay eggs. Hens can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime. The age of this kind of breed gives them different names; Stag is a year old or less rooster, the Bull stag is a 13 to 18 months old rooster, an 18 to 24 months old rooster is called Cock, and young hens less than a year old are called Pullet, otherwise Hens only. This breed tends to have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years.
Behavior/ Temperament/ Use
While being a beautiful strain of birds, American Game Chicken has the reputation of a fighter. Stubborn, demanding, angry, interactive, active, and noisy, these behavior traits give this game chicken breeds a fighter’s reputation. A fighter Cock may cost up to 800$, whereas a rooster from 50$ to 100$. They aren’t meant to be kept together with their egoistic traits, especially roosters. Roosters are born fighters with a strong sense of ego and fearfulness to fight to the death. The world record for a continuous streak of wins is 15 for a Cock. They demand an extra amount of care for their lifetime.
A special kind of expertise is necessary for this strain. The hens are cute but can be aggressive to the new hens and sometimes to old hens if introduced to the folk. Hens are usually protective. As a protective mother, hens can be more or less aggressive as roosters, and it’s just in this breed’s DNA. The American Game Chicken has earned the superiority of beauty & muscle. With their fighting traits, they are extra attractive to a lot of people for a multitude of reasons, like cockfighting, fighting shows, ornamental use, and table birds. Apart from that, they have a multicultural history and play a huge part in American history. If these values meet your requirements for a pet, then Yes, American Game Chicken is the right choice for you.
Popular American Game Chicken Breeds
The American Gamefowl
A broad category rather than a single breed, American Gamefowl encompasses a variety of strains, each with its distinct characteristics. These include the Albany, Hatch, Claret, and many others, known for their resilience, vibrant plumage, and spirited nature.
The Dominique
One of the oldest American chicken breeds, the Dominique is distinguished by its barred plumage and rose comb. It is a hardy, dual-purpose breed, valued both for its eggs and meat.
The Plymouth Rock
Another iconic American breed, the Plymouth Rock is known for its distinctive barred feathers, docility, and excellent laying abilities. It’s a favorite among backyard poultry keepers for its friendly nature and robustness.
Conservation and Legacy
Today, many American game chicken breeds face the threat of extinction due to the rise of commercial poultry production, which favors a few highly productive breeds over the diverse array of traditional varieties. Organizations like The Livestock Conservancy are working to preserve these breeds, recognizing their importance not just for biodiversity but also as part of America’s agricultural heritage.
Enthusiasts and breeders play a crucial role in this effort, maintaining purebred lines and promoting the breeds through shows and educational programs. By preserving these breeds, they keep alive a piece of American history and ensure that future generations can appreciate the beauty and resilience of these remarkable birds.
FAQs: American Game Chicken Breeds
What are the strains of American gamefowl?
American gamefowl strains include the Albany, Hatch, Claret, Kelso, Sid Taylor, and Sweater, among others. Each strain is prized for specific traits such as resilience, coloration, and temperament, reflecting the diversity and rich heritage of these birds in the realm of poultry enthusiasts.
What are the American chicken breeds?
American chicken breeds encompass a wide variety, including the Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Dominique, Jersey Giant, and Leghorn. These breeds are celebrated for their productivity, hardiness, and adaptability, making them favorites among both commercial producers and backyard poultry enthusiasts across the United States.
What is the best breed of gamefowl?
The best breed of gamefowl can vary based on the criteria used, such as temperament, beauty, or resilience. The Kelso is often praised for its intelligence and fighting prowess, while the Hatch is known for its strength and stamina. Preferences can vary widely among enthusiasts and breeders.
How many eggs do gamefowl lay?
Gamefowl, being more oriented towards traits like resilience and strength rather than egg production, lay fewer eggs than commercial layers. On average, a gamefowl hen might lay about 40 to 60 eggs per year, significantly less than breeds specifically developed for egg production, which can lay over 200 eggs annually.
Conclusion
American game chicken breeds are more than just poultry; they are a symbol of the country’s pioneering spirit and its rich agricultural heritage. These birds, with their diverse colors, strong personalities, and resilience, are a testament to the ingenuity and persistence of American breeders over the centuries.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to remember and preserve these breeds, not just for their aesthetic and practical value but also as a living link to our past. By doing so, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and ensure that the beauty and diversity of American game chickens continue to enrich our world for generations to come.